Advocacy Alert 
Working for clean and healthy lakes
March 4, 2022
Dear LKWA,
Your favorite lakes need your support again! The cyanobacteria bill (HB 1066) is being voted on in the full House on March 10. The full House of Representatives is meeting in Representatives Hall this coming Thursday, for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic.

Before reaching the full House or Senate, bills receive a public hearing in smaller subject-focused committees. Committee members deliberate and vote on their recommendations for the larger body to act upon a bill.
Thank you for continuing to give your favorite lake(s) a voice at the State House. Our lakes are counting on you. Read below for information on how you can support House Bill 1066!

Committed to clean and healthy lakes,

Michelle Davis,
Policy and Advocacy Program Manager
[email protected]

P.S. Share this information with your lake association, conservation commissions, and communities—the more people who contact our legislators, the louder our voice! Please cc me on your emails and let me know if you made calls!
UPDATE ON CYANOBACTERIA STUDY COMMISSION BILL
In February, the House Resources, Recreation, and Development Committee voted House Bill 1066 “Ought to Pass as Amended,” and has moved to the full House with that recommendation. The bill as amended forgoes the study commission and instead directs the Department of Environmental Services (DES) to develop a plan, in coordination with appropriate stakeholders, to combat and mitigate the growth and expansion of cyanobacteria in New Hampshire. This amendment to the original bill intends to quicken the process by directing department action against this emerging challenge to New Hampshire’s waterbodies.

The bill is being heard Thursday, March 10, at the full House session. Contact your legislators and urge them to support HB 1066! Contact information can be found below. This legislation is an important step forward in addressing cyanobacteria blooms and their threats to public health and water quality, helping to keep New Hampshire’s lakes and rivers clean and healthy. See below to read why cyanobacteria is a problem.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT HB 1066

It is not too late for you to voice your support for HB 1066! The best way to influence House Members’ decision is via email. You can email all house members at once by copying and pasting the email addresses for each standing committee in the “To” part of the email. Please cc me on your emails.

Meeting & Hearing Schedule:
NH House
NH Senate

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Tips on How to Advocate

Who’s My Legislator?
WHY IS CYANOBACTERIA A PROBLEM?
In 2021, a record number of public health advisories were issued for toxic cyanobacteria in New Hampshire’s lakes. People were told to avoid wading or swimming in the water and also avoid drinking water from the lake for fear of becoming sick. They were told to keep pets out of the water, too. Cyanobacteria blooms are not only a health hazard for humans, pets, and wildlife, they negatively impact tourism and the economy.

Blooms of toxic cyanobacteria are occurring more often in our lakes and rivers as the health of our waters becomes more degraded. As the levels of nutrients, including phosphorus in the water increase from sources such as lawn fertilizer, septic system waste, and eroding soil, we will continue to see more occurrences of cyanobacteria blooms. Some species of cyanobacteria produce toxins that can affect the nervous system, liver, or endocrine system if ingested.
LAKE-RELATED LEGISLATION TO KEEP TRACK OF

House Bill 1071 relative to wake surfing would establish a minimum setback of 250 feet for the activity of wake surfing on New Hampshire’s lakes. The wake surfing setback bill was voted Inexpedient to Legislate by the House Resources, Recreation, and Development Committee in a very close 11-10 vote along party lines. The bill still has to be voted on by the full House of Representatives. With enough public support, the House can reverse course on the committee recommendation and vote the bill “Ought to Pass.” The bill will be voted on by the full House on March 15, 16, 17, or 31. Stay tuned for another Advocacy Alert when the bill has been scheduled. 

House Bill 1424 relative to the daytime speed limit for watercraft on Lake Winnipesaukee, was voted Inexpedient to Legislate 15-3 in executive session on March 1. The bill would have removed the 45  mph daytime speed limit on Lake Winnipesaukee. The bill will be voted on by the full House on March 15, 16, 17, or 31.