Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Max Taylor 271-1403
HB 167-FN, prohibiting the sale of ski, boat, and board waxes that contain intentionally added per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances.
Hearing Date: April 8, 2025
Time Opened: 9:00 a.m. Time Closed: 9:05 a.m.
Members of the Committee Present: Senators Avard, Pearl, McConkey and Watters
Members of the Committee Absent : Senator Rosenwald
Bill Analysis: This bill prohibits the sale of ski, boat, and board waxes that contain intentionally added per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances.
Sponsors:
Rep. W. Thomas | Rep. N. Murphy | Rep. Rung |
Rep. Seibert | Rep. Mandelbaum |
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Who supports the bill: Representative Wendy Thomas (Hillsborough County District 12), Representative Rosemarie Rung (Hillsborough County District 12), Rob Werner (League of Conservation Lawyers), Samantha Parkman (NH Lakes), Andrea Lamoreaux (NH Lakes)
Who opposes the bill:
Who is neutral on the bill:
Summary of testimony presented in support:
Representative Wendy Thomas
Prime Sponsor, Hillsborough County District 12
- Representative Thomas stated that HB 167-FN would ban the sale of ski, boat, and board waxes containing polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), which are harmful chemicals that can contaminate water sources and pose serious health risks.
- She explained that these waxes are applied to the exterior of ski and boat equipment and degrade when they come into contact with ice or water, allowing PFAS to enter the environment and local water systems.
- Representative Thomas noted that non-PFAS wax alternatives are already available and currently being sold in New Hampshire, and that the boating and ski industries do not oppose the bill.
- She shared personal and local examples from her community in Merrimack, where four households with private wells contaminated by PFAS have experienced multiple cases of serious illnesses, including kidney, colon, and prostate cancer, as well as autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular conditions.
- Representative Thomas stressed that PFAS are dangerous, persistent chemicals that must be eliminated from consumer products to protect public health and the state's water quality.
- Senator Pearl asked why the ban would be necessary if these products were not being sold in New Hampshire.
- Representative Thomas clarified that waxes containing PFAS are still being sold in New Hampshire, and that many professional athletes have already stopped using them due to the known health and environmental risks.
Summary of testimony presented in opposition: None.
Neutral Information Presented: None.
MT
Date Hearing Report completed: April 9, 2025