Bryan Sweeney

Testimony in Support of HB 1614 Restricting the Sale and Use of Coal Tar–Based Sealants Dear Members of the Committee, Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony in support of HB 1614. My name is Bryan Sweeney, and I am writing in strong support of this bill to restrict the sale and use of coal tar–based sealant products in New Hampshire. Coal tar–based sealants contain extremely high levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, or PAHs, which are known carcinogens and are highly toxic to aquatic life. As these products wear down, they release contaminated dust and runoff that is easily transported into nearby streams, rivers, wetlands, and lakes. Once in the environment, these pollutants settle into sediments and can persist for many years, degrading water quality and harming insects, fish, and amphibians that are essential to healthy aquatic ecosystems. This pollution has real consequences for our communities. Impaired water quality reduces recreational opportunities, increases drinking water treatment costs, and negatively affects shoreline property values. In a state where clean water supports tourism, outdoor recreation, and local economies, protecting our waterways is both an environmental and economic necessity. HB 1614 takes a practical and responsible approach to this issue. It allows ample time for businesses and consumers to transition to safer, readily available alternatives. By focusing on prevention, the bill helps avoid the far greater costs associated with environmental cleanup and restoration. As development continues across New Hampshire, addressing preventable sources of pollution becomes increasingly important. HB 1614 targets a clearly documented and unnecessary source of toxic contamination and represents a commonsense step toward protecting our waters. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Committee to support HB 1614. Thank you for your time and consideration. Respectfully submitted, Bryan Sweeney Holderness