Yvonne Van Gessel

Dear Members of the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee, I am writing in strong support of HB 1614. Coal tar–based driveway sealants introduce high levels of toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into our environment, where they are readily washed into soils, streams, and lakes. This contamination poses risks to aquatic life and human health and undermines the water quality of the very lakes and rivers that make New Hampshire special and support our recreation and tourism economy. Importantly, this bill does not eliminate the ability to maintain driveways or parking areas. Readily available asphalt-based and polymer-based sealants provide effective, viable—and in many cases better—alternatives without introducing unnecessary toxins into our environment. HB 1614 is a practical, commonsense step toward reducing preventable pollution and protecting the health of New Hampshire’s waters. I urge you to support this bill. Thank you for your consideration,