2001 SESSION

01-0199

05/09

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 6

ANALYSIS

This house concurrent resolution urges New Hampshire to use the "precautionary principle" when determining the safety and feasibility of using products, techniques, and technologies. It also urges state agencies to review their policies and procedures for consistency with the precautionary principle.

01-0199

05/09

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand One

Whereas, the "precautionary principle" is a principle for guiding human activities to prevent harm to the environment and to human health; and

Whereas, the release and use of toxic substances, the exploitation of resources, and physical alterations of the environment have had substantial, unintended consequences affecting human health and the environment, including increased rates of cancer, birth defects and species extinction, as well as global climate change, ozone depletion and toxic material contamination; and

Whereas, the precautionary principle has 4 central elements:

(1) Taking action to prevent potential harm to health or the environment even when the nature or magnitude of the harmful effects are not fully understood;

(2) Ensuring the assessment of a full range of alternatives, followed by selection and implementation of those feasible alternatives that pose the least overall potential for harm to human health or the environment;

(3) Requiring the proponents of an activity, not the public, to bear the burden of evaluating the potential for harm from the activity, and of proving that the option they are proposing or undertaking is the least harmful, feasible alternative;

(4) Utilizing open, informed and democratic decision-making processes that include potentially affected individuals; and

Whereas, under the "precautionary principle" it would be the responsibility of all persons, agencies, and legal entities in the state to take responsible, precautionary measures whenever there is a potential for harm to health or the environment; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the general court urges the adoption of the "precautionary principle" as a matter of state policy when determining the feasibility and safety of using products, procedures, and technologies; and

That the general court urges all state agencies to review their programs, policies, procedures, standards, and goals for consistency with the precautionary principle.