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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this "Week-in-Review" Edition of NH Outlook. Making headlines this week: clearing the air of Mercury, life-and-death politics, John Edwards and Senator Weyden in NH. And, the gourd has it.The debate over the state fruit. Here to talk about all this and more from the State House in Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Colin Manning from Foster's Daily Democrat. And, here in Durham, James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. Welcome to all of you. |
| Mercury Emissions Return to index of stories... |
We begin with efforts to clear New Hampshire's air. A bill to cut mercury pollution from the state's coal-burning power plants passed the Senate Thursday and is headed to the Governor's desk. The measure was a compromise that calls for Public Service Company of New Hampshire to cut statewide mercury emissions by 80-percent in the next 7 years. Mercury is a toxin that is particularly harmful to infants and children. Q KEVIN/COLIN: Not everyone happy with timetable for this bill. Q What's been PSNH's response to all this???? ======= BETH: PSNH's plan to build a Wood-burning power plant at the Berlin Pulp mill which is closing next month got a preliminary OK from the Senate -- this week. Sparking debate on ELECTRIC DEREGULATION. Q KEVIN/COLIN: What seems to be the bone of contention? Q There were calls to solicit bids. Are other utilities interested? Q Would this give PSNH a competitive advantage against smaller companies. Opponents say that letting Public Service build new generating plants would be a big step backward for electric deregulation. Q What's next for this PSNH Legislation?? Q Berlin's mayor pushing for PSNH - he's also a PSNH employee |
| Do Not Resucitate Return to index of stories... |
The Senate also voted to pass a bill dealing with end-of-life issues such as living wills and "Do Not Resucitate" orders. Before Thursday's vote, Senator Syliva Larson read a letter from a doctor at Dartmouth Hitchcock who supported the legislation. The debate in New Hampshire and elsewhere was spurred by last year's death of Terry Schiavo, the brain damaged Florida woman, whose feeding tube was removed. Q KEVIN/COLIN: Life and Death politics always controversial. How CLOSE was the vote? Q What would this mean for FAITH-based hospitals. Can they OPT out of recognizing these documents??? Q Would then anyone brought by ambulance to one of these hospitals have to be moved -- if their "Do NOt Resuscitate" orders were in CONFLICT with the instittuion?? Q Does this give Doctors more freedom to DENY life-sustaining treatment -- that could cause unnecessary suffering??? Q Back to HOUSE?? Likely to look the same when it comes out of the conference committee??? |
| Amilia's Law Return to index of stories... |
The death of a young girl has spurred legislation that calls for licensing requirements for installing gas or propane lines. The bill was dubbed Amilia's law. The girl's family was on hand as the Senate "Approved" the measure. 5-year-old Amilia Rose Luhrmann was killed in 2003 by a gas explosion at her family's vacation home on Lake Winnipesaukee. Q KEVIN/COLIN: Currently those who handle gas lines AREN'T required to have any licensing? Q Was there any opposition RAISED when the bill was debated? Q How soon would contractors and employees who handle gas lines have to get licesned? Q Amilia's mom --testified on the bill? This is one in a series of bills born out of tragedy this year. Michelle's Law, The bone marrow testing bill -- and now Amilia's Law. Q What happens next -- for this bill??? Q Does Governor support this? Q Does this also have the backing of the Attorney General? |
| Eminent Domain Return to index of stories... |
An Eminent Domain Amendment will go before NH voters in November. This, after the state Senate voted unanimously Thursday to limit the governments eminent domain powers. New Hampshire is one of many states pushing to tighten restrictions following a recent US Supreme Court ruling which allowed New London, Connecticut to take a group of older homes along the city's waterfront for a private developer. Q KEVIN/COLIN: How will the amendment LIMIT the government's eminent domain powers? KEVIN/COLIN: Will this impact Highway projects??? Q Forcing landowners to SELL their land BELOW market value with threats of eminent domain - CAN'T be a popular notion in NH? Do MOST believe the Amendment will PASS this fall??? Q This wasn't the only EMINENT Domain bill before Lawmakers this session? ** Wasn't their a bill that dealt with elimination of blight or slums. It faces a house vote next week. Q Any sense as to HOW that bill will fare? |
| NH Primary Return to index of stories... |
NH's primary back in the news. This week in New Orleans a key Democratic Party committee heard from Nearly a dozen states that want to join Iowa and NH in the 2008 primary calender. Democrats are looking to shake-up their presidential selection process by placing racially diverse states EARLY in the voting. Q Is NH -- guaranteed the FIRST primary? Q Are we likely to see 1 or 2 caucuses before NH's Primary? Q Sec of State Bill Gardner -- promises to schedule NH's primary as early as Necessary to keep its tradition INTACT. HOW is this going over with him?? Q KEVIN/COLIN: NH's primary is state-run and state funded -- so, why would a decision by the Democratic Party -- have any sway???? Q What will the 2008 Primary calender look like? Any states in better shape than others in getting an early NOD? Q James: NO decision yet by The Rules and ByLaws Cmte when can we expect news on that front Q Close to a DOZEN states are vying for an EARLY primary season slot. Michigan Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorada, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, So Carolina, West Virginia & District of Columbia. |
| John Edwards in NH Return to index of stories... |
So, Will John Edwards be back for the 2008 Primary? The 2004 Democratic nominee for Vice President was in NH this week. While Edwards won't say whether he's seeking the White House, he did say Americans want to hear more than just what's wrong in this country. Edwards was meeting with people struggling with poverty. He leads the center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity at the University of North Carolina Law school. Q JAMES: Edwards was in NH back in the fall. Looking and sounding like a candidate. How have his visits been received??? Q Also attended a Democratic Party fundraiser. Q What was his message -- Is he doing all the right things?? |
| Sen. Wyden in NH Return to index of stories... |
Democratic Senator Ron Wyden from Oregon also in New Hampshire. He's not eyeing the White House but, does want "IN" on the issues that Democratic Presidential candidates will be addressing in the next campaign such as middle class tax relief. Wyden spoke at a "Politics & Eggs" event in Bedford Friday morning. Q James: You were there -- how was he received? How about his message? Q NY Gov George Pataki coming next week? |
| Pumpkin VO Return to index of stories... |
It was democracy in action -- as the Great Pumpkin Debate took center stage in the New Hampshire Senate- Thursday. 3rd and 4th graders from the Wells Memorial School in Harrisville have been lobbying legislators to approve the pumpkin as the official state fruit. They were on hand when the Senate gave its blessing to the proposal. But, it wasn't unanimous. The vote was 23-to-1. You guessed it Sen Boyce the dissenting vote. Q So why the sour grapes from Sen Boyce? He argued in favor of the STRAWBERRY? Boyce says -- Pumpkin is NOT native to NH. Q And all these years I thought the pumpkin was a vegetable.? Q Were there any other FRUITS in contention. What about APPLES??? Q To think we went all these years without a state fruit. What exactly does the designation do??? Q Teacher called it a civics lessons students could never get out of a text book. Q Apparently they must have given compelling testimony. They had to fight off apple lobbyists and others -- who wanted the strawberry to get the nod. Q Governor has promised to sign the bill --in Harrisville. Democracy in action. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
My thanks to Kevin Landrigan and Colin Manning in Concord and James Pindell here in Durham. And thank you for watching. I'm Beth Carroll. I'll see you next time. |
| PSNH BERLIN Return to index of stories... |
Bill would let Public Service Co. build wood-fired plant in Berlin kwbywsthos CONCORD, N.H. - A Statehouse hearing today on whether to let Public Service Company of New Hampshire build a wood-fired power plant in Berlin turned into a debate over electric deregulation. Power plant supporters say North Country loggers, foresters and landowners desperately need a new market for low-grade wood. That's because Groveton Paper Board in Northumberland recently shut down and the Fraser Papers pulp mill in Berlin will close next month. Opponents say that letting Public Service build new generating plants would be a big step backward for electric deregulation. They say it would give Public Service a huge competitive advantage over independent power companies, because its would pay for the plant's construction through rates. When independent power companies build plants, the costs are born by shareholders. AP-NY-04-18-06 1226EDT |
| Lynch Flood Money Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Flood Assistance, TOPS,0108 Lynch signs flood assistance bill klmbywho XX UPDATES with bill signed XX CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire Governor John Lynch has signed legislation to help communities rebuild from damage suffered in the October floods. With his signature, the bill becomes law, designating two-point-nine million dollars for the towns. The measure appropriates money from the state's general fund to match federal disaster relief money going to the towns. The state will contribute one dollar for every three dollars of federal money, minus an initial amount paid by the town. The Department of Safety's Bureau of Emergency Management will be in charge of distributing the money to qualifying groups. AP-NY-04-18-06 1220EDT |
| primary Return to index of stories... |
ywapmanfls NEW ORLEANS - States are lining up to get closer to New Hampshire. Democrats gathering in New Orleans for a national meeting that starts today plan to take up the presidential primary and caucus calendar for 2008. New Hampshire Democrats will be lobbying to keep the state's first-in-the-nation status. Meanwhile, at least eight states seeking to hold primaries and caucuses early in 2008 -- along with Iowa and New Hampshire -- will make their case to the party's rules committee. AP-NY-04-20-06 1007EDT |
| DNR Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire's Senate is supporting an effort to give people more control over medical care at the end of their lives. The Senate passed a living wills bill yesterday that would allow a doctor to withhold artificial feeding it if would hasten death or cause unnecessary harm. The bill now heads back to the House for reconsideration. |
| edwards Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD - Former Sen. John Edwards holds media availibility after private meeting with clients of Dress for Success. 4 p.m., 111 S. Main St. CONCORD - Edwards at fund-raiser for NH House Democratic Leadership, IBEW Hall, 48 Airport Road. 5:30pm. Heidi Mitchell, 225-6899. CONCORD, N.H. - Former Democratic Vice-presidential nominee John Edwards is visiting New Hampshire today to meet with people who are struggling with poverty. He's also attending a Democratic Party fundraiser. EDWARDS VISIT: Edwards visits New Hampshire klmhofls CONCORD, N.H. - John Edwards, the 2004 Democratic Vice-Presidential nominee and former U-S Senator from North Carolina, is visiting New Hampshire today. He is bringing attention to the struggles of people living in poverty. Edwards will be meeting with people in Concord who are struggling with poverty. He also will attend a fundraiser for the New Hampshire Committee to elect House Democrats as part of his "Raising the States" initiative to help grassroots Democrats across the country. Edwards was last in New Hampshire in the fall. -- says what he heard in NH mirros what he John Edwards visits New Hampshire CONCORD, N.H. - John Edwards -- the Democratic nominee for vice president two years ago -- is visiting New Hampshire today, talking to workers at a downsized manufacturing plant and at a nonprofit that provides low-income women with upscale business clothing. Edwards, who leads the Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity at the University of North Carolina law school, says what he's heard today is very consistent with what he's heard elsewhere -- that low-income families are living on the edge. Edwards says he hasn't decided yet whether he will run for president again in 2008. He says he is focused on his making sure his wife continues to recover well from breast cancer and on his work with the poverty center. AP-NY-04-20-06 1734EDT |
| amilia Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - In the Statehouse today, senators have approved licensing requirements for workers who install gas or propane lines. The bill is named for five-year-old Amilia Rose Luhrmann, who was killed by a gas explosion at her family's vacation home in Moultonboro. |
| Tonight at 7:30 Return to index of stories... |
Monday on New Hampshire Outlook: Join us Monday at 7:30 only on New Hampshire Public Television. =============================== Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook: Join us tonight at 7:30 only on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| key: Environment Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 4/21/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 25:50 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this "Week-in-Review" Edition of NH Outlook. Making headlines this week: clearing the air of Mercury, life-and-death politics, John Edwards and Senator Weyden in NH. And, the gourd has it.The debate over the state fruit. Here to talk about all this and more from the State House in Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Colin Manning from Foster's Daily Democrat. And, here in Durham, James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Colin Manning\Foster's Daily Democrat, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com |
| key: Health / Health Care Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 4/21/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 25:50 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this "Week-in-Review" Edition of NH Outlook. Making headlines this week: clearing the air of Mercury, life-and-death politics, John Edwards and Senator Weyden in NH. And, the gourd has it.The debate over the state fruit. Here to talk about all this and more from the State House in Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Colin Manning from Foster's Daily Democrat. And, here in Durham, James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Colin Manning\Foster's Daily Democrat, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com |
| key: State Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 4/21/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 25:50 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this "Week-in-Review" Edition of NH Outlook. Making headlines this week: clearing the air of Mercury, life-and-death politics, John Edwards and Senator Weyden in NH. And, the gourd has it.The debate over the state fruit. Here to talk about all this and more from the State House in Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Colin Manning from Foster's Daily Democrat. And, here in Durham, James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Colin Manning\Foster's Daily Democrat, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com |
| key: Crime / Legal Issues / Law Enforcement Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 4/21/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 25:50 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this "Week-in-Review" Edition of NH Outlook. Making headlines this week: clearing the air of Mercury, life-and-death politics, John Edwards and Senator Weyden in NH. And, the gourd has it.The debate over the state fruit. Here to talk about all this and more from the State House in Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Colin Manning from Foster's Daily Democrat. And, here in Durham, James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Colin Manning\Foster's Daily Democrat, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com |
| key: UNH Return to index of stories... |
No UNH stories |
| eminent domain Return to index of stories... |
Concord, NH - Today members of the New Hampshire State Senate moved to protect private property and limit the circumstances by which property could be taken by eminent domain. Constitutional Amendment 30 provides that a person's property shall not be taken by eminent domain if the taking is for private benefit. CACR 30 prohibits the use of eminent domain for private use. This legislation came out of the Senate President's Task Force to Study Eminent Domain and will specifically define "public use" to prevent a situation where property is taken and then put to private use. Senator Dick Green commented, "This Constitutional amendment limits the taking of private property. It clearly defines that any type of acquisition of land needs to be done with the intent to use it for public benefit. Any land taken for private use will become illegal if adopted by the New Hampshire voter in the coming fall elections." New Hampshire cities and towns should not be permitted to force landowners to sell their land below market value with threats of eminent domain. The authority for eminent domain must be used in a prudent manner and with public comment. Senator David Gottesman concluded, "It is up the voters in the fall elections to ultimately decide on CACR 30. We, the Senate, want to make sure that the public has the opportunity to decide on how land is taken through eminent domain process. Our biggest worry is that family homes are demolished to make way for a private development. CACR 30 gives piece of mind to everyone in New Hampshire that property will not be taken away for non-public uses." -30- Elliot A. Schultz Communications Director New Hampshire State Senate p: 603-271-4154 f:603-271-2105 elliot.schultz@leg.state.nh.us The New Hampshire Senate was unanimous today in supporting a bill that would limit government's power to take private land by eminent domain New Hampshire Legislature Approves Eminent Domain Restrictions New Hampshire lawmakers came out in favor of private property rights on Wednesday by endorsing a state constitutional amendment that would limit the government's eminent domain powers. The state constitutional amendment passed overwhelmingly with a vote of 277 to 61. State Rep. Bob Giuda described the impetus behind the measure stating, "This wasn't about the Legislature. It's about setting rules that protect people from government. That's what the Constitution and the Bill of Rights is about." The constitutional amendment was put forth as a direct response to the controversial Supreme Court ruling in Kelo v. New London. The ruling allowed the city of New London, Connecticut to seize a group of older homes and turn them over to a commercial developer to build offices, a hotel and a convention center. The New Hampshire Senate is expected to vote on the constitutional amendment on Wednesday, the Boston Globe reported. In order for the eminent domain restriction measure to become part of the New Hampshire Constitution, it requires the approval of at least two-thirds of the voters. Posted by Matthew Dailey at March 24, 2006 12:00 PM Reader Comments: Live free or die! In Vermont and Mass, this would never happen. They WANT their states to take their properties for the good of the state. Posted by: Tucker at March 24, 2006 01:38 PM Happy to still be a resident of the freest state in the union. Posted by: William at March 24, 2006 01:42 PM Yes! This is a great victory for those who value liberty. And it's about time that property rights are fully restored everywhere. Posted by: Jeremy at March 24, 2006 03:38 PM Great Move from New Hampshire Posted by: Roberto C. Alvarez-Galloso,CPUR at March 24, 2006 04:49 PM The ruling just came out here in PA; a man who owns a parking lot in Harrisburg just lost his court case to emminant domain. So now the airprot will get his lot and charge you for the same service. Posted by: Phil from PA at March 24, 2006 04:52 PM Our legislatures are too busy giving themselves raises, ignoring property tax reform and other trivial matters to actually look out for us, May cannot come soon enough. Posted by: Phil from PA at March 24, 2006 04:53 PM Though I am a little envious, the New Hampshire legislature did the right thing in adopting a state constitutional amendment in favor of protecting private property rights and limiting eminent domain. If only the New Jersey State legislature can adopt a simular amendment to the state constitution. The people of New Hampshire should be proud and they deserve to celebrate. Posted by: Alex Pugliese at March 24, 2006 05:05 PM The ruling just came out here in PA; a man who owns a parking lot in Harrisburg just lost his court case to emminant domain. So now the airprot will get his lot and charge you for the same service. Posted by: Phil from PA at March 24, 2006 04:52 PM You see, this would be the last straw for me. I own some land in OK that supposedly is a good prospect for gas wells and I have the mineral rights. When they come to take my land from me, I think I'll give it to them -- but not before I take a few of them out with me. Posted by: Keith at March 24, 2006 10:09 PM I'm glad that this is now going through. It is one more thing that makes me proud to be a Granite Stater. I might not agree with everything the state legislature has done in the last couple months, but when you combine this good news with the House's approval of REAL ID noncompliance, it makes me feel like NH is mostly setting an example for the rest of the union. "Live Free or Die"-General John Stark |
| wyden Return to index of stories... |
WYDEN TO SPEAK AT POLITICS & EGGS FRIDAY Oregon Senator brings message of simplicity, fairness and middle class tax relief to New England Washington, DC –U.S. Senator Ron Wyden will be speak at Politics & Eggs at 8:00 am Friday morning at the Bedford Village Inn, where he will discuss the need for comprehensive, national tax reform and his Fair Flat Tax proposal. Politics & Eggs is a partnership between the New England Council and the New Hampshire Political Library, focused on bringing national leaders into discussion with community leaders from New Hampshire and New England. Last October Wyden introduced the Fair Flat Tax Act, which calls for creating a simplified tax code to benefit middle-income Americans, collapsing the current six tax brackets into three, and moving to a simple, 30-line, one-page 1040 tax form. It also aims to treat income from wages and wealth equally in the tax code. Wyden’s plan would also make a $100 billion down payment on the national deficit. A companion bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel. Wyden is a graduate of Stanford University. Currently as the senior U.S. Senator from Oregon, he sits on the Senate Finance Committee; Energy and Natural Resources Committee; Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; Committee on the Budget; and on the Special Committee on Aging. Wyden was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1996. He previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 15 years. WHO: U.S. Senator Ron Wyden WHAT: Politics & Eggs WHEN: Friday, April 21st, 2006 8:00 AM WHERE: Bedford Village Inn 2 Olde Bedford Rd. Bedford, NH # # # .... Jill Greenberg Communications Director Senator Ron Wyden 202.224.3789 FOR PLANNING PURPOSES CONTACT: Jill Greenberg April 17, 2006 224-3789 WYDEN TO STUMP FOR TAX REFORM IN NH, BOSTON Senator brings message of simplicity, fairness and middle class tax relief to New England Washington, DC –U.S. Senator Ron Wyden will be in New Hampshire and Boston to speak with Democratic officials, the media, and local residents about the need for comprehensive, national tax reform and his Fair Flat Tax proposal. Last October Wyden introduced the Fair Flat Tax Act, which calls for creating a simplified tax code to benefit middle-income Americans, collapsing the current six tax brackets into three, and moving to a simple, 30-line, one-page 1040 tax form. It also aims to treat income from wages and wealth equally in the tax code. Wyden’s plan would also make a $100 billion down payment on the national deficit. A companion bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel. Wyden is a graduate of Stanford University. Currently as the senior U.S. Senator from Oregon, he sits on the Senate Finance Committee; Energy and Natural Resources Committee; Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; Committee on the Budget; and on the Special Committee on Aging. Wyden was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1996. He previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 15 years. WHO: U.S. Senator Ron Wyden WHAT: Tax Events in New England WHEN: April 20th - 21st, 2006 WHERE: Thursday, April 20th will be events with media, including: 9 – 10 am - The Senator will be a guest on New Hampshire Public Radio’s “The Exchange” 12:15 – 1 pm - The Senator will be a guest on WSCA’s “Portside” with host former State Senator Burt Cohen Friday, April 21st will include two speaking events: 8 – 9:30 am- The Senator will speak at Politics and Eggs, Bedford, NH 12:30 – 1:30 pm - The Senator will speak at Politics and Pizza, Harvard University, JFK School of Government, Boston, MA # # # |
| pumpkin Return to index of stories... |
The initial idea to make the pumpkin the state fruit came from a group of students from Harrisville attending Wells Memorial Elementary. The students, lead by their teacher Ms. Kathleen Frick, embarked upon a project to persuade the New Hampshire State legislature to adopt the pumpkin as the state fruit. At first, the students ran into much opposition, but their resilient nature got them both a win in the House and the Senate. Ms. Kathleen Frick commented, "It was absolutely wonderful to work on this project with my students. We attended hearings, sent information, and kept a positive attitude about our pumpkin bill. These kids worked hard and I pleased to say that I am proud of each and every one of them." Senator Flanders remarked, "This is great. Getting youngsters involved in the legislative process teaches them civics lessons that they could never get out of a text book. Ms. Frick's class took on a bill head-on, and pushed it the entire way through. They ran into staunch opposition, those that favored the apple and blueberry, and they pressed on never-the-less. It gives me great pleasure to know that we have teachers like Ms. Frick in our classroom that embraces a hands-on method of teaching." HB 1111 will take effect 60 days after its passage. \ Senators supported the pumpkin 23-to-1. Alton Senator Robert Boyce was the one holdout, arguing in favor of the strawberry. New Hampshire has no official state fruit, though it has lots of other things, including a state bird, insect, mineral, saltwater game fish, and tree, to name a few. The Senate gave its state's official staElemtar CONCORD, N.H. - And it's pumpkins for New Hampshire: the orange gourd is on its way to becoming the official state fruit after a vote today in the Senate. Third and fourth graders from Wells Memorial Elementary School in Harrisville have been lobbying legislators to approve the pumpkin. CONCORD, N.H. - The New Hampshire Senate gave its blessing today to a proposal to make the pumpkin the state fruit. The bill now heads to the governor to be signed. The idea came from a group of third and fourth graders at Wells Memorial Elementary School in Harrisville. The youngsters have been lobbying lawmakers to vote for the pumpkin bill and were invited to watch the vote from the Senate floor. Senators supported the pumpkin 23-to-1. Alton Senator Robert Boyce was the one holdout, arguing in favor of the strawberry. New Hampshire has no official state fruit, though it has lots of other things, including a state bird, insect, mineral, saltwater game fish, and tree, to name a few. Both the children and the bill's sponsors are from the Keene area, which holds a popular annual pumpkin festival. AP-NY-04-20-06 1042EDT CONCORD, N.H. - And it's pumpkins for New Hampshire: the orange gourd is on its way to becoming the official state fruit after a vote today in the Senate. Third and fourth graders from Wells Memorial Elementary School in Harrisville have been lobbying legislators to approve the pumpkin. AP-NH--Pumpkin Bill ,0143 Senate votes on pumpkin bill CONCORD, N.H. - The New Hampshire Senate gave its blessing today to a proposal to make the pumpkin the state fruit. The bill now heads to the governor to be signed. The idea came from a group of third and fourth graders at Wells Memorial Elementary School in Harrisville. The youngsters have been lobbying lawmakers to vote for the pumpkin bill and were invited to watch the vote from the Senate floor. Senators supported the pumpkin 23-to-1. Alton Senator Robert Boyce was the one holdout, arguing in favor of the strawberry. New Hampshire has no official state fruit, though it has lots of other things, including a state bird, insect, mineral, saltwater game fish, and tree, to name a few. Both the children and the bill's sponsors are from the Keene area, which holds a popular annual pumpkin festival. AP-NY-04-20-06 1042EDT Concord, NH - Today the New Hampshire State Senate voted in favor of House Bill 1111, which would designate the pumpkin as the New Hampshire state fruit. This vote comes after months of elementary aged lobbyists, from Senator Bob Flanders district covered themselves from head to toe in orange, persuaded the legislature to vote for HB 1111. |
| Mercury Return to index of stories... |
The bill, which now heads to the governor's desk, aims for an 80 percent statewide emissions reduction by 2013, though some environmental groups had hoped for a stronger, shorter, deadline. CONCORD, N.H. - A bill to cut mercury pollution from New Hampshire's coal-burning power plants has passed the Senate. The bill, which now heads to the governor's desk, aims for an 80 percent statewide emissions reduction by 2013, though some environmental groups had hoped for a stronger, shorter, deadline. CONCORD, N.H. - The Senate has approved a plan allowing Public Service Company of New Hampshire permission to build a wood-burning power plant in Berlin, even though competitors say doing so gives the company an unfair advantage. They say a provision in the Senate plan that also gives competitors a chance to build in he North Country isn't enough. They say it would give Public Service a huge competitive advantage over independent power companies, because it would pay for the plant's construction through rates. When independent power companies build plants, the costs are born by shareholders. Public Service is one company in talks with city officials and Fraser Papers to take over the site of the Berlin pulp mill, which closes next month. The plan now goes to a finance committee before heading back the Senate. Then it goes to the House. AP-NY-04-21-06 0729EDT AP-NH-XGR--Mercury Emissions,0134 Senate votes on mercury emissions amsst CONCORD, N.H. - The New Hampshire Senate has approved a plan to reduce mercury pollution within seven years. The plan is not as strong as some environmental groups had hoped, but senators emphasized the bill was a compromise that involved many, many groups. The bill, which has been approved by the House, would require the Public Service Company of New Hampshire to cut mercury emissions at its coal burning power plant in Bow by 2013. The legislation aims for an 80 percent reduction in mercury emissions statewide. Several senators say the Public Service Company is looking at new technology that could achieve the mercury reduction goal before 2013. Mercury is a toxin that is particularly harmful to infants and children. The bill now heads to the governor's desk to be signed. AP-NY-04-20-06 1149EDT CONCORD - Now that New Hampshire House has approved a plan to reduce mercury pollution, a coalition of environmental and health groups hopes the Senate will make the plan stronger and put it into effect sooner. The House on Wednesday passed legislation requiring the Public Service Company of New Hampshire to cut statewide mercury emissions by 80 percent by 2013. The New Hampshire Clean Power Coalition questions whether the plan actually would cause that large of a reduction. The group is pushing for more stringent reductions - 90 percent - and wants them implemented by 2010, not 2013. The House bill calls for the installation of flue scrubber technology at PSNH’s coal-burning power plant in Bow, but not at its Portsmouth plant. Proponents for flue scrubber technology say it is cheaper than the carbon injection technology proposed by the Senate last year. Supporters say this approach would reduce mercury emissions in a reasonable timeframe at a reasonable cost. The plan was developed by lawmakers in collaboration with Public Service officials, the governor’s office and state environmental officials. Mercury is a toxin that is particularly harmful to infants and children. For Immediate Release: Contact: Pamela Walsh Thursday, April 20, 2006 271-2121 491-7124 Governor Will Sign Mercury Emissions Bill Legislation Will Help Protect Health of NH Citizens, Environment CONCORD - Saying that it will help protect the health of New Hampshire citizens and the state's environment, Gov. John Lynch said today he looks forward to signing legislation aimed at reducing mercury emissions from the state's coal-fired power plants. "Mercury is poisoning New Hampshire's beautiful lakes and rivers and endangering the health of our citizens, particularly pregnant women and children. This legislation is an important step forward in protecting the health of our citizens and preserving our natural resources, and I look forward to signing it," Gov. Lynch said. The legislation, HB 1673, passed the Senate today and has already passed the House. # # # , and prohibits the use of mercury in K-12 school classrooms. New Hampshire recently passed legislation regarding management of dental amalgam in dental offices. For information on mercury legislation, contact Stephanie D’Agostino, Pollution Prevention Coordinator |