New Hampshire Pesticide Study Bill Passes!

CONCORD, N.H. — In a small, but hugely significant victory for the natural lawn care movement, the New Hampshire legislature passed a resolution Thursday to study the impacts of synthetic chemical pesticides and their alternatives.

After a contentious debate about a bill known as HB1456 in early February, some observers doubted whether or not the measure would pass to the full house. Though it’s only a study bill — meaning it’s not going to immediately ban or restrict pesticides — several lawn care companies and lobbyists strongly objected. They fear the study bill will ultimately lead to a ban on herbicides used to kill dandelions, clover and other so-called weeds.

Representative Suzanne Smith, who sponsored the bill, said she received widespread support from her colleagues and expects the Environment and Agriculture Committee to begin work by the third week in April.

“This is very exciting news,” said Ellen Fine, founder of the LEAH Collective

Rep. Suzanne Smith testifies in support of HB 1456 at the February hearing.

that initially urged Rep. Smith to tackle the issue. “We will now be preparing information for the committee.”

SafeLawns submitted a list of talking points to New Hampshire legislators in February and will be assisting the LEAH Collective in the weeks and month ahead. If anyone has research, data, anecdotes or other information they would like the legislature to consider in its study, please forward it along and we’ll be certain to forward it along.