NH House Testimony

HB1148

House · 2026 sessionBipartisanSigned into law

Studying algae bloom control

AI

Expands the duties of the exotic aquatic weeds and species committee to include studying factors behind cyanobacteria and algae blooms and assisting in their control and eradication.

adding cyanobacteria and algae blooms to the study of the exotic aquatic weeds and species committee.

Environment - AdministrationWaters and NavigationFish & Game

Status

Signed into law · June 1, 2026
  1. Introduced
  2. House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Division of testimony

238 submissions
Support 237Oppose 1Neutral 0

Argument digest · AI-generated

from 121 of 121 written submissions

HB1148 would add cyanobacteria and harmful algae blooms to the mandate of the existing Exotic Aquatic Weeds and Species Committee, which currently focuses on invasive plants like milfoil. The overwhelming majority of submitters -- lakefront residents, lake association leaders, and conservation officials -- support the bill, describing worsening bloom conditions on New Hampshire lakes and arguing that folding cyanobacteria study into an established committee is an efficient way to coordinate research and response. A single dissenting submission raises cost concerns for property owners, though its content addresses mooring fees rather than this bill's provisions.

Generated by claude-sonnet-5 (claude code agent) on Jul 22, 2026. Quotes are verbatim excerpts, verified against the cited submission before publication. Summaries are AI interpretation of the record, not part of it.

Hannah MeiselmanSupportManchester, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

I support HB1148 because harmful algal blooms pose growing public health and ecosystem risks, and expanding scientific study helps communities respond effectively

Martha Jane RichSupportEnfield, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

As cyanobacteria blooms increasingly threaten our lakes, this bill will help by coordinating study and response to the problem. It makes sense to integrate this effort with the work of an existing committee. As president of the Mascoma Lake Association, I have helped manage an extremely successful program to reduce harmful aquatic weeds in our lake; over the past 25 years, we have achieved control over Eurasian milfoil . We now need similar science-based resources and strategies to address the rise of cyanobacteria, which has now emerged as our most pressing challenge. I strongly urge voting HB1148 OTP.

Russell WilderSupportAlton, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

I have been volunteering on the Lakes Lay Monitoring program and have witnessed the detrimental effects of cyanobacteria blooms on Lake Winnipesaukee. We also have invasive problems (Spiny Water Flea, Chinese Mystery snails and milfoil). HB 1148 enhances coordination and problem-solving by integrating bloom prevention and response into an established committee already focused on waterbody management. The bill also recognizes the importance of advancing understanding of the factors driving bloom formation. This knowledge will help New Hampshire continue developing informed, science-based strategies to protect water quality statewide.

Jane WalshSupportNew London, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

NH is widely known for its beautiful and clean bodies of water. Cyanobacterial and algal blooms are increasing in frequency and severity. Please support HB 1148 which will help learn more about these blooms and how we may reduce them Thank you, Jane Walsh

David WalshSupportMelvin Village, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

I support HB 1148 because it enhances coordination and problem-solving by integrating bloom prevention and response into an established committee already focused on waterbody management. The bill also recognizes the importance of advancing understanding of the factors driving bloom formation. This knowledge will help New Hampshire continue developing informed, science-based strategies to protect water quality statewide

Marie SamahaSupportMoultonborough, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

Harmful cyanobacteria blooms are increasing across New Hampshire’s lakes and rivers, posing risks to public health, drinking water, recreation, property values, and local economies. NH LAKES supports HB 1148 because it enhances coordination and problem-solving by integrating bloom prevention and response into an established committee already focused on waterbody management. The bill also recognizes the importance of advancing understanding of the factors driving bloom formation. This knowledge will help New Hampshire continue developing informed, science-based strategies to protect water quality statewide

Nancy MilesSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

I support this bill. We need to include cyanobacteria and algae blooms in the studies of aquatic weeds. We need to know how to control their spread and also have the funds to manage them.

Douglass WebbSupportWolfeboro, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

The lakes in Wolfeboro are an essential part of our ecosystem, economy, livelihoods and enjoyment of our homes. I have been on Rust Pond for 58 years. This summer we had Cyanobacteria blooms that kept us from swimming and enjoying our precious lake. We must take every proactive measure to protect and restore our lakes.

Elaine L WebbSupportWolfeboro, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

The lakes in Wolfeboro are an essential part of our ecosystem and our economy and livelihoods. We must take every step we can to protect them and restore them. Coordination local and state government agencies and environmental groups is vital.

Derek AvilaSupportNashua, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

Cyanide bacteria long have been an issue in New England water bodies, i support this classification into algae for

Sarah YoungSupportHANOVER, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

With the increase in our summer water body temperatures and the increase of algal blooms and cyanobacteria, we need to study them along with milfoil to learn how to deal with it.

Patricia Beffa-NegriniSupportNelson, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

I live on Lake Nubanusit, and it is important to my neighbors and me to understand and prevent cyanobacterial and algal blooms, which can harm our health and property values. If these blooms continue, it will also negatively affect tourism in New Hampshire. Thank you for voting OTP on this bill.

Virginia WitkinSupportAlton Bay, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

Eradicating harmful algae blooms is a responsibility; not an option. The committee needs to study factors that threaten the quality of our precious NH water. The time to act is now.

Jeffrey LightizerSupportEast Wakefield, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

I am a shore front property owner on Province Lake. Province Lake has been experiencing severe cyanobacteria blooms for the past few years. When these blooms occur the lake water looks terrible and sometimes smells awful. Two years ago during a bloom, the lake smelled so bad my wife and I had to leave the area for a few days. Anything that can be done to help mitigate cyanobacteria blooms would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Shirley MontgomerySupportHanover, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

I support this bill because it would help in the control and eradication of harmful algal blooms and cyanobacteria, alongside milfoil.

Brian OConnellSupportAlton, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

Cyanobacteria blooms are a major threat to the health if New Hampshires lakes and thereby to the economic contribution the lakes make to our state. We need to do everything we can to understand how we can mitigate this threat.

Marc BeermanSupportWilmot, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

The health of lakes are an important part for tourist and the revenue they generate for local businesses as well as recreational activity of NH residents. Controlling invasive species of plants and harmful algae is important part of maintaining healthy lakes.

John WalshSupportNew London, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

HB 1148 is a no-brainer and I strongly urge you to support it. Clean, recreation-friendly bodies of water are a draw for residents and visitors alike, Cyanobacterial and algal blooms threaten the appeal and safety of our natural bodies of water. Inclusion of these threats under the charge of the Aquatic Weeds and Species committee is an important first step in leading to their more effective control Thank you for your consideration, John Walsh

Wendy HaeringSupportNew London, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

It’s essential to act immediately to investigate and prevent the Cyanobacteria problem in our lakes. When we understand the factors involved, we will be able to make informed choices to protect our water quality across the state.

Thomas FoersterSupportNew London, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

Lakes are a key element making NH the special place that it is. We must take all reasonable steps to protect them and their health for us and future generations.

Emily GeogheganSupportConcord, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

Our lakes are one of our greatest resources for public recreation and for wildlife. Studying how algae blooms form and preventing dangerous situations is imperative to keep our natural resources healthy.

Cynthia OlearySupportHolderness, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

Please support this bill to help protect out lakes!

Robert SchneiderSupportMoultonborough, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

I live up on Greens Basin of Winnipesaukee. My family has had cottages here since the late 1800’s. I grew up on the lake and have seen the changes. I love and care for this lake and its surroundings. I care for its health. There are no more crayfish or bullfrogs probably from treating the millfoil infestation. I’m afraid the manicured lawns are also affecting the heath of the water and its life. I support this study because I like to swim in the water and also care very much for the wildlife. Please vote in favor of this bill. Thank you.

Thessalia NielsenSupportWolfeboro, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

cyanobacteria blooms have prevented us and our guests and dogs from swimming in Lake Wentworth for many weeks over the past several years. It is especially dangerous to those who are unaware of the great risk it brings with it.

Roy NielsenSupportWolfeboro, NHfor MyselfFeb 4, 2026

The protection of our waterbodies is paramount in supporting our local economy. Advancing the science behind understanding and dealing with cyanobacteria blooms cannot be under estimated.