Post by Logan on Feb 9, 2016 6:43:57 GMT -6
Senate OKs bill addressing how to handle MTBE settlement money
CONCORD — New Hampshire is on the verge of a $236 million windfall thanks to years of litigation with gasoline companies over groundwater contamination, and lawmakers want to be sure the money is not diverted to balancing the state budget.
The state Senate in a non-partisan vote approved creation of a drinking water and groundwater trust fund, and an advisory commission to make sure the money is properly spent. The measure, already supported by Gov. Maggie Hassan, now moves to the House.
New Hampshire budget-writers have consistently raided so-called “dedicated funds” intended for public health initiatives, including millions from a legal settlement with tobacco companies and from the sale of alcohol at state-run liquor stores.
The state has already collected millions from major oil and petroleum companies in out-of-court settlements over contamination from the gasoline additive MTBE, which the state outlawed in 2007.
See more at: www.unionleader.com/Senate-OKs-bill-addressing-how-to-handle-MTBE-settlement-money
CONCORD — New Hampshire is on the verge of a $236 million windfall thanks to years of litigation with gasoline companies over groundwater contamination, and lawmakers want to be sure the money is not diverted to balancing the state budget.
The state Senate in a non-partisan vote approved creation of a drinking water and groundwater trust fund, and an advisory commission to make sure the money is properly spent. The measure, already supported by Gov. Maggie Hassan, now moves to the House.
New Hampshire budget-writers have consistently raided so-called “dedicated funds” intended for public health initiatives, including millions from a legal settlement with tobacco companies and from the sale of alcohol at state-run liquor stores.
The state has already collected millions from major oil and petroleum companies in out-of-court settlements over contamination from the gasoline additive MTBE, which the state outlawed in 2007.
See more at: www.unionleader.com/Senate-OKs-bill-addressing-how-to-handle-MTBE-settlement-money