Gov. Hassan Signs Legislation for Rising Sea Levels

Gov. Maggie Hassan signed three bills into law Wednesday afternoon that she believes will protect New Hampshire waterways and help cities and towns prepare for rising sea levels.

With the Atlantic Ocean and the Isles of Shoals as her back drop outside of the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, Hassan signed three measures into law that are designed to help Seacoast area cities and towns and the Great Bay Estuary. Hassan invited several children to join her as she signed the three bills into law.

Hassan said she often gets to experience the state's natural beauty and she is often "reminded how fragile that ecosystem can be."

Hassan said passing new laws designed to protect the state's natural resources represent important investments in the state's quality of life and tourism industry.

Senate Bill 163 establishes a coastal risk and hazards commission that will help communities address the issues posed by rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

Senate Bill 164 allows municipal planning boards to include coastal provisions in their master plans. both Senate bills were sponsored by State Sen. David Watters, D-Dover.

House Bill 393 protects waterways like Great Bay from pollution caused by excessive levels of nitrogen and phosphorous from turf fertilizers sold in different stores.

"How is it that communities can adapt as our climate changes?" Is how Watters summed up the intent of the three pieces of legislation.

He said all three bills went into law immediately following the Governor's signatures.