Molly Rains, New Hampshire Bulletin

The state's energy department indicated they were interested in supporting advanced nuclear reactors, and were less interested in in several other forms of development identified by the federal government as possible aspects of a campus — including spent fuel storage, fuel processing or reprocessing, data center construction, advanced manufacturing, and more.

The devices, also called “portable solar,” consist of standalone solar panels that can be plugged into a wall outlet. They feed electricity back into the home, offsetting some electricity use.

The bill would increase toll rates on the New Hampshire turnpike system for drivers who use cash and non-NH E-ZPass users, to support projects in the state's 10-year transportation improvement plan.

One bill would open the door for utilities to own “advanced” nuclear reactors up to 300 megawatts in capacity. Another proposal would allow utilities to own fossil fuel and nuclear generators, though it also includes a 5 megawatt cap.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte is directing state energy officials to investigate the willingness of investors to partner with utility companies on nuclear generation, the costs ratepayers might face and resources that could help with local nuclear development. The agency is required to submit a preliminary roadmap for supporting nuclear within six months.

As proposed, it also includes the repeal of certain emissions and efficiency requirements for those prospective utility-funded fossil fuel generators.

The bill proposes that wildlife data must be collected with documented landowner permission to be usable. Conservationists say that could negate previous records or complicate future data collection.

There are several bills pending in the New Hampshire Legislature for new regulations for landfills and environmental concerns.

A bill in the New Hampshire House seeks to create a financial safety net for farmers who experience losses after discovering the chemicals on their land or in their crops. It also includes a proposed five-year moratorium on using sludge for agricultural purposes.

A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction late last month ordering New Hampshire to take steps to continue vehicle testing beyond the sunset date for annual car inspections in order to comply with the Clean Air Act. The state, in turn, extended the deadline for expired inspections until April.