HB1228: (New Title) proclaiming Climate Change Awareness Day.

HB 1228 - AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE

12Mar2020... 1034h

2020 SESSION

20-2429

05/04

HOUSE BILL 1228

AN ACT proclaiming Climate Change Awareness Day.

SPONSORS: Rep. Balch, Hills. 38; Rep. McGhee, Hills. 40; Rep. Cannon, Straf. 18; Rep. Oxenham, Sull. 1

COMMITTEE: Executive Departments and Administration

AMENDED ANALYSIS

This bill directs the governor to proclaim April 22 as Climate Change Awareness Day.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

12Mar2020... 1034h 20-2429

05/04

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty

AN ACT proclaiming Climate Change Awareness Day.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Statement of Findings and Purpose. The general court finds that:

I. Much of New Hampshire's economy depends on tourism. Climate change impacts can severely decrease tourism in the short and long term.

II. There is a need to raise awareness of the economic and wildlife impacts to the state of New Hampshire due to climate change. Moose, bear, bees, birds, cod, shrimp, lobster, maple trees and the quality of maple syrup are already being harmed by changes in water and air temperature and the longevity of parasites carrying vector-borne disease.

III. A statewide day of awareness would bring legislators, educators, scientists, agriculturalists and businesses together to address and share regional and statewide concerns about climate change and the potential economic, health and safety impacts.

2 New Section; Climate Change Awareness Day. Amend RSA 4 by inserting after section 13-aa the following new section:

4:13-bb Climate Change Awareness Day. The governor shall annually proclaim April 22 as a statewide day of climate change awareness and shall urge state and local agencies, academic institutions, communities, and individuals to mark the day with events and activities designed to promote greater awareness of the effects of climate change. The governor shall call upon the department of environmental services, the fish and game department, and the department of education to promote the statewide event as an educational opportunity to share regional and statewide concerns about the environmental, economic, health, and safety effects of climate change.

3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.