Sanborn: NH Needs Stronger Landowner Protections

CONCORD, NH - The state Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee approved HB 1660, which would establish protections for landowners along proposed gas pipeline routes in New Hampshire, on April 21, 2016, according to a press statement.

State Sen. Andy Sanborn, R-Bedford, stated that while he appreciated "the hard work by the Senate Energy committee and its movement to provide some first steps in establishing a framework to protect property owners against eminent domain for the construction of gas pipelines," he remained concerned that the bill would not provide sufficient protections that New Hampshire residents deserve and that was desperately needed as part of this bill.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the committee and the full Senate to enhance these protections even further so that property owners living along any proposed pipeline can take comfort in knowing that they are protected from their property being taken by eminent domain," he stated.

An amendment that was approved today provided "some protection" should a high pressure pipeline run within 250 feet of one's home, Sanborn added. And while it also provides for the potential of a homeowner to recoup some expenses, the state Senate said he believed that high pressure pipelines which force the use of eminent domain should be outlawed.

"No one should have the right to take someone's home away from them, and this still does not provide that protection," said Sanborn.