Transcript Highlights:

• So I thought just to be fair, these projects are all going to, you know, have a cap at 250.
• So I thought just to be fair, these projects are all going to, you know, have a cap at 250.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first returned to the A&E/Water Resources budget and walked through the bill section by section, agreeing to keep some routine items and remove or defer others. Members accepted Section 4 with language to allow additional Resources Trust Fund revenues and requested federal funds, while Sections 5, 6, 7, 10, and 17 were taken out for now. They also discussed Section 12’s Bank of North Dakota line of credit for the water infrastructure revolving loan fund, Section 14’s federal funding for the biotreatment plant, Section 20’s study language on water governance and finance, Section 22’s line-item transfer limits, and Section 23’s carryover language. Several members raised concerns about the size and flexibility of available funds, the need for a project stabilization fund, and whether some projects—especially Southwest water—should be studied again. No final votes were taken, and the chair said the committee would return to the budget later after more numbers were known. The committee then moved to the Historical Society budget, where members reviewed a series of one-time funding changes. The $500,000 NAGPRA grant was removed from the budget because it is tied to separate legislation. For the military gallery expansion, the committee reduced SIF funding by $5 million and split another $4.2 million request between SIF and donations. The Medora area planning amount was reduced, local grants were reworked with matching requirements and a cap on awards, Fargo’s request was reduced, the Medora transportation improvement grant was removed, and the America’s 250th celebration funding was increased to $1 million. Members also discussed adding language giving the North Dakota National Guard military gallery primacy on signage and allowing the Adjutant General to manage content. The chair and members indicated the Historical Society budget amendments would be drafted and brought back, with the goal of finishing them by Friday if possible. The committee also noted upcoming hearings on related bills, including 1603, and said the budget work would likely go to conference committee because several funding and matching issues remained unresolved. No formal votes were taken in this portion either, and the meeting adjourned with plans to reconvene the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• 26:54.720> income characteristics and uh income income characteristics and uh income income caps
• :26:59.159> would<00:26:59.320> only<00:26:59.600> be<00:26:59.960> 5% caps
• Etc um that uh it would only be 5% caps Etc um that uh it would only be 5% of<00:27:01.120> the
• Ultimately, though, it is unlikely that a specific or capped fee amount would cover the actual costs
• <01:56:09.280> fee unlikely that a specific or capped fee unlikely that a specific or capped

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The current cap is 5%, and the proposed change would double that cap to allow the city council to vote
• <00:20:10.640> The<00:20:10.880> current<00:20:11.280> cap<00:20:11.679>
• The current cap is 5%. to do that.
• /c> and the proposed change would double and the proposed change would double that<00:20:16.559> cap
• to allow the city council to that cap to allow the city council to vote<00:20:18.400> to<00:20

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• no medical training, had no verification that services were actually provided, and had no spending caps
• and had services were actually provided, and had no<02:02:21.360> spending<02:02:21.840> caps
• ,<02:02:22.960> but<02:02:23.199> they<02:02:23.440> enriched no spending caps
• , but they enriched no spending caps, but they enriched fraudsters<02:02:25.119> at<02:02:25.360
• shortages exacerbate the H2B visa caps shortages exacerbate the H2B visa caps that<02:10:44.800>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, May 15, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The only program we're aware of is the MPCA CAP grant program, or capital assistance program.
• We submitted a CAP application in 2025 and received the highest rating of all applications, number one
• 56.880> MPCA only program we're aware of is the MPCA only program we're aware of is the MPCA CAP
• grant program or capital assistance CAP grant program or capital assistance program.<00:45:01.119>
• > We<00:45:01.359> submitted<00:45:01.680> a<00:45:01.839> CAP<00:45:02.240>

Bills: HF4680, HF4047, HF4590, HF3757, HF3569, HF4507, HF4426, HF4927, HF4788, HF4757, HF4747, HF3561, HF4014, HF4013, HF4689, HF4766, HF4589

Keywords: wastewater treatment, improvements, capital investment, Greenfield, bonds, water treatment, infrastructure, municipal funding, state bonds, public utilities, HF4590, Tamarack, municipal infrastructure, bonding bill, general obligation bonds, Public Facilities Authority, sewer system, collection system, street reconstruction, local infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• So artificial timeline but also an artificial cap.
• Is it an artificial cap in terms of dollar value?
• artificial cap. artificial cap.
• Is<00:42:01.360> it<00:42:01.680> an<00:42:01.840> artificial<00:42:02.360> cap
• in terms of Is it an artificial cap in terms of dollar<00:42:04.120> value?

Bills: SB2960, SB2347, SB2272, SB3137, SB3132, SB2271, SB2804, SB2175, SB2487

Keywords: homeowners insurance, disaster recovery, replacement cost value, state of emergency, policyholder rights, insurance extensions, tenant rights, landlord obligations, housing crisis, eviction prevention, multilingual access, SB2272, Act 105, home health licensing, home health agency, home health services, Department of Health, DOH, CMS, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions and one bill focused on energy reliability, utility infrastructure, insurance, tenant rights, and home health licensing. On the energy side, members heard HCR 203/HR 193 on a status update for the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, HCR 204/HR 194 on a comprehensive PUC analysis of cost reduction and risk, and HCR 202/HR 192 creating a legislative task force on future energy pathways. Testimony on the energy measures was generally supportive from the PUC, DCCA’s Division of Consumer Advocacy, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, with OHA urging that equity, native Hawaiian impacts, and public trust resources be considered alongside cost savings. The committee also heard HCR 125/HR 117 on coordinating with utilities to address aging utility poles and lines along Farrington Highway and other high-risk corridors; Hawaiian Electric supported the measure, Hawaiian Telcom and Charter Spectrum said much of the work is already underway and questioned whether the resolution was necessary, and committee questioning focused on existing double-pole tracking and the role of DOT and the PUC. The committee then took up HCR 137/HR 129 on timely reimbursement of health care claims under the clean claims statute. The DCCA Insurance Division and the Hawaii Insurers Council opposed the measure as drafted, saying it could be read to require payment beyond policy limits and could raise premiums or reduce market participation. United Policyholders supported the measure, arguing it would simply give policyholders more time to collect benefits they already purchased, and clarified that it was not intended to increase coverage beyond policy limits. The committee later amended the resolution to direct the DCCA Insurance Division to prioritize investigation and enforcement of clean claims complaints. In the decision meeting, the committee recommended and adopted passage of HCR 203/HR 193 as is, HCR 204/HR 194 with an amendment removing the eighth whereas clause, HCR 202/HR 192 with an amendment adding a committee representative to the task force, HCR 125/HR 117 as is, and HCR 137/HR 129 with amendments. The committee also heard SB 2960 SC1 on property insurance, which would extend the time policyholders have after a declared disaster to document replacement-cost claims. The Insurance Division and Hawaii Insurers Council opposed it, warning it could force coverage beyond policy limits and increase premiums, while United Policyholders supported it and said it would help disaster survivors recover benefits they already paid for; members questioned whether similar laws in other states had caused premium spikes and clarified that the bill was not intended to exceed policy limits. The committee also heard SB 2347 SD1 on multilingual tenant-rights notices, with OHA, Hawaii Appleseed, and others supporting the bill but urging restoration of language requiring landlords to directly provide the notice at lease signing. Finally, SB 2272 SD1 HD1 on home health licensing drew support from the Department of Health, SHPDA, and the Health Care Association of Hawaii, with the association requesting an effective date amendment; testimony explained that the bill would allow state licensing compliance to be demonstrated through CMS-approved accreditation or certification surveys, potentially reducing duplication and freeing state resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• required<01:04:28.240> to<01:04:28.360> run<01:04:28.640> a<01:04:29.160> cap
• the department is required to run a cap the department is required to run a cap rate<01:04:29.680
• In addition to the cap rate and that calculation and then the penny discussion as well, Mr.
• Um in addition to um um um the<01:25:39.440> cap<01:25:39.800> rate<01:25:40.440> and
• <01:25:40.960> that<01:25:41.160> calculation<01:25:41.920> and the cap rate

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The Joint Revenue committee met with a quorum and heard a series of interim topic proposals focused on tax policy. Representative Brown raised two ideas: reinstating an exemption reporting requirement for corporations and entities receiving tax exemptions, with loss of the exemption for the current and prior year if they fail to report, and revising property tax treatment for wind turbines and related infrastructure by shifting the taxed footprint from agricultural to industrial classification. Senator Case and others then discussed energy taxation more broadly, including a possible generation tax for electricity, how to handle large data-center electricity loads, and whether sales tax revenue from very large electrical loads should be shared statewide rather than concentrated locally. The committee referenced prior bills and studies, including House Bill 300 and Senate File 76, and discussed using a mechanism that would keep local electricity bills net neutral while redirecting revenue distribution. The committee also took up problematic gaming and program funding. Senator Case described personal experiences with gambling addiction and the lack of available resources, while the presenter said the topic had been requested in multiple committees and that the biggest concern from House Bill 171 was protecting county and municipal funding. Members discussed whether the issue belonged in Revenue, Health, Labor, or Transportation, and several suggested it should stay with the standing committee handling gaming. Ideas raised included using gaming-related revenue for prevention and treatment, fully funding the 988 lifeline, and creating a broader trust fund for addiction-related services and law enforcement. The committee appeared to agree to continue the topic for educational purposes and to examine taxation of HHR and other gambling activity. Senator Case then proposed a severance tax on wind energy, arguing that wind development creates permanent landscape impacts and that the state should be compensated similarly to coal, oil, and gas extraction. Curt Meier, the state treasurer, supported reviewing lease agreements and said Wyoming should get more from wind resources, noting the state’s unique wind potential and the loss of viewshed. Finally, the committee heard a proposal to reform property tax relief by extending it to motor vehicle registration. Former Revenue director Dan Noble argued that vehicle taxes should be treated like other property taxes, using fair market value, depreciation, the residential assessment ratio, and local mill levies, which he said could provide broad relief but would be expensive, with an estimated fiscal impact of about $120 million. Representative Chestek followed with a related reform proposal based on Pennsylvania’s base-year assessment model, arguing that Wyoming’s current statewide relief measures treat symptoms rather than the underlying problem of rapidly rising local valuations.

Transcript Highlights:

• The 30-dog cap and blanket breeding age restrictions and private registry screening mandates penalize
• <00:10:31.680> The<00:10:32.000> 30<00:10:32.240> dog<00:10:32.560> cap
• The 30 dog cap and animal welfare.
• It's capped at 5%, and it's paired with mandatory full rate reviews every 3 years, so we don't have to
• It's capped at 5%. And it's fee changes. It's capped at 5%.

Bills: SB3275, SB3105

Keywords: cannabis, low-dose, personal use, cultivation, cannabis accessories, Hawaii cannabis law, medical cannabis, physician assistant, licensure compact, medical services, interstate practice, healthcare portability, military families, licensing authority, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection reconsidered two condominium bills and adopted recommendations to pass both with amendments. For SB 2433, members approved amendments clarifying that condominium unit owners’ interests are to be recognized and protected in educational and related programs by the Real Estate Commission and DCCA, while making technical changes and changing the effective date. For SB 2838, the committee replaced the bill’s broader substantive language with a narrower requirement that associations provide electronic copies of specified documents, including master leases, reserve studies, audited financial statements, contracts, leases, and other agreements, along with technical changes and an amended effective date. Both measures were adopted unanimously by the members present, with Senator McKelvey excused. The committee then heard SB 2710 on animal issues, which would define and regulate dog breeders, set care standards, create county licensing authority, require records, and establish an animal abuser registry and related penalties. Testimony was mixed: the Public Defender and the American Kennel Club opposed the bill, arguing for stronger enforcement of existing laws rather than harsher penalties and warning that the bill would burden responsible breeders; the Hawaiian Humane Society supported the bill’s breeder regulation and registry provisions but urged removal of the hoarding section; and the committee noted 26 written testimonies in support, 14 in opposition, and four comments. In decision-making, the committee passed SB 2710 with amendments that blanked the license fee, deleted the animal abuser registry and shelter/pet store/breeder compliance checks, struck the hoarding provisions and proposed criminal penalty changes, and made technical changes with a deferred effective date. The committee also heard SB 2209 on rental discrimination, which would allow attorney’s fees to a prevailing party in source-of-income discrimination cases, and SB 2884, which would create a nonrefundable income tax credit for wind-resistant retrofits or hurricane shelters. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission supported SB 2209, and the committee later passed it with a deferred effective date. SB 2884 drew support from DCCA’s Insurance Division, the Department of Taxation, HEMA, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, and a public witness who urged hurricane preparedness; it was passed with the Department of Taxation’s proposed amendments and a deferred effective date. Finally, the committee heard SB 2922 on cooperative associations, which would create a general cooperative associations framework. DCCA offered comments, while the Hawaii Co-op Hui, Purple Maya Foundation, Enliven Cooperative, and Hawaii Farmers Union supported the measure and argued that current law is too limited for worker, producer, and multi-stakeholder co-ops. After discussion about using the existing chapter 421C structure rather than creating a new regulatory scheme, the committee passed SB 2922 with amendments adopting changes proposed in testimony from the Hawaii Farmers Union and deferred the effective date.

Transcript Highlights:

• allocation cap for the credit.
• <00:53:25.200> lifting<00:53:25.520> on<00:53:25.680> the<00:53:25.839> cap
• including a lifting on the cap including a lifting on the cap allocation<00:53:26.720> cap
• <00:53:29.200> Um, allocation cap for the the credit.
• Um, allocation cap for the the credit.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, and that was part of the reason we went with the five-year average as well, to kind of cap
• well<00:12:10.200> to<00:12:10.920> kind The five-year average, as well, kind of caps
• is Brad Clover, and I'm here to testify in support of Senator Putnam's bill to lift the total state cap
• /c><01:06:08.799> the<01:06:08.920> total<01:06:09.200> State<01:06:09.599> cap
• <01:06:09.880> on Bill to lift the total State cap on Bill to lift the total State cap on

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• People need to know what the cap is going to be if they go IID.
• and if it's tolled until you get out of jail, well then that doesn't just add time to the statutory cap
• 20:10.960> if<00:20:11.080> they<00:20:11.200> go<00:20:11.440> IID the cap
• is going to be if they go IID the cap is going to be if they go IID and<00:20:12.480> if<00:20
• so I I would like to see statutory cap so I I would like to see that<00:20:58.840> worked<00:

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:02 HB 446: 00:01:44 HB 456: 00:07:08 Discussion in Opposition to HB 456: 00:15:20 HB 10: 00:26:18 HB 96: 00:36:54 HB 399: 00:56:31 HB 465: 01:03:04, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 446, as amended by committee substitute, which would expand third-degree assault protections to cover judges and justices of the Court of Justice and public transportation drivers. Supporters said the bill responds to violence and threats against judges and would extend protections already given to other public servants. Members generally supported the bill, though several suggested broadening it further to include circuit clerks or all officers of the court. The committee adopted the substitute and favorably passed HB 446 on an 18-0 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 456, a DUI-related cleanup bill sponsored by Representative Patrick Flanery and presented by County Attorney Joe Ross. The bill would add fentanyl, Flexeril, and clopene to the per se DUI list, treat driving on a suspended license as an aggravating circumstance, revise implied-consent notice language, and make changes to ignition interlock rules, including suspension periods and fees. Representative Scott West of the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in opposition, warning that some interlock violations and fees could unfairly extend suspensions and discourage participation, while members and the sponsor said the bill would strengthen DUI enforcement and that non-listed substances could still support DUI charges under other provisions. The committee adopted the substitute and favorably passed HB 456 by a 16-0 vote with one pass. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 10, relating to the rights of real property owners, sponsored by Representatives Maryanne Proctor and Emily Callaway, with testimony from a Pacific Legal Foundation representative and a Boone County Sheriff’s Office staff attorney. The sponsors said the bill is intended to address squatting by defining squatters and improving property-owner remedies, and noted support from sheriffs and realtors. The transcript cuts off before the bill’s full presentation or any committee action on HB 10.

Transcript Highlights:

• The recommendations maintain the agency's FTE cap at 902 FTEs.
• We have a $230,000 cap. And he's at that limit.
• And I guess just to reiterate, the cap on the salary, I mean, we've done this several, we do this.
• , which is a biennial change or increase of 49.2 The recommendation is to increase the agency's FTE cap
• Those requirements are statutory requirements for bingo operations as far as cap financials.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're kind of capped, and I'm not trying to be argumentative, but this is a conversation that we've
• They're kind of capped, and I'm not trying to be argumentative, but this is a conversation that we've
• <00:49:51.960> and don't they're they're kind of capped and don't they're they're kind of
• ><01:14:02.560> about<01:14:02.880> $15,000<01:14:03.880> per<01:14:04.080> cap
• obviously we are about $15,000 per cap obviously we are about $15,000 per cap in<01:14:04.560>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the January 14 minutes and then considered a large agenda of contracts, including personal services contracts, amendments, memoranda of agreement, and Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program items. The chair noted the agenda contained 240 items and emphasized the need for transparency in how contract approvals work. Several items were pulled for questions, while the rest were approved without objection. The first major discussion involved seven contingency-fee contracts for the Attorney General’s office. Committee members asked about the apparent $20 million maximum per contract, and staff explained that the amount was a ceiling, not a guarantee, and that under the statutory waterfall in KRS 45A.717 a $20 million fee would require roughly $355 million returned to the Commonwealth. Staff also said the new batch included some new firms, that these contracts are being handled in 6- to 12-month batches, and that no money had yet been spent from the prior cycle. The committee then approved those contracts. Members also questioned a Cabinet for Health and Family Services training contract, which officials said was needed because Finance provides only Kentucky-specific training, while the outside vendor offers broader procurement and federal-funds training; the committee approved that item. A University of Kentucky capital project contract for the State Capitol exterior renovation was approved after questions about the open-ended date, total project cost, and expected completion, with staff saying the overall project is projected for substantial completion by the end of 2026 and final warranty work could extend into 2027. A DCBS amendment for SSI eligibility determinations for children in out-of-home care was explained as an increase caused by a protest, a reissued RFP, and more children entering care; the committee approved it after discussion of the protest and scoring details. The committee also approved a Transportation Cabinet amendment for an I-71 widening and interchange project in Oldham County after staff explained it was a time extension with no additional funds, though the project had evolved due to traffic changes and now includes an eight-lane bridge design. Finally, the committee discussed two Finance Cabinet facilities and support services amendments tied to the Capitol renovation and juvenile justice facility retrofits. Staff said the Capitol project contract covered the full design team, with completion projected around 2029, while the juvenile justice amendments covered additional design work for McCracken and Breathitt facilities, with final bid documents expected in June or July and construction anticipated to begin in the latter half of 2025. Both items were approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• There may be other disciplines in the form of spending caps or tax caps that those who buy into this
• It also has a cap of $1,100 per claimant. That's just an absolute cap.
• <01:33:00.639> Um cap of $1,100 per claimant. Um cap of $1,100 per claimant.
• <01:33:04.400> You uh and that's just an absolute cap.
• You uh and that's just an absolute cap.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm senior counsel and director of government relations at Cap North America.
• And if I can say this: these are two groups under this umbrella, with CAP as the fiscal agent.
• And if I can say this: these are two groups under this umbrella, with CAP as the fiscal agent.
• And if I can say this: these are two groups under this umbrella, with CAP as the fiscal agent.
• The cap organization is the fiscal agent.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Or you mentioned C-CAP.
• We hope that the legislature will consider a C-CAP bill this session.
• The second major issue, of course, is if you do have C-CAP funding this year.
• One is at the cap, so the stipend is really a barrier for that.
• So we don't levy property taxes, and our funding is subject to a cap.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The intent of this bill is to take the cap that currently exists from the sports wagering funds that
• go to the state, remove the cap from the early childhood funds portion of that, and place a cap on what
• This still gives the sports fund a cap of $20 million besides a list of fund sources that I've got going

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of criminal justice measures, with several bills and resolutions reported favorably and others rejected or deferred. Representative Baham’s HB 255, as substituted, would enhance penalties for certain felony or rioting offenses committed while wearing a mask to evade identification, with exceptions for religious, motorcycle, and medical coverings; it was reported favorably after opposition from the ACLU and support from law enforcement groups. His HB 378, as amended, narrowed a vehicle-obstruction offense to first responders and was also reported favorably. HB 1090, increasing penalties for arson of a religious building, was reported favorably with support from the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops. HR 272, requesting a study of parental discipline, abuse allegations, and juvenile delinquency, was reported favorably after sponsor testimony about confusion over current law. HB 479, the “Fiscal Truth and Sentencing Act,” sought quarterly reporting on incarceration costs and sentencing impacts; despite support from the ACLU and opposition from clerks of court over an unfunded mandate, it failed on a 4-7 roll call. HR 278, asking the Attorney General to review electronic monitoring laws and make recommendations, was reported favorably after testimony from advocates and supporters of tighter oversight. HR 273, creating a task force to study work-release programs, was also reported favorably, while SB 278 was voluntarily deferred. The committee also considered several high-profile social policy measures. HB 261, by Representative Boyd, would create an exception to abortion restrictions for rape and certain sex offenses; the hearing featured extensive emotional testimony from survivors, clergy, and legislators on both sides, but the bill was rejected on a 2-10 vote. HCR 100, as amended, urged the Gaming Control Board to ensure due diligence in proposed casino acquisitions with attention to economic development, job creation, and community benefit; the amendment resolved industry concerns and the resolution was reported favorably. SB 448, concerning the Office of the State Public Defender, was amended to add procedures for expert-witness funding disputes, sealed contradictory hearings, and interlocutory review, then reported favorably. SB 135, which would redirect sports wagering revenue away from a capped sports fund and toward early childhood seats, drew opposition from university-related interests but no motion was made. Finally, HB 778 on kratom was presented as a narrower approach that would ban synthetic and semi-synthetic kratom while allowing regulated natural products; testimony included concerns about harm, business impacts, and claimed benefits for pain management and PTSD, and the discussion was still underway at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• This remarkable achievement secured the program's second state title in five years and capped off an
• And under this bill, treasurer's liens are capped at 25% as they apply to wages, so people are going
• And under this bill, treasurer's liens are capped at $12. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• And under this bill, treasurer's liens are capped at 25% as they apply to wages, so people are going

Keywords: April 22, 2026 - Reconvened Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and to cap off the sort of challenges on this day, this is the day that John Wilkes Booth shot uh
• Um,<00:49:37.240> and<00:49:37.760> to<00:49:37.960> to<00:49:38.520> cap
• c> off<00:49:39.080> the<00:49:39.160> sort<00:49:39.360> of Um, and to to cap
• off the sort of Um, and to to cap off the sort of challenges<00:49:40.240> on<00:49:40.360>

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a capped refundable credit, and it is ongoing, and this has an estimated fiscal impact of $40.8
• modified.<00:19:26.480> This<00:19:26.720> is<00:19:27.360> a<00:19:27.679> capped
• This is a capped um refundable modified.
• This is a capped um refundable credit<00:19:30.559> and<00:19:30.799> it<00:19:31.039><

Bills: HF9

Keywords: energy policy, renewable energy standard, carbon-free standard, solar standard, hydroelectric, hydropower, electric utility, Public Utilities Commission, PUC, renewable portfolio standard, carbon capture and sequestration, CCS, greenhouse gas emissions, climate policy, nuclear power plant, certificate of need, fossil fuel plant demolition, utility compliance delay, beneficial electrification, sales tax exemption