Transcript Highlights:

• consider climate change from fossil fuel consider climate change from fossil fuel pollution<01:15
• <04:50:35.600> shift to load shift to load shift >> um<04:50:37.600> do<04:50
• for the fabrication of fuel.
• <05:39:46.480> The for the fabrication of fuel. The for the fabrication of fuel.
• actually a prohydrocarbon one fuel actually a prohydrocarbon one fuel source<06:21:14.000> bill

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the good news in mostly fuel costs.
• Better news is if you don't have fuel Better news is if you don't have fuel costs<00:21:12.640><
• But the good news is that if done right, increases in load If done right, increases in load drive down
• That's the [snorts] biggest driver: volatile fuel costs.
• We want to protect ourselves from bringing large loads.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• These are the hoists that the fishermen use to lift heavy loads.
• The heavy loads that these...
• If they try to lift a load that's too heavy, it won't allow them to do so.
• I need you to fuel me up," without having a camera there...
• to serve as the secondary fuel source for the boiler plant.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• at the base load at the base load base<00:12:58.320> load<00:12:58.640> generation
• limited base load competitive market. limited base load competitive market.
• volatility from our imported fuels. volatility from our imported fuels.
• ,<00:29:41.640> high fuels, other imported fossil fuels, high fuels, other imported fossil
• sustainable aviation fuel etc. sustainable aviation fuel etc.

Bills: SB3326

Keywords: renewable energy, energy storage, cost reduction, public utilities commission, Hawaii energy policies, 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Environmental Protection and Labor heard SB 3326, a bill concerning a study of separating transmission from generation in Hawaii’s electric system. Testimony was largely opposed. Life of the Land argued that true separation on an isolated island grid has not been shown to work anywhere and said the bill would waste taxpayer money. Hawaiian Electric and the Public Utilities Commission also opposed the measure, saying Hawaii already uses competitive bidding for new generation, that the bill would add cost, complexity, and reliability risks, and that a new study would duplicate prior work. In response to questions, the PUC explained its existing competitive bidding framework and said it had not seen an island system fully restructure in this way. The chair then amended the bill’s intent to require the PUC to open a proceeding for an independent, comprehensive analysis of the state’s energy pathways, including cost reduction, financial risk, state energy goals, and reliability, rather than narrowly focusing on separation. Both committees voted to pass SB 3326 SD2 with amendments, with the Energy committee adopting the recommendation unanimously and the Labor committee adopting it with one reservation and two no votes. The Energy and Environmental Protection Committee then took up SB 2497 SD2, which would require electric utilities other than cooperatives to provide transparent, publicly accessible customer bill impact analyses and annual reports to the PUC. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the PUC offered comments, with the PUC supporting the intent. Life of the Land said the proposed disclosure requirements would be too complex for most ratepayers to use meaningfully, while Hawaiian Electric said the bill could raise costs and slow projects, though it acknowledged some of the language changes and said much of the information is already available through existing planning and regulatory processes. Hawaii Clean Power Alliance and one individual testified in support. No vote was taken on SB 2497 SD2 during the excerpt. The committee also heard SB 3183 SD2, which would bar higher-income taxpayers from claiming the renewable energy technologies income tax credit for certain residential solar systems and would change refundability rules. The Department of Taxation, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the Tax Foundation offered comments, while the Hawaii Solar Energy Association and numerous companies and individuals opposed the bill. Opponents raised concerns about impacts on financing models and the solar market. Members asked the Department of Taxation for data on how credits are claimed by homeowners versus third-party owners and on the refundability of the credit; the department said it did not have the information immediately available but would follow up. The chair indicated decision-making would likely be deferred to allow further review, and no vote was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:19:24.480> the<00:19:24.640> next fuel loads coming here in the next fuel loads
• But we've got to manage that fuel load. And I'll add to this for Senator Mchuan.
• But we've got to manage that fuel load. And I'll add to this for Senator Mchuan.
• And so it our fuel load because of the pinewood beetle kill that came through several years ago has gotten
• And so it our fuel load because of the pinewood beetle kill that came through several years ago has gotten

Bills: HB0078, HB0087, SF0070, SF0068, SF0017, SF0043

Keywords: forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, water development, feasibility studies, appropriations, water management, rehabilitation, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, forestry management

Transcript Highlights:

• Our other states have fuel type riders, which we think this is like a fuel type cost.
• It is a little bit different from fuel in that regard.
• Storage or transmission charges for wholesale storage load... A little bit, Mr.
• For transmission charges for wholesale storage load? Yes sir, under current law, they do.
• Regarding the transmission charges for wholesale storage loads and the exemptions thereof? No sir.

Bills: SB483, SB522, SB783, SB1239, SB1254, SB1255, SB1259, SB1341, SB1664, SB1762, SB1856, SB1877, SB1977

Keywords: utility, proprietary information, customer data, data protection, electric service, customer information, emergency communication, electric utility, privacy, certification, public accountants, interstate licensing, accounting, regulatory amendment, energy efficiency, construction regulations, building codes, Texas, sustainability, cost-effectiveness

Transcript Highlights:

• used to say renewable energy and fuel used to say renewable energy and fuel diversity<00:09:59.120
• in clean energy and fuel diversity. in clean energy and fuel diversity.
• So um I would assume then fuels.
• Again, I cannot speak to the fuel?
• billion a year goes to fossil fuel billion a year goes to fossil fuel subsidies<00:35:40.480>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• While heavier vehicles do tend to be less fuel efficient, the per gallon rates on fuels on average do
• New Mexico has thus far expanded the base of the fuel taxes to incorporate certain alternative fuels
• Treatment of vehicles by fuel source.
• effect that fuel efficiency has on reduced fuel tax.
• You're talking about weight distance and fuel tax.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll talk about fuel later, but the fuel supply chain for these reactors is quite mature.
• So on the fuel considerations, So on the fuel considerations, I'm going to come back to the Gen 3 and
• So we're starting, Nucleone has a fuel division. We're starting to unpack the fuel supply chain.
• I think that the, you know, as it relates to... the, you know, as it relates to fuel fabrication, fuel
• and spent fuel.

Summary: The committee met to review advanced nuclear energy issues in North Dakota, beginning with approval of the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon presented an overview of the advanced reactor landscape, distinguishing light-water SMRs, advanced Gen 4 reactors, and microreactors. The presentation emphasized that light-water SMRs are the most near-term deployable and use familiar low-enriched uranium fuel, while many Gen 4 designs may require high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALU), which is not yet supported by a mature U.S. supply chain. Nucleon also noted that advanced reactors are being developed primarily for industrial heat applications, while microreactors are niche, higher-cost systems for remote or mission-critical uses. Committee members asked about fuel availability, safety, recycling, and whether large reactors such as AP-1000s were evaluated; the presenter said fuel development is proceeding in parallel but remains a bottleneck, and that siting and grid capacity often make SMRs more practical than gigawatt-scale plants in North Dakota. Representatives from the National Association of State Energy Officials described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, regional coordination, grants, tax incentives, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and pilot programs. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and said states are focusing on multi-state coordination, demand aggregation, regulatory coordination, waste management, workforce readiness, and community engagement. They also discussed affordability tools such as construction work in progress (CWIP), financing incentives, and consumer protections, citing examples from Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Missouri, Utah, Tennessee, and others. In response to questions, they explained that pilot programs often involve site-readiness and feasibility studies, and that the federal Nuclear Innovation Campus process is moving forward with multiple submissions while broader waste and recycling policy may require congressional action. The Public Service Commission said it would likely have a major role in any North Dakota nuclear project through certificate-of-public-convenience-and-necessity review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted gaps in current law for small reactors, co-located facilities, NRC coordination, and long-term site stewardship. The commissioner said the commission has no authority over a private, self-contained reactor not connected to the grid. The Department of Environmental Quality explained that the state regulates radioactive materials under its agreement-state authority, but NRC retains primacy over fission reactors; DEQ would likely assist with emergency planning and could have a larger role if fusion reactors emerge. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, requiring a dedicated radiological emergency preparedness program, training, drills, public outreach, and likely additional funding and staffing, with industry expected to bear much of the cost. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota’s water laws and prior-appropriation system are adequate for nuclear siting, that the Missouri River is the best likely source, and that no statutory or budget changes are currently needed from a water perspective. The committee recessed for lunch after these agency presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• While able remaining base load.
• base load by more than by 40% or more. base load by more than by 40% or more.
• whole native load is only 20 megawatts. whole native load is only 20 megawatts.
• First, did you say your base load, or your native load, is 20 megawatts?
• n or your did you say you your base load n or your native<00:23:11.039> load<00:23:11.360>

Bills: HF3296, HF3802

Keywords: energy conservation, data centers, electric sales, energy optimization, utility regulations, energy regulation, certificate of need, renewable energy, power production, energy efficiency, Minnesota statutes, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• what is the cost of fuel going to be? what is the cost of fuel going to be?
• what types of fuel stock and um study?
• load in Minnesota.
• altogether that is a peak day added load altogether that is a peak day added load of<00:32:20.640
• cost that fuel cost is pretty much zero. cost that fuel cost is pretty much zero.

Bills: HF4770

Keywords: biomass, anaerobic digester, renewable energy, sustainability, energy generation

Summary: The committee approved the March 26 minutes and then took up House File 4770, as amended by an A1 technical amendment. The bill was presented as a proposal to help Liberty Diversified International and Liberty Paper in Becker plan for replacement steam and energy supply as the Shuro facility closure approaches in 2030. Testimony described Liberty Paper’s current closed-loop steam arrangement with Shuro, the need to study future fuel and technology options, and the potential use of anaerobic digestion, biomass, construction and demolition waste, and food waste to produce steam and possibly power. Members asked about feedstock availability, the need for a feasibility study, possible backup natural gas use, and whether waste heat or wastewater heat could be useful. The bill was laid over as amended. The committee then heard a presentation from CenterPoint Energy on Minnesota heating demand and electrification. CenterPoint staff said affordability and reliability are central concerns and outlined how the utility manages customer costs through energy efficiency, contracting, storage, peak shaving, and conservation. Dr. Joel Lynch presented research on peak heating with natural gas and the “missing piece” in Minnesota’s electrification puzzle, explaining that Minnesota’s cold climate makes winter heating demand especially challenging and that replacing natural gas would require substantial new electric capacity and renewable resources. He compared his work with prior national and state studies and said the analysis used Minnesota-specific gas throughput, COP assumptions across several electrification scenarios, and January renewable capacity data. Lynch summarized preliminary findings that Minnesota’s peak gas heating throughput could be up to 40 gigawatts, with electric resistance heating implying roughly 36 gigawatts of new demand, and lower but still substantial demand under heat-pump scenarios. The presentation was informational only; no vote was taken on the CenterPoint presentation. The meeting ended with House File 4770 laid over and the energy demand presentation continuing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next is fuel substitution.
• In understanding what is called the known loads.
• Absorb the load, or do we want to have the load meaningfully show up to absorb, to build out?
• So load management for EVs.
• So load management for EVs.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 1026 by Assembly Member Wilson, which would require investor-owned utilities to provide clearer front-end information and follow more consistent timelines for post-entitlement energization applications tied to housing projects. The author and supporters from the Housing Action Coalition and Mission Housing said utility delays can hold up approved housing, add costs, and create uncertainty, and they argued the bill would align utility processes with recent state efforts to streamline local permitting. PG&E and Southern California Edison opposed the bill, saying existing CPUC timelines and the ongoing energization rulemaking already address the issue, that the bill could be duplicative or premature, and that some proposed timelines were too short. The committee discussed the bill’s relationship to the CPUC’s September 2024 decision, and AB 1026 was ultimately approved on a 15-0 vote, with the consent calendar also passing. The second half of the hearing was the committee’s annual oversight hearing on electric reliability. Representatives from the CPUC, CEC, CAISO, and DWR reviewed lessons from the 2020 and 2022 heat emergencies, emphasizing that California has since added significant resources, improved planning, and created backstop programs such as the strategic reliability reserve. They said the summer 2025 outlook is cautiously optimistic, with no expected shortfalls under traditional planning conditions and a projected surplus, though wildfire and extreme heat remain risks. The agencies also described major changes in planning and operations, including more battery storage, updated resource adequacy rules, expanded transmission planning, and reforms to the interconnection queue. Members asked about data center load, Diablo Canyon’s future, the strategic reliability reserve, demand response, wildfire mitigation costs, affordability, and regional market expansion. Witnesses said data center demand is a major variable but can be managed through better forecasting, flexible service arrangements, and siting in areas with existing capacity; they also said firm clean resources remain valuable while planning continues around Diablo Canyon’s scheduled retirement. On affordability, they said the agencies try to balance reliability with least-cost procurement, and that new resources can lower market prices even as they require upfront investment. CAISO also highlighted the value of the Western Energy Imbalance Market and the planned day-ahead market, saying regional coordination improves both reliability and cost savings.

Transcript Highlights:

• on fossil fuels.
• volatile fossil fuel prices. volatile fossil fuel prices.
• <04:54:47.280> Um, of fuel supply are constrained. Um, of fuel supply are constrained.
• from fossil fuels. from fossil fuels.
• and less fossil fuel dependence. and less fossil fuel dependence.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Concerns remain that requirements to reach 15% of peak load, which is approximately 300 megawatts for
• It’s as dispatchable as a fossil fuel resource. Right, Mr. Chairman.
• Secondly, because we're talking here, I believe it says 15% of peak load.
• What is the rationale for the 15% load, that rate? So the 15% of peak demand. Why is it 15%?
• What is the rationale for the 15% load, that rate? So the 15% of peak demand. Why is it 15%?

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We find the language more fuel neutral.
• We find the language more fuel neutral.
• Um, but at the same more fuel neutral.
• global coverage of price on fossil fuel global coverage of price on fossil fuel pollution. pollution.
• that wood when you burn it for fuel that wood when you burn it for fuel releases<01:12:07.640>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , diesel fuels too low, and OK, they're a little high.
• Over time, fuel fuel and hazard accumulations will continue to pose a greater hazard and threat.
• It was 20% of our load.
• We actually bought into a fuel cell company through General Electric, so fuel cells, at least for Kit
• So fuel cells is also a proven technology.

Transcript Highlights:

• Things that are allocated to electrification and fuel conversion.
• Then there's ZEV programs and alternative fuels.
• Then there's ZEV programs and alternative fuels, and that's entirely electrification fuel conversion,
• Some of that may also be electrification and fuel conversion, and some of it is not.
• And right now we have over 250 models, including some hydrogen fuel cell, not a lot, but some.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee held a work session focused heavily on Climate Commitment Act transportation spending and electrification programs. Staff first reviewed roughly $2.2 billion in CCA transportation allocations over three biennia, noting that the largest shares went to public transportation, active transportation, ferry electrification, ZEV programs, rail freight/ports, and planning, with about half of the electrification and fuel-conversion spending tied to state ferries. Members asked for more detail comparing CCA dollars with the broader transportation budget and for total project costs, not just CCA contributions. The Department of Ecology presented on the zero-emission school bus program. Ecology said the legislature codified the program in 2024 and requires electric buses once diesel and electric costs are equivalent, with exemptions available when electric buses cannot meet district needs. Ecology reported $38.3 million in CCA funding for 2025-27, with $21.4 million already obligated or spent to replace 91 diesel buses in 28 districts, plus additional federal EPA funding leveraged for 13 more buses. Members asked about health impacts, parity timing, rural route exemptions, charging and training costs, and whether the program includes infrastructure; Ecology said the grants cover buses, charging, and sometimes training, and that the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction is developing the cost-equivalency formula. The Department of Commerce described its clean transportation role, including EV rebates, charging infrastructure, tribal electric boats, and the EV Coordinating Council. Commerce said its rebate program was designed to lower monthly payments for low-income households, that 89% of recipients said the rebate was essential to their purchase, and that lease incentives helped draw additional federal dollars. Members asked about tribal boat details, utility interconnection and curtailment, range anxiety, and vandalism at charging stations; Commerce said battery storage and managed charging are being used in some projects, some utilities are more responsive than others, and vandalism remains a challenge. The Department of Enterprise Services reported 567 Level 2 and 46 Level 3 charging ports installed at 82 state sites, with 19 more sites in progress and over $100 million in additional candidate projects. DES said most funding is for new infrastructure, though some VW settlement money is used for replacements, and members asked about charger replacement needs, mobile charging, and EV fleet purchasing data. WSDOT then outlined its EV infrastructure and transit programs. It said the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Partnership program has funded 23 new charging sites this biennium, including overburdened communities and tribal locations, and has supported 264 DC fast-charging ports statewide. WSDOT also described the new Washington Zero Emission Incentive Program, a point-of-sale voucher program for zero-emission commercial vehicles and equipment with $112 million available this biennium; it reported strong early demand, especially for off-road equipment and heavy trucks, and said technical assistance is being provided to help businesses participate. In public transportation, WSDOT said CCA funds support bus and bus facility grants, commute trip reduction, green transportation capital projects, paratransit, tribal transit, zero-emissions access car share, and other mobility projects, with most awards benefiting overburdened communities. Finally, WSDOT’s rail freight and ports division said port electrification projects are underway but spending is still low because of long design, permitting, utility, and supply-chain timelines; it estimated the $89.8 million program could reduce more than 140,000 metric tons of emissions over 10 years. Members questioned the pace of spending, the Northwest Seaport drayage project, and how state funds can leverage additional federal or port resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• and able to heat more than one dual fuel and able to heat more than one way<00:02:07.880> but
• <00:04:27.639> source 2022 uh protecting it as a fuel source 2022 uh protecting it as a fuel
• <00:27:05.279> um demand and the increase in load um demand and the increase in load um that's
• <00:54:23.119> by sure that um campaigns are fueled by sure that um campaigns are fueled by
• <00:59:26.359> in load in load in there<00:59:28.280> and<00:59:29.200> to<00:59

Bills: HF484, HF483, HF1447, HF1496, HF554

Keywords: natural gas, gas hookups, residential construction, energy policy, local control, state preemption, municipal regulation, county ordinance, electrification, climate policy, housing development, building codes, energy source, utility infrastructure, Minnesota Statutes chapter 326B, propane, utility service, building permits, local government, energy choice

Transcript Highlights:

• they are often cited much nearer load they are often cited much nearer load than<00:10:23.440>
• transition to cleaner, healthier fuels. transition to cleaner, healthier fuels.
• I'm concerned about industrial base load power.
• I'm concerned about industrial base load power.
• from the wild swings of fossil fuel from the wild swings of fossil fuel prices<01:36:18.880>

Bills: HF3556

Keywords: community solar, energy, solar power, renewable energy, Melissa Hortman, 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the February 26, 2026 minutes and then took up House File 3556, which would rename Minnesota’s community solar garden program the Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden Program. The bill’s author described the measure as a tribute to Hortman’s leadership and her role in creating the program, noting its importance to Minnesota’s solar industry and the broader clean energy transition. The author moved HF 3556 to the general register, and the committee proceeded to testimony. Testifiers from the Public Utilities Commission, Department of Commerce, solar industry groups, clean energy organizations, and community solar advocates all supported the bill. They credited Hortman with authoring and advancing the 2013 legislation that created Minnesota’s community solar program and said it became a national model that expanded access to solar for renters, lower-income households, and others who could not install rooftop systems. Several witnesses highlighted the program’s growth, including more than 1 gigawatt of approved projects, strong participation by low- and moderate-income subscribers, and job creation and private investment in Minnesota. Witnesses also emphasized Hortman’s personal leadership style, describing her as prepared, persuasive, collaborative, and deeply committed to clean energy and public service. Some recounted personal interactions with her and said the name change would preserve her legacy and ensure future Minnesotans remember her impact. No vote on the bill itself was taken during the testimony shown, beyond the motion to send HF 3556 to the general register.

Transcript Highlights:

• cycle that makes nuclear fuel.
• The fuel has been fabricated. We should be receiving fuel... The fuel has been fabricated.
• start seeing the fuel melt.
• It's basically how the fuels have been manufactured and how the fuel and moderator have been transformed
• as used fuel.

Keywords: 908, all