Video & Transcript Research : 'forest conservation'
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NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation - 04/21/2026
Environmental Conservation
Transcript Highlights:
- New York State Senator Pete Harckham, Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation
- Our first bill, S. 5440A by Senator Liu, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law in relation
- Our next bill is S. 6833A by Senator Harckham, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law in
- Our next bill, S. 9294 by Senator Kavanagh, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law in relation
- An act directing the Department of Environmental Conservation to conduct a study on ecological restoration
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation, chaired by Senator Pete Harckham, met earlier than scheduled because of budget-related scheduling conflicts. The committee considered a 10-bill active list focused on environmental regulation, waterways, wildlife management, and remediation issues. Bills included a ban on lead in aviation gasoline (S.5440A), changes to air quality permit modification and enforcement procedures (S.6833A), adding waterways in Monroe and Putnam counties to the inland waterways definition (S.9062 and S.9506), an urban deer management pilot program extension (S.9098), expanded technical assistance grants and brownfield remediation provisions (S.9294), a DEC study on Jamaica Bay restoration needs (S.9311), repair of damaged pesticide containers (S.9587), and a prohibition on using drilling fluids, brine, and flowback water on highways (S.9635).
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 10th, 2026 at 07:02 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Back up here a little bit: House Bill 80 returns the proceeds of the conservation tax to conservation
- The conservation tax to conservation and reclamation activities as it was originally legislated and intended
- The conservation tax initially went to what was called the conservation or regulatory fund.
- fund was abolished, and the majority of the conservation tax was diverted to the general fund.
- The conservation fund was abolished, and the majority of the conservation tax was diverted to the general
Keywords:
child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool, pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Children's Code, early childhood education and care department, ECECD, child care facilities, licensed child care, registered child care, copayments, waitlist, subsidy, federal poverty level
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on SB 564 (05/26/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- suggestions that was thought to be made, specifically carve-outs to wetland buffers or areas of conservation
- But what we did put in here by that carve-out of the conservation subdivision, this would give time for
- So, where it conservation subdivision.
- The municipalities have some time to turn into a conservation subdivision, but they don't put a poison
- Conserved. So it sounds good. >> Okay. All right. Anything further? No? No? No? All right.
Summary:
The committee considered Senate Bill 564 and discussed two related amendments, which were ultimately combined. The main amendment would create carve-outs for wetland buffers and conservation subdivisions, allowing certain facilities or utilities to proceed by conditional use permit or special exception while still requiring site plan review and DES permitting. Supporters said the change would open up developable land and provide a path forward for housing development without an automatic denial.
Members also focused on the effective date. The amendment was revised to take effect March 1, 2027, to give municipalities time to update ordinances and, if desired, designate conservation subdivisions. To prevent towns from undermining the bill before it takes effect, a second amendment was added stating that municipalities may not impose additional building or lot-size restrictions on affected properties before the effective date. Senators said this would avoid a “poison pill” response such as increasing minimum lot sizes.
After brief discussion, members agreed the amendments were consistent with the bill’s housing and conservation balance. The committee voted unanimously to adopt the combined amendments, agreed to place the bill on consent, and then adjourned.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- But that's pretty conservative, isn't it?
- Why are we funding this from a conservation fund?
- Conservation and MoDOT obviously used GIS data pretty extensively.
- being used for conservation purposes, which is what the Constitution says.
- And are we getting permission from conservation department or...
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Jan 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And hopefully, if we do this in a timely manner, Coastal Conservancy and the Wildlife Conservation Board
- And hopefully if we do this in a timely manner, Coastal Conservancy and the Wildlife Conservation Board
- , ...forward, and hopefully if we do this in a timely manner, Coastal Conservancy and the Wildlife Conservation
- Districts, Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, the Wildlands Conservancy, Peninsula Open Space
- , Sustainable Conservation, and I was asked to register support for the Nature Conservancy.
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on January 22, 2026, for its regular order hearing and suspense-file hearing. In regular order, the committee approved consent-calendar bills AB 683, AB 763, AB 1126, and AB 1278 on unanimous due-pass motions, and AB 34 and AB 442 on a second unanimous due-pass motion. The committee then heard and advanced several bills, including AB 35, which would create an APA exemption for Proposition 4-funded programs to speed implementation of water, wildfire, energy-storage, and grid-support projects; AB 748, establishing pre-approved housing programs for local agencies; AB 939, allowing immediate transfer of certain affordable homeownership units to qualified nonprofit housing organizations; AB 643, adding a narrow organic-waste-derived agricultural fertilizer product to SB 1383 procurement options; and AB 96, removing the high school diploma requirement for certified Medi-Cal peer support specialists. Testimony on these bills was largely supportive, with sponsors and coalition representatives emphasizing reduced delays, lower costs, and improved housing, environmental, or behavioral-health outcomes. The Department of Finance offered general budget comments but no bill-specific positions. The committee voted the bills out, with AB 643 and AB 96 receiving no recorded opposition in the transcript and AB 939 passing with some members noting support and interest in coauthoring.
The committee also received a presentation-only discussion of AB 1091, a proposal to authorize eight-letter specialty license plates, which the author said could generate revenue for rural programs such as the Williamson Act; the bill was not acted on at that time. After public comment, the committee moved to the suspense-file hearing on 53 bills. Using a substituted motion for due-pass and due-pass-with-amendments items, the committee held some bills and advanced many others, often with amendments that narrowed scope, deleted provisions, or required reports or studies. Bills held in committee included AB 405, AB 298, AB 333, AB 296, AB 1091, AB 1241, and AB 577, among others. The committee reported moving 43 bills to the Assembly floor, with several on A roll calls and others on B roll calls or with amendments, and noted that amendment language would be posted later online.
VA
Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Commission on Updating Virginia Law to Reflect Federal Recognition of Virginia Tribes Jun 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And the first thing we have on the agenda is to conservation easements.
- So we do know, I mean, one of the recommendations here is to work with the conservation community in
- We’re already in the practice of conservation.
- Chair, we have the Indigenous Conservation Council as well that we can consult with.
- I work with the Indigenous Conservation Council as their sovereignty specialist.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Rural Issues Jan 14th, 2026
Special Committee on Rural Issues
Transcript Highlights:
- These 10 lessons cover soybeans, corn, Missouri as a diverse crop state, soil and water conservation,
- So this isn't stopping the conservation from catching anyone.
- But he can give the conservation department right to enter your land without a search warrant.
- This isn't going to affect the conservation land. This isn't going to affect the conservation land.
- We're all focusing on conservation land.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Environment and Natural Resources Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, we're going to take up tab number four, SB 546 on conservation lands by Vice Chair Mayfield.
- Senate Bill 546 improves public transparency in decisions to dispose of state-owned conservation land
- Leslie Reed, waiving in support on behalf of Conservation Florida. Thank you for being here.
- It's when the state consider selling or trading away land that was set aside for conservation.
- It's when the state consider selling or trading away land that was set aside for conservation.
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and approved several bills. SB 636 by Sen. Leek would create additional pathways for counties and municipalities to obtain critically eroded beach or area of critical state concern designations, with the sponsor and supporters describing it as a forward-looking beach management approach that could improve access to state and federal funding. Questions focused on whether the bill imposed an unfunded mandate and how it would affect existing designations; the sponsor said it was voluntary and not retroactive. Pepper Uchino of the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association supported the proactive concept but stressed that funding remains the central issue. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee also considered CS/SB 544 by Sen. Truenow, which transfers the Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification Program from DEP to FDACS. The sponsor said the move would improve continuity and encourage more golf courses to enroll in BMPs, while maintaining existing environmental requirements and enforcement through DEP if problems arise. Senator Smith and an opponent from the Florida Springs Council questioned whether golf courses are truly agricultural and raised concerns about water quality protections and possible tax or land-use implications; supporters from the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association said the bill does not change taxation or existing nutrient reporting requirements. After a technical amendment, the bill was reported favorably, with Senator Smith voting no.
CS/SB 848 by Sen. Truenow, dealing with stormwater treatment and water quality enhancement areas, was also amended and reported favorably. The sponsor said the bill clarifies the difference between permanent, secured water quality credits and stormwater allocations, and the amendment would allow WQEAs to address new stormwater rule requirements until rulemaking is complete and make public-land reviews forward-looking only. A representative of Resource Environmental Solutions supported the measure and said it would help create a reliable market for water quality credits. The committee then approved CS/SB 546 by Vice Chair Mayfield, which strengthens public notice requirements for the sale or exchange of state conservation lands and extends similar notice requirements to water management districts; conservation groups and Sen. Smith supported the bill as a transparency measure. Finally, DEP presented its State Park Amenities Report, estimating nearly $759 million in repair and maintenance needs over 10 years and $1.39 billion in contemplated new construction and development across the state park system. The committee took no further action and adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/02/2026 - Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Elder Abuse
Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Elder Abuse
Transcript Highlights:
- Then a conservator was appointed: East Valley Fiduciary Services, in December.
- William May Clark, during this time, was always representing the conservators.
- Sir, so you said something that they did appoint your wife as a conservator.
- At this point, I was still guardian and conservator.
- The only thing the conservator... Just a moment, Susan.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (02/03/2026)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- placing it under conservation easement. placing it under conservation easement.
- funds to acquire land for conservation funds to acquire land for conservation and<02:19:12.319><
- conservation come from the municipality. conservation come from the municipality.
- commissions as well as conservation commissions as well as elected<02:23:01.600>
conservation - <02:23:03.520>
Um elected conservation commissions. Um elected conservation commissions.
Summary:
The committee convened for a day of public hearings on nine bills, with plans to later execute several early bills and possibly additional measures under House Rule 44. Chair Diane Pauer outlined time limits for sponsors and testimony, announced a lunch break around noon, and noted substitute members would be arriving later. The first hearing was on House Bill 1107, which would allow municipal budget committees to have one to three alternate members. Representative Valon, the prime sponsor, said the bill was intended to help towns like Epping deal with quorum problems during the compressed budget season and noted that alternates are common on other local boards. The New Hampshire Municipal Association testified in support, saying the bill would increase flexibility and help fill seats. Committee members raised concerns about whether alternates should be elected, how they would be selected, whether they would be sufficiently informed to vote, and whether the bill’s one-year term language and rescission provisions were clear. The sponsor and NHMA said the process would be consistent with other local boards, that alternates would typically be appointed after elections, and that they would follow up on possible statutory clarification. The hearing closed with six remote supporters, one paper supporter, and no opposition reported.
The committee then heard House Bill 1118, sponsored by Representative Colby, which would raise the daily amount municipal employees may hold before remitting funds to the treasurer from the current $1,500 limit to $3,500. Colby said the existing thresholds are outdated, have not been updated in about 20 years, and create burdens for smaller towns that must make frequent bank deposits, sometimes far from town offices. She said the bill would improve efficiency and allow staff to focus more on serving residents, while still allowing municipalities to keep lower limits if they choose. Members asked about how the remittance process works in practice, what amounts municipalities typically collect, and whether the change reflected a broader trend of updating cash-handling thresholds. The sponsor explained that the bill only changes the dollar thresholds in the relevant statutes and does not require municipalities to adopt the higher limit. The transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1118 is reported.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Jun 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- He was presiding over the Oil Conservation Commission. He sends his regrets.
- That's what the statute said when the oil conservation tax was passed.
- After the oil conservation tax was created in 1959. Mr.
- It's a conservation tax. Representative: OK. And Mr.
- The revenue went originally to the Oil Conservation Fund, which was used by the Oil Conservation Commission
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Natural Resources & Energy Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- Conservation practices on lands engaged in programs through USDA, USDOI, DDA, Conservation District,
- My name is Emily Neurl, and I'm representing The Nature Conservancy.
- My name is Keith Fisher, and I'm conservation director for The Nature Conservancy in Delaware and Pennsylvania
- Some wetlands have a higher conservation value when compared to others.
- Kristen Travers, Director of Conservation, Delaware Nature Society.
Bills:
SB9
Keywords:
wetlands protection, nontidal wetlands, Delaware, environmental sustainability, climate change, carbon sink, permitting process
Summary:
The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met and first considered SB 321 with Senate Amendment 1, the community solar utility billing bill. The sponsor explained that it would consolidate the two-bill system for community solar subscribers into one utility bill, with the utility forwarding the subscriber fee to the solar facility through an escrow mechanism so costs are not shifted to other ratepayers. Testimony from the solar industry, the Public Advocate, and environmental advocates supported the measure, emphasizing easier enrollment, fewer barriers for low-income customers, and guaranteed savings. The committee initially lacked enough members present to release the bill, but after a roll call vote it was released from committee.
The committee then heard SB 9 with Senate Amendment 1, a wetlands protection bill creating a state non-tidal freshwater wetlands permitting program. The sponsor and DNREC described a framework of exemptions, general permits, and individual permits based on wetland type and value, with an advisory committee to develop regulations. Witnesses explained that “exceptional value” wetlands would include unique wetland communities and high-functioning wetlands, and that the bill was intended to preserve important habitat while allowing farming, drainage, and other exempt activities to continue. Some members raised concerns about flooding, land classification, and the balance of the advisory committee, while supporters said the bill was the product of broad stakeholder consensus and would protect wetlands without unduly harming agriculture or development.
Public comment on SB 9 was strongly supportive from environmental groups, the Delaware Native Species Commission, the Home Builders Association, the Farm Bureau, The Nature Conservancy, and affordable housing advocates, who said the bill balanced conservation with practical land use concerns. After remote testimony, the committee took a roll call vote and SB 9 was released from committee. The meeting concluded with remarks thanking the chair for her service and instructions for members to sign the backers before adjournment.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Natural Resources & Energy Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm representing The Nature Conservancy.
- My name is Keith Fisher, and I'm Conservation Director for The Nature Conservancy in Delaware and Pennsylvania
- Some wetlands have a higher conservation value when compared to others.
- Some wetlands have a higher conservation value when compared to others.
- Kristen Travers, Director of Conservation, Delaware Nature Society.
Bills:
SB9
Keywords:
wetlands protection, nontidal wetlands, Delaware, environmental sustainability, climate change, carbon sink, permitting process
Summary:
The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met to consider two Senate bills. SB 321, with Senate Amendment 1, would change community solar billing so subscribers receive one consolidated utility bill instead of separate bills from the utility and the solar provider. Supporters said the bill would simplify enrollment and payment, improve customer retention—especially for low-income customers—and include safeguards such as guaranteed savings and an escrow mechanism to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers. After public testimony from solar developers, the Public Advocate, the Sierra Club, and others, the committee initially lacked enough members present to release the bill, so the vote was circulated to absent members and the bill was later reported out for floor action.
The committee then heard SB 9, with Senate Amendment 1, a long-negotiated wetlands protection bill. The sponsor and DNREC explained that it would create a state non-tidal wetlands program with exemptions for certain agricultural, conservation, and routine activities, general permits for some lower-impact projects, and individual permits for higher-value wetlands. Witnesses described the bill as a compromise among environmental, agricultural, development, and local government stakeholders, while some members raised questions about flooding, landowner impacts, wetland delineation, and the role of the regulatory advisory committee. Public testimony was broadly supportive from environmental groups, the Farm Bureau, builders, engineers, and affordable housing advocates. The committee then voted to release SB 9 from committee.
At the end of the meeting, members offered thanks and remarks recognizing the chair’s service and leadership on environmental and energy issues. Both bills were ultimately released from committee and reported out.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Next is the water conservation grant fund, which is exactly like it sounds.
- Next is the water conservation grant fund, which is exactly like it sounds.
- And by and large, Even conservation is eligible for the water supply development revolving fund.
- So next, let's talk about water conservation.
- We fund the ones that are having the most conservation impact on our state.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 052 Mar 7th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, please stand here to my left.
- On this zoo day, Colorado's oldest wildlife conservation organization, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
- Nearly 36,000 students conservation.
- >
learning participate in conservation learning participate in conservation learning activities - :46.640>
reminds Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance reminds Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance reminds
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- As you might have noticed in the FIR, it states that the agency already conserves and manages a broad
- Hill, registered lobbyist for the New Mexico Soil and Water Conservation Commission, or Conservation
- That is the Association of Soil and Water Conservation District, Animal Protection Voters New Mexico,
- Audubon Southwest, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Common Cause Conservation Voters New Mexico, and
- Districts, New Mexico Wild, New Mexico Wildlife Federation, Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project, San
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Other conservation operations have determined that this is acceptable, given our own conservation work
- Having a conservator look at it is in line with those recommendations.
- Having a conservator look at it is in line with those recommendations.
- I'm the Director of Conservation with the Texas Wildlife Association.
- We are also adding a second conservation lab for our archival material.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Committee on Water Supply During Drought Jun 11th, 2025
Joint Legislative Committee on Water Supply During Drought
Transcript Highlights:
- We've spent over 2.5 million in sealant for conservation purposes.
- To conserve water and move water around. Next slide.
- So there’s been a tremendous amount of on-farm conservation occurring. And next slide, please.
- So it’s actually doing both under the theme of the integrated plan, and the conservation measures...”
- And it's a major—just having the information is a major conservation benefit.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Water Supply During Drought opened its 2025 meeting by electing new leadership. After brief discussion of the committee’s membership and the usual practice of alternating leadership between chambers and parties, members unanimously elected Senator Ron Mazzal as chair and Representative Christine Reeves as vice chair. The outgoing chair, Representative Ybarra, continued presiding for the remainder of the meeting at Senator Mazzal’s request.
The committee then heard a presentation from Sage Park of the Rosa Irrigation District on the severe 2025 water year. Park said Rosa is facing very low reservoir levels, declining water supply forecasts, and an earlier-than-planned end to the irrigation season. She described the district’s conservation and drought response measures, including canal shutdowns, pump-backs, leased water, on-farm fallowing and water pooling, emergency well permits, and long-term investments in piping, sealant, drip irrigation, and storage. Park also urged continued emergency drought funding, more efficient state lease funding processes, and support for water releases that benefit fish during drought conditions.
Urban Eberhard then presented on the Kittitas Reclamation District and the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan. He described widespread on-farm conservation, reduced acre allocations, early shutoffs expected in late summer, and ongoing infrastructure work such as piping, lining, telemetry, and the Springwood reservoir project. He emphasized that these projects are intended to improve water delivery, support fish flows, and provide future storage, including possible hydroelectric generation as part of feasibility work. In response to a question, he said the districts are monitoring aquifer impacts from canal lining and are working on managed aquifer recharge to direct conserved water to beneficial groundwater areas. No additional votes or formal actions were taken after the leadership elections.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (02/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Certainly, that's a matter of us being conservative, honestly.
- way more conservative than their estimates than you are.
- Being conservative, honestly.
- way more conservative than their estimates than you are.
- It's not my most comfortable subject in... conservative that does not address the conservative that does
Summary:
The committee heard a budget presentation from New Hampshire Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre and CFO Jim Durus. McIntyre said the Lottery has more than tripled its return to the Education Trust Fund since 2011, from $62 million to $207 million in FY 24, while keeping expenses relatively flat over time. He explained that the Lottery operates like a business, is heavily audited, and that the governor’s budget raises the FY 26-27 revenue estimate to $185 million, up about $12 million annually from prior estimates. He attributed FY 24’s unusually strong results to record Powerball sales driven by a spike in billion-dollar jackpots tied to higher interest rates, and said scratch tickets still make up most gross sales, though Powerball is the highest-margin product.
Members questioned the Lottery about the difference between gross revenue and profit, the steep rise in operating expenses, and the reasons for requested budget increases. McIntyre said the main drivers were payroll, benefits, advertising, added regulatory responsibilities from expanded gaming, and a new Salesforce customer-tracking system. He also described requested capital needs, including an outdated security system, building access and ADA improvements, and upgrades to the front office for employee safety. He said the security system is still running on an old Windows 7-based setup and that the requested upgrade would modernize cameras and add redundancy.
The discussion also covered staffing and gaming expansion. McIntyre said the Lottery has 84 employees including three commissioners, with 13 funded vacancies, and that it plans to fill positions as two new gaming rooms come online in Rochester and Derry. He said the Lottery’s revenue estimates were revised upward because sports betting in Massachusetts had less impact than expected and historic horse racing machines have been more profitable than forecast. He also explained the governor’s proposal to shift historic horse racing toward slot-style machines, saying the physical machines would look largely the same but the content and math would change, and that the state’s revenue share would increase under the proposal. No votes were taken; the committee mainly asked questions and received explanations about the Lottery’s budget and revenue assumptions.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/24/26
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:31:50.080>
district uh soil and water conservation district uh soil and water conservation - soil and water conservation districts.
- <00:36:13.520>
Districts of Soil and Water Conservation Districts of Soil and Water Conservation - ><00:38:02.960>
Conservation <00:38:03.760>Service Natural Resources Conservation Service - <00:41:00.360>
The and water conservation district. The and water conservation district.