Transcript Highlights:

• Survey A Discovery 95,95,56 Geological Survey A Discovery and Development of Mineral Energy and and
• and Water Resources Geologic Research and Water Resources Geologic Research and Topographic Mapping
• survey of geologist of the geological survey of geologist of the geological survey of Alabama acting
• research and topographic geologic research and topographic geologic research and topographic mapping
• Survey 5,27542 Geological Survey 5,27542 Geological Survey 18,08743 Governor's Mansion Authority 18,08743

Bills: SJR 59, SCR 30, SCR 46, SB 31, SB 127, SB 324, SB 401, SB 407, SB 467, SB 482, SB 506, SB 529, SB 584, SB 619, SB 636, SB 646, SB 647, SB 659, SB 715, SB 732, SB 735, SB 771, SB 784, SB 800, SB 801, SB 816, SB 1013, SB 1026, SB 1049, SB 1055, SB 1065, SB 1137, SB 1169, SB 1181, SB 1383, SB 1395, SB 1410, SB 1433, SB 1524, SB 1531, SB 1568, SB 1640, SB 1666, SB 1681, SB 1718, SB 1754, SB 1757, SB 1972, SB 1980, SB 2004, SB 2007, SB 2041, SB 2046, SB 2050, SB 2075, SB 2076, SB 2154, SB 2173, SB 2206, SB 2225, SB 2253, SB 2268, SB 2306, SB 2308, SB 2314, SB 2322, SB 2330, SB 2351, SB 2366, SB 2371, SB 2392, SB 2398, SB 2476, SB 2533, SB 2540, SB 2544, SB 2589, SB 2610, SB 2623, SB 2660, SB 2662, SB 2693, SB 2707, SB 2717, SB 2722, SB 2742, SB 2753, SB 2779, SB 2807, SB 2843, SB 2844, SB 2858, SB 2877, SB 2880, SB 2885, SB 2920, SB 2938, SB 2986, HJR 4, HCR 35, SJR 3, SJR 18, SB 5, SB 260, SB 1786, SB 914, SB 963, SB 1197, SB 1415, SB 1437, SJR 36, SJR 50, SJR 63, SJR 84, SJR 59, SCR 12, SCR 39, SCR 46, SCR 48, SCR 19, SCR 30, SCR 3, SB 2023, SB 1433, SB 2322, SB 2877, SB 407, SB 1718, SB 1395, SB 62, SB 666, SB 847, SB 284, SB 854, SB 1073, SB 810, SB 1505, SB 583, SB 1502, SB 507, SB 1026, SB 1434, SB 1376, SB 1585, SB 1772, SB 2016, SB 1163, SB 619, SB 1122, SB 732, SB 731, SB 397, SB 508, SB 1436, SB 287, SB 261, SB 1882, SB 393, SB 1791, SB 529, SB 209, SB 2429, SB 1999, SB 511, SB 2309, SB 510, SB 2253, SB 584, SB 1085, SB 2314, SB 2046, SB 1975, SB 2717, SB 1262, SB 1524, SB 1137, SB 636, SB 2056, SB 884, SB 517, SB 1200, SB 1410, SB 1845, SB 1863, SB 2681, SB 2200, SB 2199, SB 1757, SB 2050, SB 2458, SB 2201, SB 1055, SB 2660, SB 2662, SB 1065, SB 801, SB 2533, SB 3014, SB 3013, SB 758, SB 647, SB 1721, SB 2268, SB 2366, SB 1013, SB 2797, SB 2371, SB 2383, SB 646, SB 1169, SB 1754, SB 2779, SB 2004, SB 2119, SB 2448, SB 1777, SB 1283, SB 2392, SB 2076, SB 2786, SB 2876, SB 2284, SB 2225, SB 1540, SB 2920, SB 2929, SB 1972, SB 2540, SB 2742, SB 2595, SB 2217, SB 715, SB 2330, SB 1383, SB 500, SB 1640, SB 2001, SB 2080, SB 2722, SB 506, SB 2514, SB 2623, SB 2753, SB 2398, SB 1241, SB 2927, SB 2173, SB 2538, SB 898, SB 467, SB 1449, SB 2529, SB 1531, SB 2846, SB 2476, SB 986, SB 1181, SB 2075, SB 2154, SB 2864, SB 31, SB 2880, SB 1359, SB 2386, SB 771, SB 2844, SB 2550, SB 1351, SB 1423, SB 1931, SB 2245, SB 2589, SB 2707, SB 2807, SB 2351, SB 410, SB 659, SB 816, SB 2776, SB 2693, SB 2580, SB 1980, SB 1886, SB 1234, SB 739, SB 482, SB 456, SB 127, SB 1666, SB 2843, SB 2801, SB 800, SB 2055, SB 784, SB 2986, SB 735, SB 1012, SB 324, SB 2926, SB 2938, SB 2007, SB 2138, SB 1242, SB 2615, SB 1049, SB 2310, SB 1224, SB 2972, SB 1568, SB 2841, SB 2885, SB 3016, SB 2858, SB 2610, SB 2139, SB 1856, SB 2035, SB 2308, SB 2306, SB 2041, SB 1528, SB 1681, SB 1141, SB 2401, SB 2530, SB 2375, SB 547, SB 1266, SB 1373, SB 1467, SB 2069, SB 2269, SB 2480, SB 2544, SB 672, SB 904, SB 2695, SB 2891, SB 2422, SB 2543, SB 1854, SB 317, SB 2539, SB 2532, SB 2925, SB 1250, SB 2082, SB 2203, SB 457, SB 2357, HJR 4, HB 135, HB 1109, HCR 35, HCR 64, SB 2721, SB 243, SB 1285, SB 2568, SB 1959, SB 1442, SB 1454, SB 2520, SB 2541, SB 1708, SB 1237, SB 1844, SB 1586, SB 1, SB 260, SB 31, SB 467, SB 482, SB 647, SB 732, SB 816, SB 1055, SB 1137, SB 1169, SB 2004, SB 2253, SB 2268, SB 2314, SB 2351, SB 2371, SB 2623, SB 2722, SB 2779, SB 2920, HJR 4, SB 407, SB 1395, SB 1433, SB 1718, SB 2322, SB 2877, SB 619, SB 646, SB 1026, SB 2742, SB 2880, SR 443, SR 449, SR 456, SR 460, SR 465, SCR 46, SB 260, SB 3062, HJR 8, HJR 31, HJR 72, HJR 99, HJR 133, HB 29, HB 33, HB 50, HB 107, HB 116, HB 125, HB 140, HB 141, HB 155, HB 171, HB 227, HB 255, HB 363, HB 368, HB 491, HB 609, HB 630, HB 745, HB 767, HB 913, HB 917, HB 1135, HB 1188, HB 1238, HB 1242, HB 1261, HB 1318, HB 1404, HB 1495, HB 1507, HB 1606, HB 1708, HB 1748, HB 1851, HB 1922, HB 2002, HB 2003, HB 2198, HB 2355, HB 2358, HB 2415, HB 2457, HB 2495, HB 2546, HB 2637, HB 2763, HB 2765, HB 2798, HB 2818, HB 3228, HB 3307, HB 4116, HCR 29, SB 1410, SB 3062, HJR 8, HJR 31, HJR 72, HJR 99, HJR 133, HB 29, HB 33, HB 50, HB 107, HB 116, HB 125, HB 140, HB 141, HB 155, HB 171, HB 227, HB 255, HB 363, HB 368, HB 491, HB 609, HB 630, HB 745, HB 767, HB 913, HB 917, HB 1135, HB 1188, HB 1238, HB 1242, HB 1261, HB 1318, HB 1404, HB 1495, HB 1507, HB 1606, HB 1708, HB 1748, HB 1851, HB 1922, HB 2002, HB 2003, HB 2198, HB 2355, HB 2358, HB 2415, HB 2457, HB 2495, HB 2546, HB 2637, HB 2763, HB 2765, HB 2798, HB 2818, HB 3228, HB 3307, HB 4116, HCR 29, SB 1410

Keywords: education funding, Texas State Technical College System, capital projects, infrastructure, higher education, Birding Capital, Matagorda County, wildlife, conservation, Texas Legislature, Texas beef, cattle industry, agricultural heritage, Texas strip steak, economic growth, SB 31, Life of the Mother Act, Texas abortion law, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment

Transcript Highlights:

• Geological Survey. Agreement with the U.S.
• Geological Survey, and we received federal funding to support water flow measurements associated with

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard budget presentations from the Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest Florida, and South Florida water management districts for FY 2026-2027. Each district described its preliminary budget, major funding sources, staffing levels, and priorities within the four core missions of water supply, water quality, natural systems, and flood protection. Common themes included reduced budgets from the prior year due to completion of major projects, continued reliance on state appropriations and ad valorem revenue, rising construction and maintenance costs, and the need to maintain aging infrastructure while advancing alternative water supply, springs restoration, flood control, and land management projects. Committee members repeatedly asked how much of each district’s budget and personnel were devoted to the core missions, how maintenance and operating projections were developed, and how projects were selected. The districts generally said most spending was tied to core responsibilities, with administrative overhead relatively small, and explained that budgets are built through a mix of staff analysis, governing board direction, strategic basin planning, and cooperative funding with local, state, and federal partners. Several districts highlighted specific projects, including Water First North Florida, Black Creek, Taylor Creek Reservoir improvements, Crane Creek, Everglades restoration, and various springs and watershed projects. The districts also noted challenges from hurricanes, inflation, cybersecurity, and aging water control structures. South Florida Water Management District’s presentation focused on Everglades restoration and the large-scale infrastructure needed to move, store, and clean water in South Florida. The director said the district’s $1.05 billion preliminary budget is largely for flood control, water supply, ecosystem restoration, and maintenance of extensive canals, levees, pumps, and reservoirs, and emphasized that recent restoration investments are producing measurable water quality and salinity improvements. No votes were taken on the district budgets, and the committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• For instance, CDFA intends to provide funding set aside for soil health and carbon sequestration through
• Trinity Headwaters for the protection of upper watershed and ecosystem services and long-term carbon sequestration

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee heard the administration’s spending plan for Proposition 4’s climate smart agriculture and biodiversity chapters, along with related trailer bill language. CDFA outlined proposed funding for existing programs such as SWEEP, Healthy Soils, Urban Agriculture, and invasive species work, plus new or phased-in programs including year-round and mobile farmers’ markets, tribal food sovereignty, and regional farm equipment sharing. The Department of Conservation described funding for the California Farmland Conservancy Program and Working Lands and Riparian Corridors Program, while the Department of Finance and LAO discussed pending allocations and generally found the overall approach reasonable, though LAO suggested the Legislature may want more statutory guidance and reporting, especially for new programs. Members focused on implementation details, equity, and accountability. Questions covered how programs would serve vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, whether new solicitations would be reopened for previously oversubscribed grants, how outcomes are tracked, and how to structure guidance for new programs such as farm equipment sharing. The chair emphasized that the Legislature wants clearer direction on program design and noted that AB 2313 should guide implementation of the regional farm equipment sharing allocation. The committee also discussed the administration’s request to directly appropriate bond funds to departments and to exempt bond program guidelines from the Administrative Procedures Act; LAO supported the APA exemption with possible legislative guardrails for public notice and comment. The committee then heard on the farm-to-school proposal, with CDFA requesting $24.9 million General Fund for incubator grants, technical assistance, and network support. CDFA said the program has reached nearly half of California schoolchildren and has shown strong demand and positive evaluation results. LAO supported the core program but recommended rejecting the $3 million technical assistance component as too broad and suggested the Legislature consider using Proposition 98 for some of the funding. Members debated that point, with some expressing concern about using General Fund dollars for a new discretionary request during a tight budget year. The biodiversity and nature-based solutions chapter included funding for the Wildlife Conservation Board, state conservancies, and tribal nature-based solutions. WCB described major recent investments and proposed projects tied to 30 by 30, habitat restoration, tribal partnerships, and public access. Members raised concerns about long-term stewardship, the size of the WCB allocation, and whether the Legislature should receive more detail on how funds will be distributed. The committee also heard requests for Bolsa Chica wetlands maintenance and Rincon Island decommissioning funding from the State Lands Commission, with members questioning long-term liability, remediation costs, and the role of private oil operators. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with public comment from stakeholders largely supporting the APA exemption, farm-to-school funding, biodiversity investments, and related conservation programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 881 will enable carbon capture and sequestration technologies to help advance California's climate
• So carbon capture and sequestration technologies, as many of you may know, come in many different forms
• Aside from providing flood control, carbon sequestration, and groundwater recharge, the range supplies

Summary: The committee heard several climate, environmental, and housing bills. AB 1425, dealing with pit dewatering near the San Joaquin River Parkway, drew extensive testimony. The author and supporters argued the bill was needed to protect the river, groundwater, floodplain conditions, tribal and cultural resources, and public access from a proposed mining project near the river. Opponents, including Cemex, labor representatives, and industry groups, said the bill would bypass the CEQA process before it was complete, threaten jobs, and create uncertainty for an existing operation. Members questioned both sides about hydrology, blasting, dewatering, and the adequacy of the ongoing environmental review. The bill was moved, but several members expressed concern about preempting CEQA and some did not vote or voted no. AB 881, which would allow California to move forward with carbon capture and sequestration pipelines, was presented as a way to advance state climate goals and capture federal funding. Supporters, including SMUD, labor, and industry groups, said the bill would help deploy carbon capture safely and preserve jobs. Environmental justice opponents supported stronger safety direction and warned that CO2 pipelines pose serious risks and that the state should not move ahead without clearer standards. The bill received a due-pass recommendation to Appropriations. AB 1207, on the cap-and-trade allowance price ceiling and the social cost of carbon, was presented as a science-based update to California’s climate policy. The author and EDF said the bill would keep the program aligned with current economic and climate data and protect it from federal political interference. It received broad support and a due-pass recommendation. AB 1106, creating a coordinated network of air quality incident response centers, was also approved after testimony about wildfire smoke, toxic emissions, and the need for better real-time monitoring during disasters. AB 28, the Landfill Fire Safety Act, focused on the Chiquita Canyon landfill fire and related health impacts in Castaic and Val Verde; residents described serious illnesses and contamination concerns, while landfill and county representatives warned about costs and asked for more study. The committee nonetheless advanced the bill with a due-pass recommendation. The committee also heard AB 357, which would speed Coastal Commission review of student and faculty housing projects, with supporters citing student homelessness and opponents urging caution but acknowledging the need for more housing; the bill was presented and discussed, with the committee emphasizing the need to balance housing production and coastal oversight.

Transcript Highlights:

• Geological Survey—sorry, the USGS—who provides the information for the rural areas of Arizona where we
• State General Fund in fiscal year 2027 to the University of Arizona for distribution to the Arizona Geological
• desks, two handouts dealing with minerals used in various forms of generation and also the Arizona Geological
• As you know, I'm a strong proponent of our miners and our geologically wonderful state.

Bills: HB2042, HB2052, HB2055, HB2056, HB2094, HB2098, HB2185, HB2328, HB2758, HB2798

Keywords: solar radiation management, environment, prohibition, Arizona Revised Statutes, public health, complaint process, Attorney General, groundwater management, water conservation, irrigation, water supply, brackish groundwater, water supply development, desalination, water infrastructure, financial assistance, environmental reviews, brackish water, groundwater, water resources

Summary: The committee first received an update from Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzky on Colorado River negotiations and post-2026 operating rules. He described the legal framework governing Arizona’s allocation, argued that Arizona and the lower basin have already made substantial conservation cuts, and said the upper basin is pressing positions Arizona views as inconsistent with prior Supreme Court rulings. He emphasized the need to move water from upstream reservoirs to Lake Mead, warned of continued shortage risk, and said the state is seeking an equitable deal through ongoing federal and interstate negotiations. Members asked about outside water use, tourism and recreation impacts, and tribal water rights, including the Navajo-Hopi-San Juan Southern Paiute settlement. Buschatzky said the state’s delegation and bipartisan support have been helpful and urged continued public and legislative backing. The committee then heard House Bill 2758, which would expand McMullen Valley groundwater transportation authority and add related requirements and guardrails, including an amendment increasing the La Paz County transportation cap from 10% to 50% of the annual volume and adding conditions for sales or leases from historically irrigated acres. Supporters, including bill sponsor advocates, the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, and the Home Builders Association, said the bill would create a lawful, regulated transfer option similar to the Harquahala model, support housing growth, and include oversight through hydrologic studies, pumping limits, and monthly reporting to ADWR. Opponents, including La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin’s statement, local residents, Sierra Club, and rural advocates, argued the bill would accelerate aquifer depletion, harm private wells and subsidence conditions, and benefit a New York hedge fund at the expense of rural communities. After debate, the committee adopted the Griffin amendment and then passed HB 2758 as amended on a 6-4 due-pass vote. The committee next took up House Bill 2098, which would modify bonding authority and public hearing notice requirements for county water augmentation authorities and allow local repayment agreements with WIFA. Pinal County Supervisor Stephen Miller and other supporters said the bill would clean up statutory language so the Pinal County Water Augmentation Authority can finance future water augmentation and infrastructure projects, including potential Bartlett Dam-related work, and better prepare for future Colorado River uncertainty. The Home Builders Association also supported the bill, saying it included proportionality protections for private utility water charges. The bill was moved for a due-pass recommendation and the committee proceeded to a roll call vote, with the transcript ending before the final vote result was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thousands gather every summer for Agate Days in Moose Lake and to visit the Moose Lake Agate and Geological
• Lake and to visit the Moose Lake Agate Lake and to visit the Moose Lake Agate and<00:21:53.960> Geological
• <00:21:54.640> Interpretive<00:21:55.240> Center<00:21:55.520> in And Geological

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Geological Survey, USGS.
• Geological Survey, they're the entity that operates and maintains the gauges.

Summary: The House Committee on Natural Resources met to focus on flooding issues across Texas, with particular attention to South Texas and the recent catastrophic flooding in Central Texas. Chair Harris and Vice Chair Martinez emphasized that flooding is a statewide problem requiring continued legislative attention. The committee heard invited testimony from Hidalgo County Commissioner David Fuentes and Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 General Manager Raul Sassine, who described the March flood event in Hidalgo County, including more than 20 inches of rain, six deaths, over $100 million in local damage, widespread road flooding, and repeated shutdowns of Interstate 2 and its frontage roads. They argued that existing drainage systems are under capacity, that TxDOT projects must account for downstream drainage impacts, and that local governments have already invested heavily in mitigation through bonds and partnerships. Fuentes and Sassine also described the county’s long-term flood mitigation and water-reuse efforts, including the Delta region water management project, which would capture stormwater, runoff, and treated effluent, reduce flooding, and create potable water supply. They said the drainage district manages about 780 miles of channels and 1,100 acres of detention facilities, has used prior Flood Infrastructure Fund and GLO grants, and has ongoing applications for additional state and federal assistance. Members discussed the need for TxDOT coordination, emergency access on frontage roads, local “skin in the game,” and the possibility of combining flood control with aquifer recharge and water supply projects. Texas Water Development Board Executive Administrator Brian McMath then presented an overview of the state’s flood planning and funding framework, including the post-Harvey legislative changes that created the Flood Infrastructure Fund, the Texas Infrastructure Resiliency Fund, and the regional/state flood planning process. He summarized the first state flood plan adopted in 2024, noting that about one in six Texans live or work in known flood hazard areas and that regional plans identified 4,609 flood risk reduction solutions with an estimated cost of $54.5 billion. He also reviewed TWDB programs for flood grants, community assistance, flood insurance compliance, stream gauges, TexMesonet, flood mapping, and the TexasFlood.org viewer. Members asked about drainage fees, technical assistance, gauge placement, the relationship between flood maps and FEMA FIRMs, and whether flood mitigation funds could support aquifer storage and recovery or recharge projects; TWDB staff said such projects can be eligible if they include flood mitigation components, but direct technical assistance cannot be paid from Flood Infrastructure Fund dollars. The committee concluded by expressing interest in further study of combining flood mitigation with aquifer recharge, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• lands that were once mined for phosphate switch, which as we all know is a naturally occurring geological
• helping me continue to build upon a necessary piece of legislation with the very naturally occurring geological

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Hibbing drill core library preserves more than half a billion dollars of geologic data, predominantly
• possibility of rejecting core if this bill isn't passed, and hundreds of millions of dollars of geologic
• millions<00:07:19.039> of<00:07:19.199> dollars<00:07:19.440> of<00:07:19.680> geologic
• millions of dollars of geologic millions of dollars of geologic investment<00:07:20.639> in

Bills: HF1531, HF4017, HF3399, HF4146, HF4019, HF3677

Keywords: crossbow, crossbow hunting, archery season, deer hunting, bear hunting, turkey hunting, fishing, common carp, rough fish, game and fish, wildlife management, hunting license, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, sunset clause, expiration removal, archery equipment, outdoor recreation, infectious waste, pathological waste

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, after the July 2022 floods, the Kentucky Geological Survey identified a thousand landslides and debris
• :18.000> floods,<02:07:18.480> the<02:07:18.719> Kentucky<02:07:19.040> Geological
• July 22 floods, the Kentucky Geological July 22 floods, the Kentucky Geological Survey<02:07:20.320
• the previous director of the authored by the previous director of the Kentucky<02:08:47.679> Geological
• Geological Survey, William Hannenburgg.<02:08:50.239> Um<02:08:50.719> he<02:08:51.440

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force met with a quorum, approved the August meeting minutes, and heard a presentation from Dr. Jerry Brosky of the Kentucky Mesonet and Kentucky Climate Center. He described the Mesonet’s statewide weather network, now with 84 stations in 78 counties, real-time data used by the National Weather Service, mobile apps, and more than a billion observations. He said recent legislative funding has allowed upgrades such as soil temperature and moisture sensors, cameras at every site, and improved communications and power systems, and has enabled expansion into new counties. He also highlighted products used for flooding, drought, and heat safety, including a wet bulb globe temperature tool being developed with the Department of Public Health. In response to questions, he said counties interested in a station should contact his center, that a station typically costs about $50,000, and that the program is already considering a second Pike County site. The committee then heard from Ryan Drain of Blue Skies and Chris McGee of the American Red Cross on long-term disaster recovery and a software platform called Darcy, short for Disaster Aware and Ready Communities Initiative. McGee explained the Red Cross’s long-term recovery work, including support for recovery groups, direct financial assistance, grantmaking, and coordination with local and federal partners. He emphasized that disasters are occurring more frequently and with repeated impacts, and shared examples from Kentucky and other states showing the need for organized recovery and storm shelter support. Drain said Darcy was developed after the 2021 Mayfield-Graves tornado recovery to replace fragmented spreadsheets and PDFs with a centralized, survivor-led system for preparedness, response, and recovery, designed to improve coordination, reduce duplication, and shorten recovery time. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond adoption of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• retained in large tracts, and science over and over again shows that the best nature-based carbon sequestration
• retained in large tracts, and science over and over again shows that the best nature-based carbon sequestration
• program and ultimately risk the big program and ultimately risk the big carbon<01:02:37.760> sequestration
• c> tool<01:02:38.760> we<01:02:38.920> have<01:02:39.839> sfaa carbon sequestration
• tool we have sfaa carbon sequestration tool we have sfaa Works<01:02:40.559> to<01:02:40.720>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Does it stay on top of the geological formation?
• So the geological formations— So do geological formations have a major impact?

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with roll call, adoption of the agenda, and approval of the prior minutes. The main presentation was from Julie Grenwald of Louisiana Hunters for the Hungry, who described the nonprofit’s protein donation programs, including freezer clean-out days, deer and fish processing partnerships, and a paused feral hog donation program that had collected about 3,500 hogs and 137,000 pounds of pork before funding ran short. She said the group has donated roughly 300,000 pounds of protein over two years, works with food banks and local agencies, and is protected under Louisiana’s Good Samaritan Law. Members asked about processor locations, exotic species, signage, sponsorships, and whether the program could expand to other invasive species or mobile drop-off options; Grenwald said expansion is possible if processors and funding are available. The task force then received a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries update from Jonathan Bordelon on chronic wasting disease testing. He reported more than 2,800 samples collected and over 2,300 results returned, with nine positives total: eight in Tensas Parish and one confirmed in Concordia Parish on Richard K. Yancey WMA, which triggered preparation of an emergency declaration and future rulemaking to adjust the control area. He said harvest and sampling remain near record levels, most samples are voluntary, and the agency continues to monitor symptomatic deer reports and public submissions. The final major presentation was from William McKinley of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, who gave a detailed overview of Mississippi’s CWD response. He said Mississippi has 529 detections across 18 counties, with prevalence rising from about one in 500 samples to about one in 80 statewide, and much higher in some counties. He described Mississippi’s surveillance system, targeted tags within three miles of positives, environmental sampling, feeder bans in CWD zones, and research showing contamination at feeders and in scrapes. He also discussed possible multiple strains, including one linked to the Wisconsin whitetail strain and another around Vicksburg/Issaquena, and said the disease appears to be expanding about 3.5 miles per year. Members asked about high-fence enclosures, live deer movement restrictions, baiting and feeding rules, hunter participation, and whether Louisiana should develop similar environmental testing capacity; no votes were taken on these issues, but members discussed possible future legislative or budget action.

Transcript Highlights:

• serious; the risk is... ...is very serious, especially if pay-go cannot be avoided, you know, sequestration
• revenues when oil is produced on federal land with the federal government. ...and in the event sequestration

Transcript Highlights:

• Geological Survey's list of critical minerals and the Department of Energy's list of critical materials
• The Energy Act of 2020 defined critical minerals and directed the United States Geological Survey, or
• The United States Geological Survey was required to create and update that list following a transparent
• The United States Geological disruption.
• Geological Survey and the Department of Energy have been helpful in ensuring we have policies in place

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would require the Director of the United States Geological Survey to establish a program that
• Geological Survey to study both the short- and long-term causes of sinkholes, including extreme weather
• Survey to study direct the US Geological Survey to study both<04:25:54.479> the<04:25:54.720>
• Geological Survey to study the short- and long-term mechanisms that trigger sinkholes.
• this bill does directs the US geological this bill does directs the US geological survey<04:28:37.040

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, July 14, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Wyoming has significant potential in carbon management, including CO2 utilization and sequestration,
• management, including CO2 utilization management, including CO2 utilization and<01:08:16.080> sequestration
• which<01:08:17.359> would<01:08:17.520> make<01:08:17.679> it and sequestration
• , which would make it and sequestration, which would make it highly<01:08:18.239> competitive<

Bills: HB0120, HB0043, HB0128

Keywords: energy production, natural gas, industrial sovereignty, manufacturing, tax exemptions, money laundering, illegal investment, financial institutions, criminal activity, Wyoming legislation, severance tax, oil production, tax exemption, energy sector, economic impact, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We last talked about Class VI carbon sequestration, our primacy application, in September.
• We last talked about Class VI carbon sequestration, our primacy application, in September.
• passed legislation this last session that would have New Mexico take ownership of carbon capture sequestration
• injection wells under This last session that would have New Mexico take ownership of carbon capture sequestration

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Environment Department on PFAS contamination in private wells in La Cienega, Santa Fe County. Staff said the plume likely came from historic use of firefighting foam associated with airport and National Guard fire-training activities, with possible additional contribution from septic systems and consumer products. They described the contamination as affecting about 200 private wells, the short-term response of providing residential filters through a $2 million legislative appropriation, and ongoing work to define the plume’s full extent, identify responsible parties, and consider longer-term regional water solutions. Members asked about filter costs, replacement schedules, disposal of used cartridges, follow-up testing, health studies, and whether cleanup or containment had begun; the department said cleanup would follow once the plume is fully mapped and that DOH is soliciting interest in a blood study. The committee also discussed the need to track disposal of PFAS filters and the possibility of broader statewide capacity for similar work. The committee then took up abandoned uranium mine cleanup. NMED and EMNRD staff reviewed the new uranium mine reclamation program created by HB 164, the state dashboard tracking sites, and the FY26 appropriation of $20 million for neglected contaminated sites, of which $12 million is being used for neglected uranium mines and the remainder for other contaminated sites. They said six contractors were hired, three priority sites in Grant County are moving forward quickly, and additional sites are being prepared for possible FY27 work. Members pressed for details on how funds are spent, why the revolving fund remains unfunded, how federal, state, tribal, and landowner requirements are coordinated, where contaminated material will be moved, and whether cleanup could also address homes built with contaminated materials. Staff said the work is governed by multiple regulatory layers, that the state is seeking an additional $25 million for FY27-FY28 plus a time extension, and that partnerships with tribes would require longer-term agreements. The committee also discussed federal cleanup efforts and the new Good Samaritan law, with members urging stronger advocacy for New Mexico sites, including tribal lands, and asking whether the Attorney General should pursue legal action against federal parties responsible for legacy contamination. Staff explained that some sites are already covered by settlement funds tied to responsible parties, while neglected sites are those with no responsible party and no other cleanup program. The committee then heard from EMNRD on Class VI carbon sequestration primacy. Staff said New Mexico currently has no operating Class VI wells, about 27 Class II acid-gas injection wells are operating, and only a small number might be candidates for conversion. They explained that the state’s primacy application would require more public outreach than federal rules alone, and that cost estimates for post-injection site care are based on long planning horizons, with some costs borne by operators and some by the state after closure. No votes were taken on the substantive items discussed; the committee approved the prior meeting minutes and took a brief recess between presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• that there are existing commissions that have this as their duty, including the greenhouse gas sequestration
• the this as their Duty including the uh the greenhouse<00:16:44.759> gas<00:16:45.040> sequestration
• <00:16:45.880> task<00:16:46.240> force greenhouse gas sequestration task force greenhouse
• gas sequestration task force established<00:16:47.040> in<00:16:47.279> 2018<00:16:48.279

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Agriculture and Environment hearing on January 27, 2025, took up multiple measures, beginning with a proposed constitutional amendment, HB 559, to recognize a right to clean water and air, a healthful environment, climate, native ecosystems, and beaches. The Attorney General’s Office testified with concerns that the amendment’s broad language could create challenges for future legislatures and environmental enforcement, while the Climate Commission and DLNR supported it. Environmental and advocacy groups, including Climate Protectors Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others, strongly supported the measure, arguing it would strengthen decision-making and protect Hawaii’s natural resources. Committee members raised questions about how the amendment would interact with existing constitutional protections and recent litigation, and the AG’s office said the proposal could lead to broad judicial interpretation and possible liability issues. The hearing then moved on without a recorded vote on this bill. The committee next heard SB 552, which would establish a healthy soils program in the Department of Agriculture and require annual reporting and funding. The Climate Change Commission supported the bill, and the Department of Agriculture said it stood on its submitted testimony but noted existing commissions and the greenhouse gas sequestration task force already address similar objectives, suggesting SB 552 may duplicate current efforts. Agricultural and environmental advocates, including the Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and others, supported the concept of a consolidated healthy soils program, saying it would better organize existing efforts, improve access for producers, and support conservation practices. The Agribusiness Development Corporation said it would support either DOA or ADC administering the program, and committee discussion focused on implementation, program overlap, and whether the bill should better integrate existing compost reimbursement and related efforts. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was SB 678, which would create an Agricultural Development Food Security Special Fund, dedicate a portion of the environmental response, energy, and food security tax to it, and appropriate funds equal to 3% of the state budget for agriculture. The Department of Agriculture strongly supported the bill, saying the funding would align with its goals and help support farmers and ranchers. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Department of Budget and Finance raised concerns that the proposed special fund may not meet statutory criteria. Farm and industry groups generally supported the measure but suggested changes, including adding uses related to local food sourcing, distribution, and biosecurity. Committee members questioned the scale of the appropriation, noting it could amount to roughly $250 million and a major increase in DOA’s budget, and discussed whether the department could realistically implement such a large program. The hearing ended with testimony counts noted for the measures heard, and the chair indicated the committee would reconvene later for any unfinished business.

Transcript Highlights:

• We should maybe look into one of those sequestration booths or whatever they have, like sometimes the

Bills: HB364, HB364

Keywords: film production, tax credit, Delaware, esports, video games, media projects

Summary: The Senate Executive Committee first considered several gubernatorial appointments. Heidi Gilmore was nominated to the Marijuana Appeals Commission and said her real estate and administrative-law background would help her support implementation of Delaware’s new marijuana framework. Lee Wynne Lynn and Ruth Tucker were both nominated to the Delaware River and Bay Authority Board; both emphasized long Delaware ties, public service, and experience in technology, transportation, and executive leadership, with committee members asking about modernization, cashless tolling, and potential conflicts of interest. Lindsay Alexic and Dr. Jennifer Hallman were nominated to the Professional Standards Board and described their classroom and administrative experience in Delaware public education, with discussion focused on supporting teachers, improving educator effectiveness, and helping schools address post-COVID classroom and student-support challenges. Jason Munion and F. Todd Collada were nominated to the Environmental Appeals Board; Munion cited his engineering and environmental background, while Collada noted his work as Milford’s mayor and a contractor. No votes on the nominations are reflected in the transcript excerpt. The committee then moved to legislation. House Bill 364 would create a Delaware Entertainment Production Tax Credit for film, television, e-sports, and video game production, with a $10 million annual cap, audit and reporting requirements, a 2031 sunset, and a focus on verified in-state spending and Delaware hiring; the bill was circulated after no public comment. House Bill 437 was described as a technical corrections bill affecting certain municipal charters and requiring a three-quarters vote; it also drew no public comment. The committee approved the previously circulated minutes by motion and second. House Bill 446 would reorganize the Delaware Forest Service chapter, consolidate authority in one section, and add definitions related to forests and urban forestry without creating new authority; House Amendment 1 was noted as clarifying existing authority for the Department of Agriculture. House Bill 180, the first leg of a constitutional amendment on voting, would limit felony-related voting loss to actual imprisonment or pardon, remove outdated residency and literacy provisions, update the voting age to 18, and eliminate a post-sentence voting ban; members raised a question about whether the change would apply retroactively, which was left for later clarification. No public comments were offered on the bills, and the committee adjourned after announcing written comments would be accepted for 24 hours.

Transcript Highlights:

• are fewer weeds, less pesticides needed, cooling effects around the property itself, and carbon sequestration
• Cooling effects around the property itself, carbon sequestration, and the personal uses and beauty that

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Agriculture opened its first hearing by outlining procedures, including three-minute testimony limits, written testimony options, and the plan to hear 27 bills in docket order. The committee then took testimony on H.11/S.53, a resolve promoting equity in agriculture, with advocates from the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, Southeastern Mass Agricultural Partnership, and urban farming organizations describing racial and economic disparities in farming, lack of data on BIPOC farmers, barriers to land and capital, and the need for a commission to collect information and recommend policy changes. Committee members asked questions about the importance of data collection and future policy development, and the bill was repeatedly urged to be reported favorably out of committee. Testimony also supported H.118, which would create a special commission to examine the strengths and sustainability of the Commonwealth’s emergency food network. The Amherst Survival Center described serving 1.6 million meals last year and explained that food pantries are now functioning as essential parts of the state’s food system while relying heavily on donations, volunteers, and unstable funding. Members discussed the need for a more holistic look at food security infrastructure. The committee then heard H.119/S.60 on climate change impacts on farms and fisheries, with regional planners and farm advocates describing flood damage, rising costs, canceled federal climate-smart funding, and the need for direct state support for adaptation, resilience, and infrastructure improvements. The committee also heard testimony on H.125/H.142/S.65, a healthy soils bill, from landscape professionals who said construction sites often leave poor or stripped soil and that the bill would require better post-construction soil standards to support healthier landscapes and reduce long-term maintenance and environmental problems. Finally, the committee took extensive testimony on H.127, which would prohibit aquaculture of octopus for human consumption. Supporters, including legislators, scientists, veterinarians, students, and animal welfare advocates, argued octopus are highly intelligent and sentient, cannot be farmed humanely, and that octopus aquaculture would create environmental harms such as waste runoff, pressure on wild fish stocks, and ecosystem disruption. No votes were taken during the hearing; the bills were heard and testimony was received.