Transcript Highlights:

• Our, our plan is there will be no, no, no more deployments from out of region.
• You know, we're still gonna have drugs, gangs, crime, smugglers, um, but no more deployment, and, and
• , and they rack up a lot of overtime because they're working their days off when they're on OLS deployment

Transcript Highlights:

• important message that Minnesota will not allow its tax base to be eroded by temporary federal deployments
• hundreds of thousands of dollars in administrative and public safety costs associated with their deployment
• sends an important message: Minnesota will not allow its tax base to be eroded by temporary federal deployments
• base to be eroded by<00:37:26.880><c> temporary</c><00:37:27.359><c> federal</c><00:37:27.760><c> deployments
• </c><00:37:28.160><c> that</c> by temporary federal deployments that by temporary federal deployments

Bills: HF3611, HF3659, HF3909

Keywords: taxation, income tax, damage awards, sexual harassment, abuse claims, immigration enforcement, taxpayers, file income tax return, Minnesota-source income, tax regulations, detention facilities, gross revenues, private prisons, Minnesota law, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• You also see that the LFC put in additional funding for Outdoor Equity Research Development and Deployment
• Next page, SB 170, that is The utility pre-deployment bill that was passed as well this last session.
• This is to leverage federal dollars for deployment in New Mexico specifically.
• Our $5 million additional funds helps us maximize those, especially with the growing demand and deployment
• You know, the R&D might be done in Albuquerque or Socorro or In the labs or in MSU, the deployment of

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It authorizes and directs the Department of Public Service to conduct a study on the deployment of energy
• Senator May, authorizes and directs the Department of Public Service to conduct a study on the deployment

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications met for its first March meeting, chaired by Senator Kevin Parker. Members discussed a short agenda of energy-related bills focused on grid modernization, interconnection studies, geothermal development, microgrids for extreme weather resilience, and a proposed Grid Modernization Commission. Senators Mattera and Walczyk were absent but had voting sheets submitted; Senator Kavanagh joined later in the meeting. The committee advanced several measures: S.1227A, directing the Department of Public Service to study deployment of the energy interconnection process into the electrical grid, was moved to third reading; S.2708, advancing grid enhancement technologies, was also sent to third reading. S.2486A, creating geothermal energy generation facilities, was advanced to the Finance Committee, as was S.4205 on microgrids for extreme weather and public security, and S.4590 establishing the New York State Grid Modernization Commission. During the votes, some members were recorded as voting without recommendation, including Senator Walczyk on multiple bills and Senator Hinchey on the geothermal bill. No testimony or substantive debate was presented beyond brief procedural questions, and the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've also talked about the need to dramatically accelerate the pace of clean energy deployment across
• The accelerated deployment of clean energy over the past few years has firmly demonstrated the ability
• So, from that information, a lot of it is qualitative and changes because during energy deployment, it
• I think you hear from developers a lot about the challenges and barriers to deployment.
• with setting the terms of the weather and where the winds are blowing, and we need to move towards deployment

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held an oversight hearing on accelerating clean energy development and helping projects capture expiring federal tax credits. The chair framed the hearing around federal actions under HR 1, which sharply shortens the timeline for wind and solar projects to qualify for tax credits, and Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-3325, which directs state agencies to speed siting, permitting, and construction. Sarah Fitzsimmons of the Independent Energy Producers Association explained the federal deadlines, the shift from the 5% safe-harbor test to a physical-work test, and the main bottlenecks California projects face, especially interconnection delays, environmental review, and limited transparency around self-build options for network upgrades. Panelists from the Union of Concerned Scientists, Southern California Edison, and EDF Power Solutions largely agreed that transmission constraints, permitting, and queue management remain the biggest barriers. UCS emphasized long-standing transmission delays, the need for more accountability and standardized reporting, and the importance of keeping reforms focused on the projects most likely to reach completion. SCE said it has increased interconnection throughput through process changes, digital tools, and coordination with regulators, while noting that developers and utilities must work closely together on project-specific issues. EDF described how overlapping permitting, interconnection, and procurement timelines create risk, and argued that clearer policies on self-builds, equipment standards, and affected-system studies could help reduce delays. State agency representatives from the CPUC, CAISO, and Go-Biz reported strong recent clean energy progress, including record levels of new capacity and battery storage coming online, and described ongoing efforts such as the Integrated Resource Planning process, General Order 131-E updates, the Transmission Project Review Process, the Transmission Development Forum, and the TED Task Force. They said these efforts are helping identify delays, improve transparency, and coordinate solutions, including possible self-build arrangements and local permitting reforms. Committee members pressed the agencies on who is ultimately in charge of the effort, whether the state has quantified the ratepayer impact of losing federal tax credits, and whether the 90-day report required by the executive order is complete; the agencies said the report is still in development. Public commenters echoed the need to move beyond monitoring toward stronger prioritization and accountability to meet the 2029 and 2030 project deadlines.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've also talked about the need to dramatically accelerate the pace of clean energy deployment across
• The accelerated deployment of clean energy over the past few years has firmly demonstrated the ability
• So, and from that information, a lot of it is qualitative and changes because during energy deployment
• I think you hear from developers a lot about the challenges and barriers to deployment.
• with setting the terms of the weather and where the winds are blowing, and we need to move towards deployment

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• look at this data here, we're seeing 91% fewer injuries or other types of accidents, 79% fewer deployments
• This is a chart that shows the United States and the different states that have autonomous vehicle deployment
• There are 25 other states beyond New Mexico that have autonomous vehicle deployment statutes.
• You have an incredibly strong AV deployment statute that really takes a lot of learnings from other states
• No, New Mexico allows for deployment as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• AI, which there is no commonly agreed-to definition globally across academics, model developers, deployers
• They cover high-risk AI systems guidelines for deployment of generative AI, specifically how we work
• If AI development and deployment are left unchecked, the potential dangers to humanity could be wide-ranging
• And as you said, Chair Ryu, we are the implementer of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program
• There’s some updated guidance as well around community anchor institution definitions, non-deployment

Summary: The committee held a work session focused on technology in government, AI, broadband, and digital equity. Seattle CTO Rob Lloyd described the city’s AI strategy, emphasizing responsible use, privacy, security, community input, and data strategy. He said Seattle is using small pilots and partnerships to test AI for tasks such as public records processing, infrastructure inspection, and permitting, while keeping humans as the final decision-makers. Members asked about bias, liability, training on best practices, labor involvement, and public records; Lloyd said AI should remain an assistant tool, not a replacement for human judgment, and that Seattle is still testing solutions for records requests and permitting. WATech CTO Nick Stow and Deputy Director Mark Quimby discussed the state’s broader AI policy, the generative AI executive order, a sandbox with more than 15 agencies, and use cases including a resident portal, cybersecurity, and wildfire detection. They stressed consent, closed systems, human-centered design, and the need to govern all forms of AI, not just generative AI. Committee members raised concerns about federal data access, labor issues, and wildfire detection effectiveness. Spokane County IT staff described a more restrictive approach to AI, citing privacy, bias, and cyber risks. The county standardized on Microsoft Copilot as its only approved chat-style AI tool, blocked other AI chat platforms, and requires human review of all AI-generated content. They said AI is also being used by criminals for phishing and deepfakes, underscoring the need for strong policy and security controls. The committee also received an update from the Attorney General’s AI Task Force. Yuki Ishizuka said the task force has 19 members and eight subcommittees covering ethics, consumer protection, labor, health care, public safety, education, government efficiency, cybersecurity, and industry/energy. The task force is working toward an interim report due December 1, 2025 and a final report due July 1, 2026, and is reviewing recommendations through public forums and advisory committees. Ishizuka warned that a federal budget reconciliation provision could bar states from enforcing AI regulations for 10 years, and several members voiced support for state authority and asked about possible 2026 legislation. The committee then heard updates on broadband and digital equity. Commerce’s Dave Pringle said the BEAD broadband program is being reshaped by new NTIA guidance, which removed or reduced emphasis on several prior priorities, and Washington is now working under an expedited process to submit its state application by September 4. He noted that no projects have been built yet, that four counties did not receive applications in round two, and that the state is trying to keep applicants engaged through office hours and a shortened review window. The Office of Equity and the Digital Equity Forum reported increased participation, new members, and ongoing outreach to tribal, rural, and underserved communities, while previewing recommendations such as creating an interdepartmental digital equity team and improving data use. Finally, Lumen’s Robert Thoms described private-sector broadband deployment challenges, including permitting, regulation, and the economics of extending fiber, while noting continued investment in overbuild projects, a $30 low-cost service option tied to the former ACP, and work with the state, tribes, and libraries. No votes were taken; the meeting consisted of presentations and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• But this is a bill that is the result of the Thermal Energy Network Deployment Work Group and months
• It's important that we have a site selected that will lead to successful deployment.
• And we are in the successful deployment.
• TENS deployment at utility scale represent a pivotal opportunity to transition these crucial members
• TENS deployment at utility networks.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The department has been making steady recovery since the deployment of our new system.
• The department has been making steady recovery since the deployment of our new system.
• One of the key indicates The department has been making steady recovery since the deployment of our new

Summary: The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee met on January 16, 2026, and took executive action on four measures before moving to public hearings on two bills. The committee held Senate Bill 5842 for further discussion, then considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406, Senate Bill 5825, Senate Bill 5863, and Senate Bill 5840. SCR 8406 would reestablish the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health and was advanced unanimously to the Rules Committee. SB 5825, which authorizes the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts, grants, and endowments, was amended with a technical change and then advanced. SB 5863, extending the moratorium on destruction of Lakeland Village records and addressing access to certain historical records, also advanced without opposition. SB 5840, which changes campaign finance expenditure reporting schedules, was amended to adjust the implementation date to January 1, 2028 and then advanced after the committee waived the amendment publishing rule due to the short session timeline. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5827, sponsored by Senator Gildon, which would allow veterans to use a pre-discharge certification to claim civil service preference before receiving a DD-214. Staff explained the bill and clarified that the underlying qualifying discharge categories would remain unchanged. Senator Gildon said the bill was prompted by a constituent who could not access preference points before leaving active duty, and the Veterans Legislative Coalition testified in strong support. The hearing record noted 40 people signed in in favor and two opposed. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 5968, sponsored by Senator Krishna Dawson, which would codify and expand the governor’s executive order on permitting and licensing timelines, require agencies to publish processing deadlines, phase in coverage of all credentials by 2030, and authorize fee refunds if deadlines are missed. The sponsor and staff said the bill is intended to improve predictability, accountability, and customer service, while agency flexibility would remain through OIRA. Support testimony came from the governor’s office, cosmetology, labor, construction trades, ports, business, and the Department of Health, all emphasizing delays’ impacts on jobs, projects, and access to care. The Department of Health reported substantial recent reductions in licensing times and said it lacked authority to issue refunds without the bill. The hearing closed with 26 people signed in, including supporters and opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a young man in Texas and as a SEAL on deployment, he embraced risk and embodied the quiet strength
• This is his first deployment when, uh, when, uh, this, this incident occurred.
• This was his first deployment. He didn't think twice. He went in.

Transcript Highlights:

• California has long been a national leader in both renewable energy deployment and the establishment
• Once the project has been identified, the accelerator will take the necessary steps to advance the deployment
• I think certainly looking at energy planning and deployment from an economic development lens is very
• expected to come online and try to assist if there are issues that arise from those, you know, during deployment

Summary: The committee first heard AB 710, which would expand dynamic pricing and time-of-use electricity rates and require utilities to develop plans for advanced metering infrastructure so more customers can participate. The author and supporters said the bill would encourage load shifting to times when electricity is cheaper and cleaner, reduce curtailment of renewable energy, and help address affordability. PG&E and SDG&E opposed the bill as drafted, arguing the deadlines were premature, could disrupt ongoing CPUC rate proceedings and pilot programs, and might force costly changes before results are known; Golden State Power Cooperative was neutral and flagged a technical issue. After questions and discussion about timing and scope, the committee passed AB 710 on an 11-0 vote and also approved the consent calendar 15-0. The committee then held its first 2026 oversight hearing on implementation of the California Transmission Accelerator created by SB 254. GoBiz, IBank, CAISO, and the Department of Finance outlined the new program’s structure: GoBiz’s energy unit will coordinate the accelerator, IBank will evaluate and finance eligible projects, CAISO’s transmission planning and competitive solicitation process will identify projects, and the tax credit will provide an additional incentive for developers. Administration witnesses said trailer bill language and about 10 limited-term positions are being proposed to clarify roles, protect confidential information, and support the revolving fund, with roughly $26 million in administrative costs over five years. Committee members focused on coordination among agencies, supply-chain risks, regional market planning, and whether the accelerator has enough authority to move projects quickly. CAISO said its planning and competitive procurement processes already align closely with the accelerator and that no tariff changes are expected, while GoBiz and IBank said they are still developing financing strategies and learning from other states. Public commenters supported faster transmission but urged the committee to preserve the role of competitive developers, clarify ownership and risk allocation, and ensure wildfire safety and accountability. The hearing ended with no formal action beyond receiving testimony and committing to continued oversight.

Transcript Highlights:

• state is running right now to assess the relative costs and benefits of different distributed solar deployment
• You know, it was brought up, you know, the quickness and deployment, but also we need to always keep
• We actually have an abundance of solar when it comes to the actual need and the deployment and the way
• load energy in our economy when it comes to attracting major business, major investment, and major deployment

Bills: HF2103, HF2793

Keywords: energy, renewable energy, ammonia, hydrogen, certificate tracking, funding, environment, community solar, energy policy, sustainability, solar garden program, regulation sunset

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill, like the one before it, requires pre- and post-deployment notification for employees and the
• This bill, like the one before it, requires pre- and post-deployment notification for employees and the
• This bill, like the one before it, requires pre- and post-deployment notification for employees and the
• This bill, like the one before it, requires pre- and post-deployment notification for employees and the
• </c> requires pre- and post-deployment requires pre- and post-deployment notification<00:25:36.640><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hidalgo, urging Congress to enhance coordination among federal, state, and local authorities in the deployment
• HCR98 is a resolution that urges Congress to support and coordinate. coordinate the deployment of counter-unmanned

Bills: HCR98, HB180, HB180

Keywords: counter-unmanned aircraft systems, C-UAS, counter-drone, drone mitigation, unmanned aircraft systems, UAS, border security, U.S.-Mexico border, aviation safety, airspace regulation, federal preemption, Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, Department of Energy, FBI, state-local coordination, tribal and territorial partners, border patrol, cartels

Transcript Highlights:

• based on deployment schedules.
• of the notice of deployment explicitly of the notice of deployment explicitly confirming<00:56:19.680
• </c> deployed or involved with a deployment deployed or involved with a deployment that<00:56:30.000>
• </c><00:57:59.839><c> to</c> extremely uncommon for a deployment to extremely uncommon for a deployment
• <00:58:23.079><c> um</c> deployment um deployment um schedules<00:58:25.839><c> every</c><00:58:25.960

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• While the state has made gains in clean energy deployment, significant barriers remain to consumer participation
• This type of assessment is foundational for infrastructure planning, capital deployment, and long-term
• CARB's SB 1075 analysis and report on hydrogen development, deployment, and use is already underway and
• In fact, the DOE projected that nationwide widespread deployment of geothermal heat pumps, which are
• where without the infrastructure, folks aren't moving forward as quickly with renewable energy deployment

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on clean energy, electrification, and grid planning. AB 1813 (Ward) would revise California’s community renewable energy program to better support community solar and storage, especially for renters and low-income customers, by tying credits to avoided costs and requiring at least 51% low-income participation. Supporters said the current CPUC program is unworkable and has stalled development; utilities raised concerns about cost shifts, CCA impacts, and the bill’s late substantive amendments. The bill was discussed but no vote was recorded in the excerpt. AB 2313 (Berman) would create a gas service line replacement alternative program allowing customers facing planned gas line replacement to instead choose electrification and receive an incentive. Supporters argued it would reduce long-term gas infrastructure costs and give customers more choice, while opponents warned it could divert money from safety-related gas replacement work, create affordability issues, and conflict with the recently approved SB 1221 pilot. Committee members pressed the author on safety, funding sources, and renter impacts; the author said the bill includes emergency replacement exemptions and is intended to lower costs for remaining ratepayers. AB 1975 (Schultz) would require the CPUC to develop a grid utilization metric and consider expanded grid management programs to better use existing distribution infrastructure and reduce the need for costly upgrades. Supporters said better utilization could save ratepayers billions and help integrate batteries and flexible load; utilities generally opposed rigid utilization targets but were open to further discussion. The committee passed AB 1975 on a 7-0 vote to Appropriations. AB 2612, on plug-in photovoltaic systems, passed 9-0 to Appropriations after supporters said it would expand access to low-cost solar and utilities requested clarification that they would participate in the standards process. AB 1849 (Pappin) would direct CARB to study the need for decarbonized gaseous fuels in hard-to-electrify sectors and for grid reliability. Supporters framed it as a technology-neutral assessment for sectors like industrial heat and backup power; opponents argued it was biased toward a preferred fuel pathway and duplicated existing state studies. After a lengthy exchange over the lack of a statutory definition for “decarbonized gaseous fuels,” the bill passed 10-0 to Appropriations. AB 2088 (Pappin) would authorize investor-owned utilities to own and operate thermal energy networks, with safeguards for safety, workforce, and ratepayers. Supporters described TENs as efficient, low-emission heating and cooling systems that can use geothermal energy or waste heat; the bill passed 9-0 to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• we're excited to see that this bill directs DPU to examine existing barriers to municipal microgrid deployment
• Small-Scale Assets in Communities, or MOSAIC, Act, because they provide clear paths to maximize deployment
• There are much needed efforts to accelerate our deployment of thermal energy technologies, and we are
• The proposed SMART regulations could severely limit battery storage deployment in Massachusetts and will
• The proposed SMART regulations could severely limit battery storage deployment in Massachusetts and will

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on H. 4144, the Governor’s Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act, with the administration arguing the bill would lower bills in the short and long term while expanding clean energy supply and innovation. The Governor and Secretary said the bill would reduce or restructure charges on customer bills, reform Mass Save, expand securitization as a financing tool, speed interconnection, create energy-ready zones, strengthen consumer protections in competitive supply, and allow broader state procurement of energy resources. They said the package could save consumers billions over time and would help address high energy costs, especially during extreme heat and winter spikes. Committee members pressed the administration on several provisions, especially securitization, asking whether the bill requires an apples-to-apples comparison of total costs over time, including interest and lost tax revenue, versus paying through rates. Administration witnesses said DPU review and public comment would be required and said they would work to clarify the language if needed. Members also questioned the bill’s solar and procurement provisions, including reduced net metering compensation for some large facilities, the scope of all-resource procurements, and whether hydro, solar, and nuclear would be included; the administration said those resources were contemplated and that procurement would still be reviewed by DPU. Other questions focused on the short-term relief from bill changes, the treatment of low- and moderate-income discounts, and whether the bill’s heat pump and Mass Save reforms would help customers who cannot afford upfront costs. Several witnesses and committee members discussed Mass Save reforms, including securitization of program costs, on-bill financing, pre-approval of rebates, and shifting program administration away from gas utilities. Administration witnesses said the changes were intended to reduce volatility, lower administrative costs, and better align costs with long-term savings. Questions also touched on geothermal permitting, municipal participation in offshore wind procurement, and the proposed repeal of the ballot requirement for nuclear power, which the administration defended as preserving future options under heavy review. No votes were taken during the hearing portion described. Supportive testimony came from labor, environmental, business, planning, and development groups. The AFL-CIO, NECA, and the Environmental League of Massachusetts backed the bill, emphasizing lower bills, job creation, labor standards, just transition protections, and cleaner energy. NAIOP, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, and MAPC supported provisions on energy-ready zones, interconnection reform, microgrids, extreme-heat shutoff protections, and Mass Save improvements. A HEET representative praised the bill’s use of securitization, geothermal, and utility financing tools but urged guardrails and workforce protections. Overall, testimony was broadly favorable, with most witnesses calling for refinements rather than opposing the bill outright.

Transcript Highlights:

• You may remember that we commissioned a thermal energy network deployment work group that reported to
• You may remember that we commissioned a thermal energy network deployment work group that reported to
• </c> thermal energy network deployment thermal energy network deployment framework<00:41:58.760><c> this
• Part and parcel of that deployment means fostering the market conditions that facilitate adoption, and
• </c><01:12:05.440><c> means</c> Part and parcel of that deployment means Part and parcel of that deployment

Bills: HF4560, HF4559, HF2317, HF3179, HF4880, HF2862, HF4374

Keywords: Public Utilities Commission, PUC, energy regulation, utility regulation, electric utility, public utility, rate case, multiyear rate plan, decoupling, rate decoupling, greenhouse gas, social cost of carbon, environmental cost, resource planning, certificate of need, distributed renewable energy, interconnection, budget billing, electronic filing, contested case

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also a United States Marine Corps infantry combat veteran with two deployments in Operation Iraqi
• </c> deployments in Operation Iraqi Freedom. deployments in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
• to a foreign 10 service for deployments to a foreign combat<01:03:04.559><c> zone.
• Now Title 10 is for deployment overseas.
• , things that we know planned deployments, things that we know where<01:37:59.600><c> people</c><01:37

Keywords: 1191, senate, all