Video & Transcript : 'environmental nuisances' :

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OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Energy Feb 11th, 2026

Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Well, House Bill 2976 requires the Department of Environmental Quality to promulgate rules establishing
  • ... ...requires the Department of Environmental Quality to promulgate rules establishing water quality
Bills: HB2976 , HB4459 , HB3142 , HB4316 , HB4338 , HB4230
Committee: House Energy
Summary: The House Energy Committee met for its second scheduled meeting and announced it would need to meet again the following week because of bill reassignments and new agenda items. The committee first considered House Bill 2976, which requires the Department of Environmental Quality to promulgate water quality criteria rules for aluminum. An amendment was adopted to extend the rulemaking deadline to December 31, 2027, to allow time for an OU study on aluminum in water to be completed. The bill then passed 9-0. The committee next heard House Bill 4459, which would create a five-year averaging option for certain water users, mainly irrigators, allowing flexibility in annual use while requiring measurement and reporting over the five-year period. Members questioned whether the bill could encourage excessive use during drought years and whether it would improve reporting accuracy; the author said he was open to discussing a possible reduction from 200% to 150% and emphasized long-term aquifer conservation. HB 4459 was reported out due pass. House Bill 3142, described as a revised version of a bill vetoed last year, also passed unanimously after the author said it addressed the governor’s veto concerns. The committee then advanced House Bill 4316, which updates outdated language related to rural water districts and passed 11-0. House Bill 4338, the so-called Brine Act, was adopted with a PCS and would allow wastewater or produced water to be used in ways that could expand Oklahoma’s iodine production industry; the author said it would create value from material now disposed of and would not change disposal rules. Members asked about treatment and environmental safeguards, and the author said the bill only recognizes the activity as legal and does not mandate it. HB 4338 passed 11-0. Finally, House Bill 4230, which expands the ability to use qualified outside suppliers for training and technical assistance, passed 11-0 after brief questioning about who those suppliers might be.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Feb 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Environment, Energy & Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is Darcy Nautamaker, here with Washington Conservation Action and the Environmental Priorities
  • The Environmental Priorities Coalition is made up of 26 statewide environmental organizations who collaborate
  • to speak with one powerful voice on critical environmental issues facing the state.
  • The Environmental Priorities Coalition is made up of 26 statewide environmental organizations who collaborate
  • I'm the executive director at the Center for Environmental Law and Policy.
Bills: HB2338 , HB2367 , HB2426 , HB2606
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Local Government Jan 21st, 2026 at 08:00 am

Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Action supports House Bill 2267 because tree canopy and green space are essential to protecting environmental
  • Action supports House Bill 2267 because tree canopy and green space are essential to protecting environmental
  • essential, and smart policy can help us balance the pressures of housing development with the environmental
  • And to add to Representative partially, heat events always have the highest mortality of any environmental
  • And to add to rep partially, heat events always have the highest mortality of any environmental exposure
Bills: HB2267 , HB2183 , HB2174 , HB1529
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Apr 3rd, 2025 at 02:30 pm

Agriculture and Veterans Affairs

Bills: HCR3018
Summary: The Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee was brought back to order and first took up a conference committee report on House Bill 1151, which concerns cultured meat. Members noted that the House had refused to concur with the Senate amendments and that the bill had previously been turned into a study. The committee discussed appointing conferees, with Randy identified as chair and Weston agreeing to serve as well. The chair explained that because the House did not concur with the committee’s change, further action would be needed and the House would chair the conference committee since it is their bill. Members briefly discussed whether additional conferees were needed, but no further names were settled beyond those mentioned. The committee also reported that Representative Porter could not be reached, leaving the committee at a standstill. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned until 9:00 a.m. the next day.
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Apr 3rd, 2025 at 09:00 am

Agriculture and Veterans Affairs

Bills: HCR3018
Summary: The Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Concurrent Resolution 3018, which was amended to expand a study of wetlands and jurisdictional water issues, including questions about taxing authority over land inundated by water. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the resolution as amended on a roll call vote, with all members present voting yes or aye. Senator Weston agreed to carry the measure. The committee then considered House Bill 1581, relating to funding for the Native American Tourism Alliance. Senator Marcellais explained an amendment restoring the funding level to $500,000 and adding a 10% tribal match. Members debated the budget impact and the likelihood of the bill surviving in that form. The amendment failed on a 3-3 tie, after which the committee moved to the original House version. That version, with $100,000 total funding and matching requirements, received a 4-2 do pass recommendation and was sent to Appropriations, with Senator Marcellais designated as carrier. The committee also discussed House Bill 1541, which would create a new commission to oversee septic systems, but members indicated a preference for a different approach already moving in the House that would place licensing and oversight under DEQ with health units still handling inspections. No final action was taken on that bill. Finally, the committee reviewed House Bill 1280, a water/drainage-related measure involving voting eligibility for landowners who have not paid assessments, but members raised legal questions and deferred further action. The committee also discussed broader concerns about a chemical-labeling bill and related public emails, then recessed until the call of the chair.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Energy Resources Mar 31st, 2025

Energy Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have you registered as an Environmental Defense Fund.
  • My name is Colin Layton, and I'm representing the Environmental Defense Fund.
  • House Bill 3158 is legislation that updates the Railroad Commission of Texas fee structure for environmental
  • These efforts included a major update to its environmental protection and pollution prevention rules,
  • change in this area. ...substantial revision in over 40 years, as well as the expansion of its environmental
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/18/2026 - Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency

Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency

Transcript Highlights:
  • This includes noise ordinances, nuisances, design standards, and so on.
  • The current Department of Environmental Quality regulatory frameworks for public and semi-public spas
  • The Arizona County Directors of Environmental Health Services have noted that this gray area has led
  • Monopoly utilities are not always forthcoming with information, and the certificate of environmental
  • They look at fish, wildlife, and plant life, noise emission, receiving a certificate of environmental
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

EEP Public Hearing - Thu Feb 19, 2026 @ 9:45 AM HST

Energy & Environmental Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • We're convening the Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection.
  • Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, Alan Burdick, in opposition.
  • Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, Alan Burdick, in opposition.
  • Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, Alan Burdick, in opposition.
  • Um, we have Environmental >> Thank you.
Bills: HB1986 , HB1694 , HB1695 , HB2030 , HB1673
Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on three measures related to cleaner fuels. On HB 1986, which would require the Department of Transportation to adopt rules for a clean fuel standard by January 1, 2028 and include reporting and public informational sessions, testimony was largely supportive from state commissions, fuel companies, airlines, and other industry and advocacy groups. Supporters said the bill would create a long-term framework for reducing emissions and developing cleaner fuels in Hawaii. Opposition came from Energy Justice Network, which argued that so-called clean fuels are not carbon-free, would be costly, and could delay a needed transition to electrification. The department later said it was monitoring the bill and was concerned about costs. No vote or final action was taken in the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1694, a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit bill that would provide a per-gallon credit for SAF, cap annual credits at $20 million, require reporting, and sunset in 2035. The Department of Taxation testified on administration, while the Department of Transportation said it supported the measure as a short-term strategy to jump-start SAF until the clean fuel standard ramps up. Airlines, fuel companies, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, and others supported the bill, saying it would send a market signal, help close the cost gap with conventional jet fuel, and encourage local production and investment. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network, Life of the Land, and Ted Metros, argued the bill would be expensive, could lock in a transitional fuel system, and would not produce enough fuel to meet demand. Committee members asked about the likely impact and the share of total fuel demand the credit could support; DOT said the supported gallons would be only a very small percentage of annual demand and that the credit was intended to work alongside the future clean fuel standard. Finally, the committee took up HB 1695 HD1 on renewable fuel, which expands the renewable fuels production tax credit. Testimony was again mixed but generally supportive from the Department of Transportation, Department of Taxation, Island Energy Services, airlines, the Tax Foundation, Pana Pacific, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau. Supporters said the measure would encourage local feedstock production, create agricultural opportunities, and help attract investment in renewable fuels. Pana Pacific requested an amendment to explicitly include camelina in the definition of renewable feedstocks. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network and Life of the Land, repeated concerns about cost, imported feedstocks, and the risk of undermining full electrification goals. The hearing transcript does not show any vote or final committee action on HB 1694 or HB 1695 HD1.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Conservation Jan 31st, 2026 at 09:07 am

Senate Conservation

Transcript Highlights:
  • foundational not only to rural communities, but to the economic stability, food security, and environmental
  • foundational not only to rural communities, but to the economic stability, food security, and environmental
Bills: SB47 , SB110 , SB122 , SB143 , SB168
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/20/2026 - House Natural Resources, Energy & Water

Natural Resources, Energy & Water

WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Environment & Energy Jan 13th, 2026 at 04:00 pm

Environment & Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the environmental policy director with the Washington Public Ports Association.
  • Every square mile represents permitting challenges, as we all know, environmental trade-offs, and siting
  • So where, and my question kind of leads to environmental concerns, especially when you're putting in
  • So I'd say, you know, the project is no impact, and these facilities are subject to environmental review
  • The Environmental Council has investigated the environmental impact of nuclear power quite thoroughly
Bills: HB2090 , HB2215 , HB2245 , HB2272
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations and Budget REVISED: SB1403 - ADDED TO AGENDA Apr 14th, 2026

Appropriations and Budget

Transcript Highlights:
  • requires the Corporation Commission to establish a process to alleviate new and ongoing serious environmental
Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 1319, which would create a Corporation Commission process to help residential homeowners whose homes are contaminated by brine, oil, or other substances tied to the Commission’s jurisdiction. Members discussed a subcommittee amendment that removed an appropriation because the bill had already been funded elsewhere, and several questions focused on whether the measure was a state-funded bridge for rare cases where no liable party is immediately identifiable. The bill was advanced on a 23-3 vote. The committee then approved several other measures with little or no debate: SB 1369 to create a protected revolving fund for the 988 mental health lifeline; SB 1378 to create an Olympic Fund for Oklahoma City’s 2028 Olympic preparations; SB 1379 to establish a two-year grant pilot for victims of labor and sex trafficking; SB 1309 to increase the Rhodes Fund reserve for debt service; SB 1330 to change compensation for the pardon and parole board director and members to an attendance-based structure; SB 1546 to allow private donations for the Inspired to Teach program and rename it Next Ed; and SB 1403 to update the Quality Jobs Program, including adding certain transportation-related industries and tightening eligibility if a credit is unused for three years. These bills all received due-pass recommendations, with votes ranging from unanimous to 23-2. The committee also considered SB 1481, which adds 20 minutes of daily recess, and members noted that similar bills were moving through the process and that the bill did not clearly address whether the added recess counts as instructional time. It passed 25-0. Finally, SB 1122, a broadband tax-policy cleanup bill, drew questions about its fiscal impact on local governments and counties; the presenter said municipalities would not be affected because they do not levy ad valorem taxes, though the measure could reduce revenue for other taxing entities by about $20 million statewide. That bill passed 23-1. The meeting ended with announcements about upcoming appropriations meetings and adjournment.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Environmental Regulation Apr 24th, 2025

Environmental Regulation

Transcript Highlights:
  • The House Committee on Environmental Regulation will come to order. The clerk will call the roll.
  • Members, I do want to welcome you to this edition of the House Committee on Environmental Regulation.
  • to the cancellation of certain solid waste disposal permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental
  • This bill ensures that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality does not issue new permits for direct
  • We have landowners, environmental advocates, and county officials that all support this.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Taxes Committee 4/8/26

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • It also adds environmental guardrails.
  • It also adds environmental guardrails.
  • </c> the Minnesota Environmental Partnership. the Minnesota Environmental Partnership.
  • co co- benefits baked in environmental co co- benefits baked in the<00:26:00.960><c> environmental</
  • </c> or just or better envir environmentally. or just or better envir environmentally.
Bills: HF1669 , HF4709 , HF3531 , HF4048
Committee: House Taxes
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

AEN-HOU, AEN-EIG, AEN Public Hearings 03-18-2026

Agriculture and Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • HB 1620 HD2, relating to energy, increases the environmental response energy and food security tax, and
  • Why should we increase environmental response, energy, and food security tax to support installation
  • </c> Why should we increase environmental Why should we increase environmental response,<00:43:43.320
  • </c><01:16:23.800><c> and</c> for other essential environmental and for other essential environmental
  • response energy and food environmental response energy and food security<01:20:57.640><c> tax</c><01
Bills: HB1736 , HB1620 , HB1695
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1737, which clarifies allowable uses in agricultural districts for farm dwellings and farm employee housing, and HB 1604 HD2, which creates an agricultural workforce housing working group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Testimony on HB 1737 was overwhelmingly supportive, with county agriculture officials, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Farmers Union backing the measure; one witness asked for a definition of “affordable” to guard against misuse of farm housing. For HB 1604, the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Hawaii Farmers Union, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill, with OHA requesting disaggregated data and a seat on the working group. Committee discussion focused on housing shortages, possible misuse, affordability, and whether innovative housing models such as modular, tiny, and container homes should be considered. The committee then took action on both measures. HB 1737 HD3 was recommended to pass with amendments that would limit farm employee housing to agricultural employees and their immediate family members actively engaged in the farm operation, add a grandfathering provision for existing permitted housing, preserve county zoning authority, clarify that ag tourism must be secondary and not occur in employee housing, delete a square-footage-per-acre ratio, and defer the effective date to July 1, 2050. HB 1604 HD2 was also recommended to pass with amendments adding OHA and a housing-shortage organization to the working group, expanding its scope to include modular, tiny, and container homes and permitting/zoning streamlining, and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. Both motions were adopted unanimously by the members present. The joint hearing then moved to HB 1736, which would establish a spay and neuter special fund and require sterilization and declaration provisions for cats, with some discussion of dogs. DLNR and the Hawaiian Humane Society supported the bill, while Pacific Pet Alliance objected to the broader requirements and the inclusion of dogs; the Hawaiian Humane Society and American Bird Conservancy supported cat-focused sterilization and the special fund, while some testifiers opposed mandatory sterilization as too costly or intrusive. Members raised questions about toxoplasmosis, trap-neuter-release, enforcement, neighbor-island access, and funding needs, and DLNR indicated additional funding and third-party contracting would likely be needed. The transcript then began HB 1620 HD2 on energy, which would increase the environmental response energy and food security tax and shift funds from the hydrogen fueling subaccount to EV charging infrastructure; state agencies generally stood on written testimony in support, while the Tax Foundation objected to special fund earmarks and noted the bill raises only one part of the barrel tax structure.