Video & Transcript : 'conservation futures program' :

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WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Agriculture & Natural Resources Feb 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • The weights and measures program is one of our programs that is lesser known but essential to regulatory
  • The weights and measures program is one of our programs that is lesser known but essential to regulatory
  • Commission, local conservation districts, and other entities.
  • Another program here is the Youth Education and Outreach Program, which facilitates place-based, career-connected
  • A key focus of this program points to equity.
Keywords: 904, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/21/2026 - House Appropriations

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • You're predicting an unknown future. By 10.6%.
  • You're predicting an unknown future. You're predicting an unknown future. Yes.
  • Yes, H.R. 1 funded the program, but it did not H.R. 1 funded the program, but it did not provide a distribution
  • The first is admin costs in the SNAP program.
  • The projected cost of the program are growing by 15% compared to a budgeted Projected cost of the program
Bills: HB2053, HB2116, HB2148
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Rules Committee Jun 24th, 2026

Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • Conservation can be really complicated.
  • Conservation, and the Big Sur Land Trust in strong support of Megan's confirmation today.
  • Valley Conservation Commission, and the Bolsa Chica Land Trust, all in strong support.
  • Valley Conservation Commission, and the Bolsa Chica Land Trust, all in strong support.
  • But they've now moved away from that to a statewide program.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
LA
Transcript Highlights:
  • conservative in certain places—and, on net, bringing a ultimately conservative forecast to the table
  • So expect those adjustments in the future-year budget as well.
  • Expect those adjustments in the future-year budget as well.
  • And then to add new programs also makes it difficult to do that.
  • If you have a lot of new programs, that's going to be a hit as well.
Summary: The Revenue Estimating Conference met with four members present and first approved the prior meeting minutes and recognized the FYI end-of-balance of $577,077,871 as nonrecurring revenue. The main business was revising the state revenue forecast for FY 2026, FY 2027, and the long-range outlook. The Division of Administration recommended a $113 million reduction to the FY 2026 State General Fund forecast and a $104 million reduction for FY 2027, citing weaker-than-expected individual income tax collections, softer corporate income tax receipts, and some weakness in general sales tax, partly offset by stronger motor vehicle sales tax and higher mineral-related revenues tied to oil prices. The Legislative Fiscal Office presented a somewhat different but broadly similar forecast, with modest net increases to the general fund bottom line in the current year and next year, emphasizing caution on income and corporate taxes and more optimism on sales, severance, royalties, and some other revenue streams. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on the causes of the income tax shortfall, especially withholding and refund patterns after tax changes that lowered rates. Department of Revenue officials explained that withholding tables had been set with a cushion that may be producing larger refunds, and said changing the tables could quickly reduce overwithholding, though the effect would take time to show up. Members also discussed corporate collections, the lingering effects of the franchise tax repeal, the role of settlements and audits, and the extent to which collections are voluntary versus enforcement-driven. The Department of Revenue said corporate collections still had key filing and estimated-payment milestones ahead in May and June, and that refund and audit activity related to the former franchise tax would continue for some time. The conference then adopted the Division of Administration’s FY 2026 forecast, the FY 2027 recurring forecast, and the long-range forecast, along with the proposed inflation rates for the Millennium Trust and parish severance allocation. Members also adopted the incentive expenditure forecast, noting that the reported amount is only the REC-reported portion and that larger tax exemption amounts come off the top before appropriations. The Treasurer reported a General Fund cash balance of about $404.1 million as of May 5, 2026, and an interfund borrowing base of about $9.18 billion, saying cash levels were similar on average to the prior year. The meeting ended with a note that another REC meeting might be needed depending on the May 16 election, and the conference adjourned without objection.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
  • conservative in certain places and, on net, bringing a ultimately conservative forecast to the table
  • So expect those adjustments in the future-year budget as well.
  • Expect those adjustments in the future-year budget as well.
  • And then to add new programs also makes it difficult to do that.
  • If you have a lot of new programs, that's going to be a hit as well.
Keywords: 965, house, all
Summary: The Revenue Estimating Conference met with four members present and first approved the December 11, 2025 minutes. Members then recognized the FYI end-of-balance of $577,077,871 as non-recurring revenue. The main business was revising the state revenue forecast for FY 2026, with the Division of Administration recommending a reduction of about $113 million, driven primarily by weaker individual income tax collections, softer general sales tax receipts, and a substantial cut to corporate income tax forecasts. The Legislative Fiscal Office presented a somewhat different but still cautious outlook, and members discussed withholding rates, refund growth, corporate collections, and the effects of the franchise tax repeal and tax reform changes. After questions to the Department of Revenue about collections, refunds, enforcement, and settlements, the conference adopted the Division of Administration’s FY 2026 forecast. The conference then reviewed the FY 2027 recurring forecast. The Division of Administration again recommended a reduction, this time about $104 million, citing continued caution on individual income and corporate taxes, while the Legislative Fiscal Office projected a net increase of about $127 million, largely from sales tax, severance, royalties, vehicle sales tax, and other revenue streams. Members discussed the practical budget impact of the revised forecasts, including the need to reduce spending and the difficulty of funding a possible teacher stipend if a constitutional amendment fails. The FY 2027 recurring forecast was adopted. Members also adopted the long-range forecast, the proposed inflation rates for the Millennium Trust and parish severance allocation, and the incentive expenditure forecast. The incentive discussion noted that reported incentive costs reduce available revenue before appropriations, and members raised the possibility of reviewing or capping such incentives. The Treasurer’s Office then reported that the General Fund cash balance was $404.1 million as of May 5, 2026, and the interfund borrowing base was about $9.18 billion, with cash positions generally similar to the prior year. The meeting ended with a note that another REC meeting might be needed after the May 16 election, followed by adjournment.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty One - Tuesday, April 14

Missouri House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • that are building future-ready leaders.
  • This is the Fast Track Program fix bill. The Fast Track Program was established in 2019.
  • This is a program that helps them to achieve that.
  • It's a great program.
  • at recruiting people into this program.
Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal by a 117-0 vote, and a long series of guest introductions, including 911 officials, school groups, students shadowing legislators, international visitors from Quebec, family members, and various community advocates. The chamber then moved into floor debate on several measures, beginning with House Joint Resolution 115, which would extend personal property tax and homestead tax exemptions to 100% service-connected disabled veterans and surviving spouses. Members from both parties praised the sponsor’s eight-year effort, emphasized the financial burden on disabled veterans living on fixed incomes, and noted the measure’s broad support; the House adopted the committee substitute and ordered it perfected and printed. The House next took up House Bill 2151, a Fast Track workforce training program fix that raises household income eligibility thresholds from $40,000 to $50,000 for single filers and from $80,000 to $100,000 for joint filers without increasing the program’s overall funding cap. Supporters said the change reflects inflation and will help more adults and families access training for career changes and upskilling. The chamber then approved House Substitute for House Bill 2576, a naming bill that included several commemorative designations. Members adopted amendments designating January as Blood Donor Awareness Month, June 28 as Elliott and Muriel Battle Day, and March 26 as PANS Awareness Day; a proposed Josephine Baker Day amendment was withdrawn after concerns it could complicate the broader bill. The bill also included other memorial and honorary designations, including a highway naming for a Vietnam veteran and recognition of a former Pagedale mayor. The House also approved an amendment designating April 22 as Missouri Black Bear Awareness Day, with supporters saying it would promote public safety and education as bear populations increase. Another amendment added infertility awareness language, with members describing the issue as a disease that affects families in silence. The chamber then approved House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3175, known as Mason’s Law, which creates a system to flag certain driver records for law enforcement when a person has a condition affecting communication; an amendment expanded the notice to include driver’s licenses. Members said the bill would help officers safely interact with people who may have difficulty communicating during traffic stops. Finally, the House took up House Bill 1736, which allows local governments to use certain park-related sales tax revenues for natural disaster mitigation, including stormwater management and the purchase of repetitive-loss properties. Supporters said it would help communities address flooding without turning parks into hard infrastructure sites. The chamber then began debate on House Bill 1887 and related AI and digital-image protection provisions, including measures aimed at preventing nonconsensual deepfakes, protecting minors, and giving victims civil remedies and takedown processes. Members from both parties supported the goal of curbing AI abuse, though some raised technical drafting questions and one member suggested the legislature may eventually need a broader AI task force or sunset review. No final vote on HB 1887 was reached in the portion provided.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Formal House Session 19 Feb 26th, 2026

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • New York's three-year program is $3 billion or $149 per capita.
  • be the highest program per capita in the nation.
  • The programs that are run by public benefits like Mass Save are large programs.
  • A decade later, that program has cost $6.2 billion.
  • You have been paying into this program on everything.
Keywords: 1212, all
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Children and Families May 4th, 2026

Children and Families

Transcript Highlights:
  • We do pilot programs for all different kinds of things.
  • And so I look at this similarly to a pilot program that if St.
  • I don't want to use our kids as a pilot program in this way.
  • I'm a very conservative state representative.
  • I'm a very conservative state representative.
Summary: The Committee on Children and Families heard public testimony on Senate Bill 1002, which would move St. Charles County school board elections and related levy/bond questions from April to the November general election, extend terms to four years, and allow candidates to voluntarily list party affiliation. The sponsor argued the bill would increase voter participation, broaden community input, and potentially save money, while several supporters said April turnout is too low and that November elections would better reflect the county’s voters. Supporters also said the change could help candidates campaign more effectively and bring more attention to school issues. Opponents, including school board members, parents, and the Missouri NEA and Missouri School Boards Association, argued the bill would politicize school board races, crowd out local issues on November ballots, and reduce the value of staggered terms and institutional continuity. Several witnesses objected to carving out only St. Charles County rather than making any change statewide, and some warned that limiting levy and bond elections could delay urgent district needs. One witness also said the bill would burden regular parents and community members who run for school board, while others emphasized that school boards should remain focused on governance, budgeting, and student needs rather than partisan labels. After testimony, the committee voted on Senate substitute for Senate Bill 1002 and advanced it by a vote of 10 aye, 5 no, and 1 present. The committee then took up Senate substitute for Senate Bill 1135, described as the Henderson, Bentley, and Mason’s law, and voted it do pass by 16 aye and 9 no. The committee then adjourned.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Mar 24th, 2025

Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Under both of these programs, existing facilities need support.
  • It's been an incredibly successful program.
  • So, it's been a very, very successful program.
  • gathered for each funding program, how much we can fund and how much remains.
  • We are also focusing on conservation while implementing the Texas Water Fund.
Bills: SB7
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Gov. Tim Walz delivers his State of the State address before Minnesota Legislature 4/23/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Two years ago, we made historic investments in our people and in our future.
  • And I want to be very in our future.
  • My conservative friends might wish we were cutting a little bit more.
  • </c><00:25:35.840><c> My</c><00:25:36.080><c> conservative</c> cutting a little less.
  • My conservative cutting a little less.
Keywords: 1183, house
LA
Transcript Highlights:
  • This is the EPA's program.
  • Gavin Broussard with the Department of Conservation and Energy.
  • I would say it is the tool that we have to set a conservative or take a conservative approach to injection
  • They actually had, the EPA did a full review of their program.
  • Mostly because this isn’t our program, this is EPA’s program.
Summary: The committee heard House Bill 706 by Representative Riser, which would set a more detailed process for commercial saltwater disposal wells, including site-specific modeling and pressure review. Riser and industry witnesses argued the bill would provide clearer, more predictable rules for operators who have faced long delays and changing requirements, while Department of Conservation and Energy officials said they are already developing guidance and that any pressure standard must remain site-specific to avoid fracturing confining layers, protecting drinking water, and staying within EPA primacy requirements. The department emphasized that geology varies widely across Louisiana and that a fixed pressure number in statute could be unsafe in some locations. Members also discussed the fiscal note, the need for additional staff, and whether the bill would tie the department’s hands or force approvals; witnesses said the bill’s modeling requirements were conservative, but opponents warned the statutory pressure ranges could conflict with site-specific safety determinations. After a technical amendment was adopted, the committee voted on the bill and it failed on a 6-6 tie. The committee then took up House Concurrent Resolution 4 by Representative McCormick, which would suspend Louisiana’s deer baiting ban for 18 months in areas affected by chronic wasting disease (CWD). McCormick and Hunter Nation representatives argued that baiting bans have not stopped CWD in other states, that deer feeders and food plots are part of hunting culture, and that Louisiana should rely on science and a more flexible approach. They cited Wisconsin as an example where CWD spread despite long-standing feed bans and said there has been no proven human transmission. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries officials said bait bans are one of the few tools available to reduce artificial congregation of deer and help limit disease spread, and they explained that the department is also working with a CWD task force and another proposal that would tie restrictions to a 1.5% prevalence threshold rather than an across-the-board suspension. The discussion ended with the department providing information on the impacts of both measures, but no final action on HCR 4 was recorded in the transcript.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 04/14/26

Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:
  • ><c> violations,</c> Um wetland conservation act violations, Um wetland conservation act violations,
  • </c> are facing are not waiting for a future are facing are not waiting for a future biennium.<00:31:
  • That is exactly conservation.
  • That is exactly conservation.
  • </c> That is exactly conservation. That is exactly conservation.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/23/2026 - Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Study Committee

Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Study Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm representing the Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation.
  • I'm representing the Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation.
  • I can go into some more details on the program.
  • on to the statewide, consistent one-source program.
  • and what the future holds, and let's start planning for that now the best that we can.
Summary: The Arizona Off-Road Vehicle Study Committee met to review Senate Bill 1519 and broader OHV policy issues, including funding, mitigation, enforcement, and education. Staff summarized the bill’s amended provisions: raising the OHV/ATV weight threshold from 2,500 to 3,500 pounds, directing ADOT to create a new usage classification, creating an Off-Highway Vehicle Law Enforcement Fund, and setting a 50% vehicle license tax for vehicles in the 2,500–3,500 pound range. Members discussed how many vehicles would be affected, with industry testimony estimating about 2,600 new Arizona sales in that weight class in 2025 and growth of roughly 10% annually. Committee members also debated whether changes should be revenue-neutral to ADOT/HIRF or instead generate dedicated enforcement and mitigation funding without reopening HIRF distribution. The committee then turned to education. Staff reviewed SB 1567, which requires OHV course completion before issuance of an OHV indicia and includes a report due December 1, 2026. Game and Fish said the mandatory education appears to be improving behavior, especially helmet use by children. Several witnesses, including representatives from Riding Arizona and ABATE Arizona, supported a consistent statewide training model and suggested expanding the requirement from owners to operators, with possible reciprocity or compact-style recognition with other states. Members also raised practical questions about proof of completion, online access, and how law enforcement would verify compliance. For mitigation and enforcement funding, committee members and invited stakeholders discussed the scale of the need. A research presentation from Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation estimated about $3.5 million annually for additional law enforcement and about $7.5 million annually for natural resource mitigation, for a combined target of roughly $11 million per year. The estimate was based on county sheriff input and existing federal land-management data on illegal or user-created roads, with a statewide rough range of 12,000 to 17,000 miles of roads needing some form of closure or decommissioning. Members emphasized that the estimate did not include all possible costs, such as fence repair, tank restoration, or environmental compliance, and discussed soft versus hard closures, prevention, and the need to pair any mitigation spending with enforcement and education. No formal vote was taken in the portion provided; the committee mainly received information, asked questions, and continued discussion of possible recommendations.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Ports and Marine Resources - Room 216, 30 January, 2026; 11:00 AM

Ports and Marine Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • from NOAA and others for conservation and restoration.
  • </c><00:15:29.279><c> and</c> dedicated to uh conservation and dedicated to uh conservation and restoration
  • </c><00:15:34.320><c> and</c> are dedicated to conservation and are dedicated to conservation and restoration
  • </c><00:15:47.120><c> and</c> and others for conservation and and others for conservation and restoration
  • ,<00:17:40.320><c> restoration,</c><00:17:41.280><c> water</c> conservation, restoration, water conservation
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

April 8, 2025 - 03:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • It is relied on to help support our programs.
  • All you have to do is download a program.
  • CSHB 843 is the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Trust Fund bill.
  • Jessica Malkoon with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is waving in support.
  • They are our future. And today we have the power to set them on a better path.
Summary: The Budget Committee met with a quorum and considered eight bills. The first major item, House Bill 1467 on gambling, drew extensive debate and strong opposition from veterans organizations and related groups, who warned the bill’s language could unintentionally criminalize raffles and gaming machines used by American Legion and VFW posts for charitable fundraising. The sponsor said the bill would strengthen gambling penalties, authorize fantasy sports contests, preempt local enforcement, and require more reporting on illegal gambling, and he said he was open to amendments later. Despite concerns from several members about unintended consequences and local preemption, the committee passed the bill favorably on a roll call vote. The committee then heard and passed House Bill 711, creating a statewide “spectrum alert” for missing autistic children and requiring FDLE training for law enforcement; House Bill 1335, allowing Medicaid coverage for blood-based colorectal cancer screening; House Bill 843, making clarifying changes to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trust funds; House Bill 1371, strengthening protections for law enforcement and first responders, including penalties for attacks on officers and measures related to false reports and blood-borne pathogen exposure; House Bill 1405, revising youth prevention services for status offenders; House Bill 1053, updating FDLE-related statutes and adding support for retired police dogs; and House Bill 751, expanding health insurance protections for law enforcement and their families after catastrophic injury or death and clarifying fraud penalties. Several bills were amended before passage, including HB 1371, which adopted an amendment removing a section to avoid fiscal impact, and HB 1053, which removed proposed changes to the capital complex definition. Most measures received supportive testimony from law enforcement, health, or advocacy groups and passed with little opposition. The committee concluded by reporting all of the listed bills favorably and then adjourned.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Legislative Session Day 25 Feb 5th, 2026

Idaho House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Concurrent Resolution 26 and House Bill 587 referred to the Resource and Conservation Committee
  • by the addition of a new Section 33-144, Idaho Code, to establish provisions regarding response programs
  • By centralizing power, we are taking away a future opportunity for Idahoans and Westerners to stand up
  • and... ...that's the right way to let our citizens determine their own future in their own communities
  • And House Resources and Conservation Committee will meet Thursday, February 5, at 1:30 p.m. in Room EW
Keywords: 989, all
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • We want to preserve and improve the land lease for agriculture through soil conservation programs that
  • Is the program described well?
  • A lot of these schools will have night programs. some of them will have weekend programs so that the
  • Could you comment a little bit about the recent past and the future of this program.
  • If I heard what you said, we are unable to highlight specific programs to say this Particular program
Keywords: 914, all
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • It removes the sunset on the aggregate supply chain grant program.
  • detailing program details for interested businesses.
  • Is there a current program under Commerce that gives grants for this?
  • So we don't have a program that gives grants currently under the program.
  • Inc., for the conservation of imperiled coastal wildlife and ecosystems in this state through field conservation
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development considered a full agenda of transportation, economic development, housing, emergency services, and specialty license plate bills. Several measures were explained and advanced without opposition, including the Department of Transportation agency bill (CS/CS/SB 1662), a Purple Heart toll exemption bill (CS/SB 574), a Florida Highway Patrol specialty plate bill (CS/SB 824), a construction disruption assistance loan program for small businesses (CS/CS/SB 324), a manufactured housing assistance bill for local housing plans (CS/SB 1714), a foreign agents registration bill (CS/CS/SB 766), military academy specialty plates (CS/SB 1024), a Safe Coastal Wildlife specialty plate (CS/SB 1246), an emergency services warning-light bill (CS/SB 1644), the Florida Wildflower specialty plate (SB 1152), and a toll exemption bill for 100% disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients (CS/SB 532). The committee adopted amendments on several bills. On CS/CS/SB 1662, Senator Collins’ strike-all amendment made a range of DOT-related changes, including the Florida Transportation Academy, seaport and airport accountability provisions, and allowing cranes to move under special blanket permits at night. On CS/CS/SB 324, the committee adopted a delete-everything amendment and a further amendment removing liability language; the bill would create a revolving loan program for small businesses harmed by public works construction, with members raising concerns about eligibility, verification of losses, and public records issues for financial documents. On CS/SB 766, an amendment clarified definitions and aligned the bill with federal FARA standards, including a 20% beneficial ownership threshold. On CS/SB 532, an amendment added Purple Heart recipients to the toll exemption. Testimony and debate were generally supportive, with several outside witnesses appearing in favor of the bills, including Florida PBA, the Florida Manufactured Homeowners Federation, the Florida Manufactured Housing Association, the Center for Security Policy, and the Florida Wildflower Foundation. Members highlighted constituent impacts and policy concerns on a few measures, especially the construction disruption loan bill and the disabled veteran toll exemption, where some senators suggested narrowing the scope or adding protections. All bills considered were reported favorably, and senators later requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on selected tabs before the committee adjourned.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Jan 28th, 2025

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • They deliver over 200 classes per week and over 200,000 hours of instruction across all of their programs
  • Over 8,000 children across the state will participate in programs, and over 64,000 audience members will
  • While NDI's leave in the floor, I just want to acknowledge this great program and Cynthia.
  • It's a great program, and I encourage anyone to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
  • Governor's summer program or other programs of the department that are open to minors, providing the
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • program designed to achieve statutory greenhouse gas emission limits.
  • The program currently operates within four-year compliance periods.
  • Alternative jet fuel is an opt-in fuel in the Clean Fuels Program, eligible to earn credits in the program
  • So that's outside the parameters of the program.
  • So that's outside the parameters of the program.
Summary: The Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee heard three bills. SB 6246 would direct Ecology to develop recommendations for how no-cost allowances for emissions-intensive trade-exposed facilities (EITEs) should work from 2035 to 2050, and would require EITEs to submit facility-specific emissions data and periodic decarbonization plans as a condition of receiving allowances. Supporters said the bill preserves the Climate Commitment Act’s goals while giving the Legislature and Ecology better information to prevent emissions and job leakage and to plan for industrial decarbonization. Opponents argued the bill adds costly reporting and planning burdens, could threaten competitiveness, and in some cases could lead to allowance withholding; Ecology said it generally supports the approach but wants some streamlining and noted implementation costs are not in the governor’s budget. SB 5932 would provide certainty for sustainable aviation fuel development by changing how Ecology applies electricity carbon intensity in the Clean Fuels Program and by setting an earlier trigger for aviation fuel tax incentives. The sponsor and 12, a Moses Lake SAF developer, said the bill would give investors and producers needed certainty for expansion and help Washington remain competitive. Ecology and Climate Solutions opposed parts of the bill, saying it would weaken incentives for new renewable electricity generation, limit Ecology’s technical discretion, and reduce the Clean Fuels Program’s effectiveness, though Ecology said it supports decarbonizing aviation and is willing to work on the issue through rulemaking. Some testimony also supported the tax certainty portion while objecting to the Clean Fuels Program changes, and one witness asked for clarification on local participation in the incentive. SB 6172 would end remaining state tax and regulatory exemptions for the coal-fired TransAlta plant after its scheduled closure date. The sponsor said Washington should remove special treatment now that the state has phased out coal, while supporters said the bill reinforces the state’s clean energy transition and protects public health and climate goals. A few witnesses raised concerns about possible costs to utilities and ratepayers if the plant were ever required to run in an emergency, and asked for language to protect against that. The hearing concluded with the committee closing public testimony on all three bills; no votes were taken in the transcript.