Transcript Highlights:

• In Louisiana's ever-growing all-of-the-above energy mix, geothermal energy is not yet officially looked
• to look Urge the state and conservation and energy to look at producing policies that we could pursue
• Types of thermal energy?
• Tanner McGee, Conservation Energy.
• Tanner McGee, Conservation Energy.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 480, which would allow anchoring in certain waterways, specifically Oyster Bayou, with restrictions to protect oyster leases and require a person to remain on board. After brief explanation from the sponsor, Representative DeWitt moved favorable and the bill was reported favorable without objection. House Bill 510, which would have prohibited importation of captured carbon dioxide into Louisiana for sequestration, was discussed briefly. The sponsor said the proposal appeared to conflict with federal law and interstate commerce concerns, and he asked to voluntarily defer the bill. The committee agreed, and HB 510 was deferred. The committee also heard House Resolution 279, urging the state to study geothermal energy policy; after questions about geothermal technology and possible overlap with CCS infrastructure, the resolution was adopted on a 10-3 roll call vote and reported favorable. The bulk of the meeting focused on House Bill 1152, as amended, dealing with the Carbon Dioxide Geologic Storage Trust Fund and a proposed injection fee for carbon sequestration projects. The amendment would set the fee at 19 cents per ton, with 12 cents going to the state trust fund and 7 cents going directly to affected parishes, while retaining existing fund caps and adding evacuation routes as an eligible local expenditure. Industry groups and local government representatives both testified: industry warned the proposal was rushed, could create uncertainty, and might hurt Louisiana’s competitiveness; parish officials argued locals need a meaningful revenue share, transparency, and bargaining power because they will bear emergency-response burdens. Members raised questions about the fee structure, exemptions for state lands and parish agreements, and whether the local share would continue for the life of a project. The bill remained under discussion at the end of the transcript, with talk of creating an off-session task force or working group to continue negotiations for next year.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the Finance Authority's Opportunity Enterprise Fund fills a gap in housing development financing
• And it's at the Finance Authority. You did it a couple of years ago.
• In reality, you can only bond what you can finance, and that $9.1 million finances about $100 million
• They have been approved by the Board of Finance. They've been approved by the Finance Authority.
• And your energy is incredible, Mr. Chairman. That reminds me of coaching.

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for joining us for this joint committee with the committees on Energy and Intergovernmental
• Agriculture seems to be the only lands available for everything: affordable housing, renewable energy
• Agriculture seems to be the only lands available for everything: affordable housing, renewable energy
• I mean, every uh energy efficiency code.
• ,</c> development, construction, financing, development, construction, financing, refinancing,<01:20:

Bills: HB1700

Committee: Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Summary: The joint committees heard several housing, land use, and infrastructure bills. HB 6019 HD2 on electric vehicle infrastructure and HB 1728 HD1 on rainwater catchment systems both drew limited testimony and were advanced. For HB 1728, the chairs said they would designate the Department of Health as the regulator and incorporate suggested technical amendments from plumbing and rainwater industry groups. Both measures were reported out with recommendations to pass, with HB 6019 passed unamended and HB 1728 passed with amendments. HB 1844, which would have required the Land Use Commission to reclassify lands designated for urban growth, drew significant opposition from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Sierra Club, who argued it would bypass land-use review and threaten agricultural land, water planning, and long-term resilience. Grassroot Institute supported the bill, and the Land Use Commission said the bill raised concerns. After discussion, the chairs deferred the measure in one committee and later the recommendation to pass it with amendments was not adopted in the other committee. HB 1990 on penalties and liens for unresolved residential zoning violations was advanced with amendments. The chairs adopted Grassroot Institute’s suggested changes requiring any county sale of such property to be at no less than fair market value and requiring excess proceeds to be returned to the owner. HB 2424, which would allow county planning agencies to petition for temporary reclassification of certain agricultural lands to rural, also drew mixed testimony; the Land Use Commission raised due process concerns, and agriculture interests opposed it. One committee advanced it with amendments, but in the other committee the recommendation failed after members cited lack of county support. The later portion of the hearing began on HB 1738 and HB 1739. HB 1738 would expand county authority to amend district boundaries for housing on parcels over 15 acres; OHA, Sierra Club, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau opposed it, while Grassroot Institute supported it. HB 1739 would require transit-supportive densities in county TOD areas and limit local restrictions; DPP raised concerns about timing, permitting, and conflicts with existing TOD frameworks, while OPSD and Grassroot supported it. The transcript cuts off before final action on these later bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• on energy.
• Than 10% of their income on energy.
• Clean energy meets our goals faster than the inflexible standard in place today.
• </c> with more affordable energy options. with more affordable energy options.
• We all know health care delivery, administration, finance, and policy are complex.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would streamline the way VA handles construction, leasing, contracting, IT, and finances.
• It would streamline the way VA handles construction, leasing, contracting, IT, and finances.
• </c> and finances. and finances.
• ><c> visited</c><02:47:02.080><c> the</c> weeks ago, First Energy visited the weeks ago, First Energy
• /c><02:47:38.960><c> to</c><02:47:39.200><c> act</c> Energy and Commerce Committee to act Energy and

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 952 by Senator Laird, relating to energy.
• Water agencies do use energy.
• Water agencies do use energy.
• It leaves us with not only high-cost energy, but unreliable sources of energy. And guess what?
• A third of our energy is coming from other sources.

Transcript Highlights:

• Occupational and Professional Licenses have been reviewed and approved by the House Environment, Energy
• House Bill 854, by the Ways and Means Committee, is an act relating to the Department of Finance and
• addition of a new section 67-201, Idaho Code, to establish provisions regarding the Department of Finance
• is amended to provide that the director may utilize or administratively combine the divisions of finance
• House Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee will not meet Tuesday, March 10th.

Transcript Highlights:

• Appointments by the President: I'm appointing Senator Kuby to the Committee on Finance to temporarily
• I am also appointing Senator Alston to the Committee on Finance to temporarily replace Senator Bravo
• future of the port as a key gateway to Europe and Ireland's southeast hub for offshore renewable energy
• Finance. HB 2781, decommissioning solar energy standards fund. InRue.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recognized the doctor of the day and several guests, and then moved through a long floor agenda. Members received House messages, handled committee appointments, and considered a large number of bills in Committee of the Whole, including SB 1046 on information technology, SB 1066 on civil liability and fraudulent scientific research, SB 1332 on light rail expansion participation, and SB 1286 on veterinary prescriptions. Amendments were adopted on each of those measures, with SB 1332 drawing a notable objection from Senator Kuby over state interference in local transit decisions and preference for autonomous vehicles over light rail. SB 1286 was described as a compromise between stakeholders on electronic veterinary prescribing, including limits for antimicrobial drugs and longer windows for flea and tick medications. The Senate then took up third-reading votes on several bills. SB 1009 on school curriculum passed 16-10 after debate over AED training and whether it created an unfunded mandate. SB 1086 on the Arizona health care cost and payment system passed 18-8. SB 1317, appropriating money to the Attorney General for a coordinated jail reentry program, passed 22-4 amid discussion about the program’s success and concerns over the funding source. SB 1580, SB 1582, SB 1709, SB 1550, and SB 1761 also passed, with comments focusing on school safety funding, probation revocation for dangerous crimes against children, a Queen Creek-related appropriation, and university cooperative extension and experiment station needs. SB 1046 and SB 1286 later passed third reading as well. The chamber also paused for a St. Patrick’s Day recognition, welcoming Speaker Murphy of the Irish Parliament and reading a proclamation honoring Irish heritage and the Phoenix-Ireland relationship. Afterward, the Senate returned to business, received House requests to return HB 4027 and HB 2444 for reconsideration, heard a personal privilege statement on an ICE detention death, and announced upcoming committee meetings and caucus schedules. The Senate adjourned until Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is standard operating procedure in Senate Finance. It removes the appropriation.
• I'm the General Counsel for the Department of Finance and Administration.
• We come into Senate Finance with a 2.7% overall increase in recurring spending.
• And $75 million for clean energy investments, focused on grid modernization, also geothermal energy development

Bills: HB2 , SB145 , SB143

Committee: Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 143, which would raise caps on certain agriculture fees so they can keep pace with inflation. Senator Woods explained that the bill only adjusts fee ceilings, not automatic increases, and an amendment was adopted to tie the caps to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the U.S. Department of Labor. There was no public support or opposition testimony, and the bill was then passed on an 8-0 do-pass vote, with several members excused. The committee then took up Senate Bill 145, which would change the state audit system by raising thresholds for smaller local public bodies and creating a statewide federal single audit for state agencies. The State Auditor and DFA said the bill was intended to streamline audits, reduce delays, and align New Mexico with federal rules and other states, but multiple CPA and audit witnesses opposed the statewide single-audit concept, warning it could reduce transparency, weaken accountability, and increase the risk of fraud, waste, and abuse. Committee members pressed for clarification on how the audit structure would work, which agencies would be covered, and whether DFA or independent auditors would conduct the work; the sponsors said amendments were needed to clarify the bill and remove problematic language, including the appropriation and references to gifts and donations. The committee adopted an amendment striking the appropriation language and then continued questioning without taking final action in the excerpt. The final portion of the meeting shifted to the House Bill 2 budget presentation. Committee members reviewed the Senate Finance version of the budget, which included about a 2.7% increase in recurring spending, 30% reserves, and major investments in health care affordability, early childhood, public education, housing, clean energy, water, and agriculture-related priorities. Members asked about water testing needs, water settlement funding, career technical education funding, and the contingency fund/disaster reserve structure. The presenters said some items still needed technical work and that additional adjustments would be made before final passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if you save the energy, then you can get a better productivity. Methane is energy.
• and then use that energy as a clean energy for cars and for electricity as well.
• All that is offset with solar energy investments.
• All that is offset with solar energy investments.
• Yes, at the Energy Commission. New acronym to me.

Transcript Highlights:

• You need time, energy, &gt;&gt; costs. You need time, energy, uh uh uh even<00:34:28.120><c> money.
• ,</c><00:46:14.080><c> then</c> be possible in terms of financing, then be possible in terms of financing
• </c> external lenders who will help finance external lenders who will help finance it.<00:46:23.440><
• </c><00:46:46.080><c> and</c> accountants and it involves finances and accountants and it involves finances
• </c><00:46:48.160><c> and</c><00:46:48.280><c> it</c> uh, the finance institutions and it uh, the finance

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 330, Padilla, from the Utilities and Energy Committee to the Education Committee.
• SB 1370, Stern, from the Utilities and Energy Committee to the Natural Resources Committee.
• I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 56 to allow the Utilities and Energy Committee to
• Assembly Rule 56 to allow the Utilities and Energy Committee to notice the following bills: SB 887, Pidea
• and bookkeeping software, and many other... ...and word processing software, finance and bookkeeping

Summary: The Assembly convened, initially lacked a quorum, and then completed the roll call, prayer, and pledge. Members observed a moment of silence for the fatal B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base in Assemblymember Lackey’s district. The body then handled a series of procedural motions, including re-referrals of numerous Senate bills to different committees, suspending rules for committee notices, and taking up the budget bill, AB 109, without reference to file for concurrence in Senate amendments. Debate on AB 109, the 2026 budget act, centered on competing views of the state’s fiscal condition and policy priorities. Supporters said the budget balances the current and next year’s budget, reduces the structural deficit, builds reserves, protects health care, schools, housing, food assistance, and other safety-net programs, and responds to federal cuts under H.R. 1. Opponents argued the budget increases taxes and costs, shortchanges schools, underfunds Proposition 36, relies on gimmicks, and does not adequately address public safety, cost of living, or long-term sustainability. Several members also highlighted specific provisions such as hospital support, Medi-Cal and IHSS protections, child care, immigrant legal services, prison closure, and funding for courts and victim services. A motion by Assemblymember DeMaio to return AB 109 to the Senate failed on a roll call vote, 13 ayes to 45 noes. The Assembly then voted on concurrence in the Senate amendments to AB 109; the measure passed, and the Senate amendments were concurred in without objection, with immediate transmittal to the Governor. Afterward, the Assembly moved to the daily file and took up SCR 89, a resolution affirming diversity, equity, and inclusion. Supporters from several caucuses framed DEI as a core California value and a response to federal attacks, while opponents criticized DEI as divisive. The transcript ends during debate on SCR 89, before any final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Model Laboratory Personal Finance Team won first place in the middle school division of the state
• To Natural Resources and Energy, House Bill 693.
• To Natural Resources and Energy, House Bill 693.
• To Natural Resources and Energy, House Bill 693.
• To natural resources and energy, House Bill 693.

Transcript Highlights:

• Barbara Dickens, General Counsel of the Finance Cabinet.
• Charles Bush, Interim Commissioner, Finance Facilities. Raise your right hand, please.
• </c> Barbara Dickens, General Counsel of the Finance Cabinet.
• Yet, we direct a lot of our energy saying lack of food.
• </c> of our energy saying lack of food. of our energy saying lack of food.

Summary: The committee first approved contracts 98, 99, and 100, then heard from the Kentucky Department of Tourism on a contract with the United Kingdom and other European markets. Tourism officials said the state has had similar international marketing contracts since 2013, that international visitors spend about six times more per day than domestic travelers, and that the work includes marketing, public relations, familiarization trips, and media outreach. After questions about costs and effectiveness, the contract was approved by roll call. Members then reviewed Finance Cabinet facilities contracts 29 and 48 for engineering and architectural services tied to project design, including a specialized lab expansion project. The chair raised concerns that the fees seemed high for services that do not include construction, while the agency explained the work covers design for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and architectural planning, and that the lab project’s specialized pathogen-related work limits the pool of firms. The committee voted to approve the contracts. The Attorney General’s office then presented an opioid abatement agreement. Senator Meredith asked how the commission coordinates with other state behavioral health efforts, and staff explained that the commission allocates settlement funds based on applications and includes related agency representation to help avoid duplication. The contract was approved. The committee also approved a behavioral health contract for 988 chat and text services, which will expand Kentucky-based crisis response coverage to 24/7 and move more of the state’s calls, chats, and texts from a national center to local specialists. A related amendment for the Voices of Hope overdose response contract was approved after staff said the increase simply extends services into the next fiscal year. Finally, the committee approved a DCBS contract for the Building Bridges Initiative, which provides training and peer mentoring for residential child care providers, and then approved three contracts for the Council on Developmental Disabilities. Those contracts were explained as necessary because the council is the designated state agency for federal DD Act funding, and one questioned item involving an advocacy and sexuality initiative was described as part of the council’s five-year plan focused on self-advocacy, systems change, and capacity building. The committee also discussed a food insecurity survey contract with a Kentucky nonprofit, with staff saying the organization was chosen for its statewide network and ability to gather raw data, while members raised concerns about whether the study should distinguish between lack of food and poor diet. All of the reviewed contracts were approved by roll call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Barbara Dickens, general counsel of the Finance Cabinet.
• Charles Bush, interim commissioner, Finance Facilities. Raise your right hand, please.
• Barbara Dickens, general counsel of the Finance Cabinet.
• Yet we direct a lot of our energy saying lack of food.
• </c> energy saying lack of food. energy saying lack of food.

Summary: The committee first approved contracts 98, 99, and 100 on a roll call vote, with Chairman Douglas voting no but the items still passing. It then took up a Kentucky Department of Tourism contract involving the United Kingdom, France, and Germany/Austria/Switzerland markets. Tourism officials said the state has had similar contracts since 2013, that international visitors spend about six times more per day than domestic travelers, and that the effort supports marketing, public relations, and familiarization trips. The committee approved that contract as well, with Chairman Douglas voting yes after expressing support for tourism promotion. Next, the committee reviewed two Finance Cabinet facilities and support services items involving engineering and architectural services for a specialized lab expansion project. Members discussed why the design work was expensive, and the cabinet explained that the project’s pathogen-related complexity required specialized firms. Chairman Douglas said he believed some architectural and engineering reimbursement rates were too high and should be reexamined, but the committee still approved the items by roll call. The committee then heard from the Attorney General’s office and the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission on an MOA related to substance use disorder funding. Senator Meredith asked how the commission’s work coordinated with behavioral health programs, and staff explained that the commission allocates funds based on applications and includes relevant state officials. The contract was approved. After that, the committee considered behavioral health items: one new 988 chat-and-text contract to expand Kentucky-based crisis response coverage, and a Voices of Hope amendment that doubled funding to continue services into the next fiscal year. Officials said the 988 contract would move more chats and texts in-state, and that the Voices of Hope increase reflected continuation of SAMHSA-funded services; both were approved. Finally, the committee reviewed DCBS contracts, including a food insecurity survey contract with a Kentucky nonprofit and a Building Bridges Initiative training contract. Members questioned whether the food survey group’s advocacy role created a conflict, but DCBS said the organization was chosen for its statewide network and that the cabinet would receive the raw data. For Building Bridges, DCBS said the program began in the fall and provides training and peer mentorship for residential child care providers, with results still too early to assess. Both items were approved. The last set of contracts, under the State Treasurer for the Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities, prompted questions about why the funding flowed through the treasurer’s office and about a sexuality-related capacity-building initiative. Staff explained the treasurer serves as the designated state agency for federal DD Act funds, and that the sexuality initiative is part of a broader five-year plan focused on self-advocacy, system change, and capacity building; the committee then moved to approve those contracts as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; Ashley Kishimoto, director of finance.
• &gt;&gt; Ashley Kishimoto, director of finance.
• Energy Justice in support. >> Thanks.
• Clean Energy in support. Department of Transportation in support.
• Clean Energy in support. Department of Transportation in support.

Summary: The committee heard SB 2694 SD2, which would authorize the Public Utilities Commission to create automatic adjustment mechanisms for water carriers, including a water carrier inflationary cost index, and to waive certain requirements under the Hawaii Water Carrier Act. Testimony was sharply divided. The Department of Transportation, Young Brothers, and several shipping, harbor, labor, and business-related supporters argued the bill would modernize regulation, reduce the need for large catch-up rate cases, and help keep rates aligned with rising costs. Young Brothers said its current rate-setting process is expensive and delayed, and that annual adjustments with guardrails such as a 5% cap and periodic full reviews would support sustainable operations and the state’s supply chain. Some supporters also said the company’s less-than-container-load service and required inter-island routes create costs that are not fully covered by current rates. Opponents, including the Consumer Advocate, the Maui Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Food Industry Association, restaurant and chamber groups, and other businesses, argued the bill would lead to higher costs for consumers and businesses and should not move forward. Several testified that shipping costs already significantly affect pricing and that automatic increases would worsen the cost of living. The Consumer Advocate said Young Brothers should focus on cost control and implementing its business plan rather than automatic rate increases. The Maui Chamber and others pointed to a recent PUC decision that imposed a two-year stay on rate increases and said the bill would undermine that protection. Some opponents urged the committee to defer to the PUC’s regulatory authority. The PUC explained that it regulates water carriers as public utilities under existing statute and said it had recently approved a temporary rate increase while imposing a two-year stayout period on further increases, with emergency relief still possible. PUC members said they were still examining whether they have authority to adopt the proposed WICI mechanism by rule and wanted legislative clarity. In response to questions, the PUC said it prefers the current two-year stayout as reflected in its order. Young Brothers also clarified that it serves less-than-container-load cargo, that some routes and services are cross-subsidized because they are not profitable, and that an independent observer is being put in place to monitor implementation of its updated business plan. The transcript ended with the committee still taking questions; no final vote or disposition on the bill was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am here representing the Energy Marketers Association of New Hampshire.
• Energy Information Administration data on fuel usage in New Hampshire, both for gas and diesel, so motor
• </c><00:48:14.839><c> Information</c> as long along with us Energy Information as long along with us
• Energy Information Administration<00:48:16.440><c> data</c><00:48:16.920><c> on</c><00:48:17.440><c>
• </c> can I can transfer that to the finance can I can transfer that to the finance committee<01:52:51.119

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on HB 660, which would require historic horse racing facilities to provide 10% of HHR winnings to host municipalities as mitigation. Representative Om said the bill was intended to offset local costs associated with large gaming facilities, noting that prior gaming measures included opt-in provisions and that this proposal would leave charities and the state whole while taking the 10% from the operator’s share. Members questioned why 10% was chosen and whether municipalities were currently experiencing added costs; Om said the amount was meant to address projected future impacts, not broader municipal budget issues, and cited a study on casino-related community costs. Opponents from the New Hampshire Charitable Gaming Operators Association argued the bill unfairly singled out one industry and said gaming facilities do not impose more municipal burden than other entertainment venues. The hearing closed without a vote, and a member clarified the bill would apply to existing and future casinos/facilities. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 658-FN, which raises the cap on reimbursements from the Oil Discharge and Disposal Cleanup Fund and makes related changes to the Oil Pollution Control Fund. Representative Malloy introduced the bill, and Representative Aly described the funds as an insurance backstop for oil spill cleanup and low-income tank replacement, saying the program helps prevent environmental hazards and satisfies financial responsibility requirements. Bob Scully of the Energy Marketers Association supported the bill but noted that fee changes are ultimately passed on to consumers. Department of Environmental Services officials Robert Bishop and Jennifer Marts explained that the bill would change reporting deadlines, raise the reimbursement cap for low-income homeowners, extend the fee collection period for 10 years, and adjust petroleum import fees based on an actuarial review. They said the funds cover spill response, prevention, and tank replacement, and that the fee structure was designed to keep the funds solvent while balancing costs across fuel categories. Committee members asked about the actuarial basis for the fee changes, why some fees would rise while others would fall, and how the funds are used. DES said the review used 10 years of claims and exposure data and that the fuel oil fee would otherwise need to rise sharply, so the board proposed a smaller increase and rebalanced other fees. Members also asked about the scope of covered oil imports, and DES explained that the fee applies to oil destined for use in New Hampshire, not merely passing through the state. The discussion also covered home heating oil spills, which DES said are often discovered by homeowners or fire departments and are usually caused by tank corrosion, piping, or overfills. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair noted that the policy committee had already approved the bill before the finance-focused review.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee reports on Transportation and Energy, after consideration on the merit, committee recommends
• 25:13.390><c>on </c><02:25:13.660><c>transportation </c><02:25:13.930><c>and </c><02:25:14.200><c>energy
• </c> committee on transportation and energy committee on transportation and energy after <02:25:14.729
• Thank you, members of Senate Finance.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, were members of NCSL, $293,000 for the biennium; Energy Council, $76,000; Council of State
• for<00:02:28.160><c> the</c><00:02:28.319><c> bienium</c><00:02:29.200><c> to</c><00:02:29.440><c> energy
• </c><00:02:29.920><c> council,</c> for the bienium to energy council, for the bienium to energy council
• On the bottom of page eight is $20,000 for members, primarily the Capital Financing and Investment Select

Bills: HB0105 , HB0107 , SF0002

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• It's numbers, it's accounting, it's finance, it's economics, and engineering, and it is an intense review
• And then the legislature went ahead and passed the new energy policy. Thank you.
• And then the legislature went ahead and passed the new energy policy.
• 1, 2025, right up front, guided by the following goals, ensuring a cost-effective and affordable energy
• And you spoke about data centers, which I have a real concern about, not only the amount of energy that's

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight met to receive an overview from Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler on the work of his office. He described the office’s role in representing Florida utility customers in rate and service cases, including investor-owned electric, water, and wastewater matters, storm cost recovery, fuel clauses, storm protection plans, and specialized dockets. He emphasized the office’s use of depositions, expert witnesses, customer correspondence, and service-hearing testimony to challenge unsupported utility costs and seek “fair, just, reasonable, and affordable” outcomes for customers. Trierweiler highlighted several current issues, including affordability, data centers, and the growing use of AI in reviewing large utility filings. He said the office has begun using affordability experts and data center witnesses, and that data center-related utility proposals raise concerns about energy demand, water use, and community impacts. He also expressed caution about AI and machine learning because of confidential utility information, while acknowledging that utilities, regulators, and his office are increasingly using such tools. Members asked questions about how customer input is gathered, how profit is evaluated in rate cases, the role of settlement agreements, and whether the office is considering water consumption impacts from data centers. Trierweiler said customer feedback largely comes in through hearings, correspondence, and direct calls rather than office-led canvassing, and that his office seeks to limit imprudent costs while allowing utilities a fair return. He also explained that the office may file motions for reconsideration and appeals after PSC orders, and that it sometimes submits alternative settlement proposals even when approval is unlikely, to present a different option for the commission’s consideration. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after concluding its agenda.