Transcript Highlights:

• our mineral taxation. our mineral taxation.
• mineral articles and our mineral mineral articles and our mineral taxation<00:05:20.240> and<
• So, Madam Chair, that is the entire minerals article.
• And with that, I am minerals article.
• We process or industrial storm water.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Miner, >> yes.
• Miner, >> yes.
• Miner, >> yes.
• Miner, >> yes.
• Miner, >> yes.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This has no approval process or anything of that nature.
• This has no approval process or anything of that nature.
• This has no approval process or anything of that nature.
• This has no approval process or anything of that nature.
• > the properly or reuse the minerals or the properly or reuse the minerals or the the<00:21:23.920

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 01:00 SB 100 Discussion 02:09 SB 100 Roll Call Vote 10:50 SB 8 Discussion 11:46 SB 8 Roll Call Vote 15:44 SB 49 Discussion 16:32 SB 49 Roll Call Vote 25:43 SB 222 Discussion 28:23 SB 222 Roll Call Vote 29:48, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, this is a difficult little process here.
• > of<00:40:02.320> the process and understanding of the process and understanding of the
• But what this amendment this process.
• , committee number nine, minerals, committee number nine, minerals, business<01:57:08.400> and
• , committee number nine, Minerals, committee number nine, Minerals, Business,<01:57:40.239> and

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• process began.
• And then the $500,000 was for the Department of Mineral Resources Geological Survey.
• And then the $500,000 was for the Department of Mineral Resources Geological Survey.
• And as we look at this process... But these are somewhat of the low-hanging fruit.
• It makes you get very, very good on your data, on your processes. It helps you resolve issues.

Summary: The committee received a compliance and budget update on Industrial Commission agencies and programs, including the Industrial Commission administrative office, the Oil and Gas Research Program, the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, the State Energy Research Center, the Research Technology Park grant program, and related funds. Staff reviewed spending and balances for items such as electric grid resiliency grants, lignite research, enhanced oil recovery, the salt cavern business case study, and the new NDSU research and technology park grant. Members also discussed timing, carryover balances, matching requirements, and how some programs are structured to reimburse projects over several years rather than spend funds immediately. Karen Tyler of the Industrial Commission described the agency’s administrative budget, the grant management system nearing completion, and the transition to standalone audits and staffing after separating from other agencies. She also outlined the status of active grant rounds across lignite, oil and gas, renewable energy, outdoor heritage, and clean sustainable energy programs. Members asked about the length of active grants, demand for clean energy funding, and the possibility of future grant rounds. Tyler and members also discussed the salt cavern study, the need to better define its commercial value, and the research technology park grant’s cash-match requirement. Ron Ness then testified on enhanced oil recovery and broader oil and gas market conditions. He said North Dakota production remained steady, but future growth depends on infrastructure, longer laterals, and better use of natural gas and carbon dioxide for EOR. He described the state’s EOR grant round, the use of federal DOE funding to replace part of a state-funded project, and the expectation of additional grant rounds. Members asked about CO2 supply, storage, and the economics of using legacy fields and pipelines to extend oil production and support agriculture and industrial uses. The committee also heard from Bank of North Dakota President Don Morgan, who reviewed the bank’s mission, governance, lending verticals, disaster programs, and new initiatives. He said the bank is seeing deposit growth flatten and is responding to fintech competition by focusing on liquidity, risk management, and a new payment infrastructure initiative called Rough Rider Coin, which he emphasized is not crypto and not a public coin, but a banking payment rail for North Dakota institutions. Members asked about student loan rates, disaster lending, and how the bank’s lines of credit and balance sheet capacity are affected by deposit trends. Morgan said the bank remains profitable and continues to support agriculture, commerce, and industry through participation loans, student lending, and state-directed programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 3, Protection of Nuclear Facilities, sponsor: Minerals.
• SJ1 state management federal mineral SJ1 state management federal mineral leases<00:41:53.599>
• nine minerals. nine minerals.
• Um, the Joint Minerals Committee worked this topic in an interim.
• It's in the possession of the Minerals Committee, so that would be a motion by the Minerals Committee

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Miner. >> Okay. Gotcha. Representative Miner.
• <04:19:12.720> You processing. You do the processing. You processing.
• Um so I just had a question about the process your recycling process.
• Um so I just had a question about the process your recycling process.
• Um so I just had a question about the process your recycling process.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These benefits would be even more significant if the wood is processed through an advanced technology
• The main processes used—combustion, gasification, and pyrolysis—are major emitters of carbon dioxide
• it entails and what the pollution products are from that process.
• So a lot of the air pollution that's coming off that process includes particulate matter, NOx, toxics
• where minerals critical for human well-being may be developed, a personal favorite.

Summary: The Assembly Natural Resources Committee met with some initial delay while waiting for quorum, then approved the consent calendar items SB 234, SB 484, and SB 839. The committee heard several bills focused on wildfire mitigation, biomass use, climate resilience, and geologic hazard mapping. Members and witnesses repeatedly emphasized the need to balance climate, air quality, public health, and land management goals, with testimony both supporting and opposing biomass-related proposals. SB 88 (Caballero) would direct state agencies to support beneficial uses of forest and agricultural biomass, including biochar and low-carbon energy. Supporters argued it would reduce open burning, improve air quality, and create rural economic opportunities; opponents, including environmental groups, argued woody biomass energy is costly, polluting, and harmful to forests and communities. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. SB 653 (Cortese) defining environmentally sensitive vegetation management also passed, with supporters describing it as a voluntary framework to align wildfire fuel reduction with biodiversity and habitat restoration; no opposition was heard, and a member requested to be added as a coauthor. The committee also approved SCR 50 (Stern), which urges state climate agencies to define maladaptation and develop criteria for reviewing climate-related policies and investments, and SB 567 (Limón), a pilot program to study converting idle oil wells into gravity energy storage wells. SB 567 drew support from the sponsor and labor/local government witnesses, while the Water Replenishment District opposed unless amended, citing groundwater protection concerns in key basins and asking for additional safeguards. Finally, SB 831 (Limón) passed, clarifying the scope of geologic hazards to include conditions tied to climate change and natural disasters such as post-fire debris flows, subsidence, and coastal erosion. All measures were reported out of committee, with several absent-member votes later added to complete the roll.

Transcript Highlights:

• , added manufactured processes, added manufactured processes, providing<00:02:39.920> for<
• <00:26:05.840> on your thought process on your thought process on having<00:26:08.559>
• But I will point out that if somebody does go through the waiver process, that 107 process, if right
• more time to the process. more time to the process.
• We will close public testimony. water either in our process, but we water either in our process, but

Bills: HB0120, HB0043, HB0128

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

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:33:36.880> They smarter about their processing. They smarter about their processing.
• from going through the budgetary process from going through the budgetary process that<01:00:06.000
• They use the same process to this.
• lake, but they already have a process lake, but they already have a process for<01:30:25.120>
• <03:23:02.000> to desperately need critical minerals to desperately need critical minerals

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Mike Lren, Assistant Division Director, DNR Lands and Minerals.
• ultimately keep up through the process ultimately keep up through the process of<00:53:50.880>
• , or whether they lease those minerals.
• , or whether or not they lease those minerals.
• Lillgren continued that the gas is part of the mineral estate.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund requests and laid them over for possible inclusion. Senate File 673 sought $795,000 to help replace or refurbish the structurally unsound Marshall bandshell. Senator Gary Dames, Marshall Mayor Bob Burns, and Parks and Recreation Superintendent Preston Stenard described the bandshell as an iconic community venue used for concerts and arts events, noting prior repairs in 2004, a 2001 structural report, and the need for full replacement due to settlement and deterioration near the Redwood River. They said the project has local support and a local funding commitment for the remaining costs. Senate File 627 requested $850,000 for the Olmsted County Historical Society to continue rehabilitation of the George Stoppel Farmstead. Senator Liz Balden, Dr. Mark Warner, and Commissioner Sanum said the site includes three National Register buildings and preserves immigration and agricultural history in southeast Minnesota. They reported that $1.1 million had already been raised and that prior Legacy funding helped stabilize one structure, but additional work is needed on the bank barn and Stoppel house to complete restoration and improve accessibility. Senate File 822 proposed $65,000 in fiscal year 2026 for the Minnesota State Band to provide free public performances across Minnesota. Testifier Craig Allen said the volunteer band, formed in 1898, uses the funding to travel to small towns and schools, including outreach to students and veterans. Conductor Keith Leuty emphasized the educational value of school visits and upcoming concerts in Moose Lake, Grand Rapids, and Cloquet, including a performance at Fond du Lac Ojibwe School. Members expressed support, and the bill was also laid over. The committee then began hearing Senate File 575, which would appropriate $3.8 million for the Grand Rapids Old Central School renovation. Senator Iorn, city councilor Rick Blake, and City Administrator Tom Pagel described the 1895 building as a historic and arts-centered community landmark with artist residencies, galleries, concerts, and other public uses. They said the building needs major repairs, including a new roof, structural truss work, HVAC replacement, and ADA and elevator upgrades, and they were in the middle of detailing those needs when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• other materials that we've sought to manage at their end of life, EV batteries contain critical minerals
• three things Union of Concerned Scientists has really been advocating for throughout this entire process
• However, batteries are inherently valuable as they contain critical earth minerals but can also pose
• But then obviously we know that the minerals and various component parts of the batteries can be very
• The fact that we've got lots of valuable minerals, there's so much opportunity associated with these

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This touches a lot on regulatory and rate-paying processes, rate-making processes, but we're finding
• This touches a lot on regulatory and rate-paying processes, rate-making processes, but we're finding
• We have a public notification process.
• Like I said, Sentry Code lays out, Process.
• One is the first word says it's a process. It is a long process.

Summary: The Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee met to review prior minutes and hear a series of presentations on advanced nuclear technology and state readiness. The committee approved the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon’s William Bridge outlined the advanced nuclear landscape, distinguishing near-term light-water SMRs from more advanced Gen 4 reactors and microreactors, and emphasized that fuel supply, especially HALEU, remains a developing supply chain. He said light-water designs are the most deployable in the near term, while advanced reactors may be better suited for industrial heat applications and could face a 2- to 3-year delay from fuel availability. Representatives from NASEO described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, pilot programs, financing tools, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and regional coordination. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and stressed that states are focusing early on emergency preparedness, community engagement, waste management, affordability, and consumer protections. They also noted that some states are creating nuclear-ready community programs and cost-recovery guardrails, while public utility commissions are examining long-term lifecycle costs and rate impacts. North Dakota agencies then outlined their potential roles. The Public Service Commission said it would likely be involved in public-interest review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted current statutes may not fully address long-term nuclear projects, co-location, or decommissioning. The Department of Environmental Quality said it would continue to regulate radioactive materials and likely support emergency planning, while fission reactor oversight remains federal. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, needing a radiological emergency program, training, exercises, equipment, and possibly industry funding. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota has sufficient surface water, especially from the Missouri River, but that water planning would be important; it did not recommend statutory or budget changes at this time. The committee recessed for lunch after these presentations, with no additional votes or actions taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• This touches a lot on regulatory and rate-paying processes, rate-making processes, but we're finding
• We have a public notification process.
• Like I said, Century Code lays out, Process.
• One is the first word says it's a process. It is a long process. It's not just a one-stop.
• Processing site of Belfield.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Selection criteria and related<00:09:29.839> processes.
• Establishes the state related processes.
• about um the promotion of mineral about um the promotion of mineral sunscreens<00:15:01.199>
• reefs than mineral-based sunscreens. reefs than mineral-based sunscreens.
• Um it mainly they concerned due process.

Bills: SB2489, SB2310, SB2372, SB2426, SB2334, SB2925, SB3323

Keywords: invasive species, agriculture, biosecurity, lease provisions, environment, natural resources, flood management, vegetation removal, Kainahola stream, Hawaii legislation, trees, exceptional trees, significant trees, urban forestry, arborist advisory committee, DLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, University of Hawaii, county planning, tree preservation

Summary: The committee heard several measures related to agriculture, invasive species control, trees, reef protection, and land use. SP 2489 would require Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity leases to include access, invasive-species control, and termination provisions; DAB and DLNR supported it, as did several outside groups, while the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council raised concerns about notice, cooperation with lessees, and placing penalties on leaseholders for preexisting infestations. The chair noted six testifiers in support, one opposed, and three with comments. SP 2310 would appropriate funds to remove overgrown vegetation from the Kohola stream. DAB supported the bill but explained that the work already completed by its contractor stopped at a DOT boundary, and that the affected parcel appears to be a DOT highway segment on ceded lands; the committee discussed whether the appropriation should instead go to DOT. SP 2372, on exceptional and significant trees, received support from DNR and Outdoor Circle, with testimony describing trees as critical infrastructure and suggesting technical amendments to committee membership and the process for recommending trees to county councils. SP 2426, which would authorize DNR to contract with private parties to maintain sunscreen dispensers at state beaches and promote mineral-based sunscreen as reef-protective, drew support from DNR and reef advocates, while another witness questioned the science behind claims about mineral versus chemical sunscreens and urged broader environmental solutions. SP 2334 would impose a land conversion fee on agricultural land converted to other uses, create a fee fund for programs including healthy soils, and require state agricultural lands to use a conservation metric. DAB offered comments, and testimony from climate and farm groups generally supported the conservation goals but questioned references to programs not yet in place and objected to language excluding solar and wind uses, with one witness urging that agri-voltaics remain allowed. SP 2925, concerning coconut trees, would recognize them as food, water, and cultural resources, require signage for landscape palms, set labeling standards, and create a tax credit for naturally managed consumable coconut trees. DAB shifted from opposition to comments, DNR supported, and testimony from cultural and subsistence advocates strongly backed the bill as a response to coconut rhinoceros beetle impacts; committee questions focused on enforcement of signage, inspection resources, and the proposed tax credit.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, CEQA is not the only public process there.
• There was a very robust process at FMSA. We participated in it.
• And there will be a robust process at the State Fire Marshal.
• Three, it ensures that...” “...gaps in their current process.
• We haven't finished that process.

Summary: The committee first established a quorum, adopted the consent calendar for SB 423 and SB 581, and then heard a series of bills, most of which were presented as streamlining or safety measures tied to transportation, climate, public lands, health care, and higher education. SB 71 by Senator Wiener would extend and expand a CEQA exemption for sustainable transportation projects, adding modes such as microtransit, paratransit, shuttles, and ferries, while also accepting committee amendments that narrowed a Tier 4 diesel rail provision, restored existing right-of-way language with utility protections, and set a new sunset date. Support came from transit agencies, local governments, and advocacy groups; some members raised concerns about the diesel rail language and possible interactions with housing-related legislation, but the bill advanced on a due pass vote as amended. The committee then heard SB 614 by Senator Stern on carbon dioxide pipeline safety. The bill would direct the State Fire Marshal to adopt safety standards for intrastate CO2 pipelines, building from federal draft rules and adding state discretion and possible enhanced protections such as planning zones and more detailed exposure modeling. Supporters argued California needs to fill a federal regulatory gap to advance carbon capture and climate goals, while environmental justice and conservation groups opposed unless amended, citing risks from CO2 leaks and asking for stronger siting restrictions and more specificity. The bill passed on a due pass vote to Appropriations, with members noting the need for continued work on the safety provisions. Senator Arreguín also presented SB 304, which would temporarily lift public trust use restrictions on specific land at Jack London Square to allow the Port of Oakland more leasing flexibility under conditions and annual reporting. The measure was described as a limited, time-bound effort to address high vacancy and revitalize the waterfront, and it drew support from Oakland city and county representatives with no opposition in the room. The committee then approved SB 304 on a due pass vote. Arreguín’s SB 830 followed, creating CEQA streamlining for Sutter Health’s new Emeryville hospital campus and designating the City of Emeryville as lead agency; supporters said it would preserve East Bay hospital access before seismic deadlines, and the bill passed with broad support and no opposition. Finally, Senator Caballero presented SB 486, a higher education planning bill intended to align UC and CSU enrollment growth with regional sustainable communities plans and to remove the need to analyze a no-project alternative in certain long-range development plans. Supporters said the bill would better integrate university enrollment forecasting into regional planning, while opponents warned that eliminating the no-project analysis could weaken accountability for housing and infrastructure impacts around campuses. Committee members expressed mixed views and asked for further clarification, but the bill was moved out on a due pass as amended vote to Appropriations. The transcript then shifted to SB 629, a fire response and rebuilding bill, with the author describing amendments to apply fire safety requirements in wildfire-burned areas, update fire mapping, and require annual defensible space inspections, though the discussion was cut off before any final action was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• little bit of context about our work, what we do with those budget dollars, how we approach the budget process
• Our Lands and Minerals Division is our smallest division, and the majority of funding for this division
• Our Lands and Minerals Division is our smallest division, and the majority of funding for this division
• We all have had conversations about mining and critical minerals, and the need for those, and we see
• critical minerals and the need<00:49:17.400> for<00:49:17.680> those<00:49:18.520>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:01.520> with we'll work through that minerals with we'll work through that minerals
• were at minerals were at minerals and<00:03:55.840> uh<00:03:56.159> Representative
• came to us, worked through that process. came to us, worked through that process.
• application process? application process?
• Is the process decisions timely? Is the process predictable?

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know I worked there myself as a miner, but uh so they've contributed a great deal to the overall state
• ,<00:03:25.320> but<00:03:25.880> uh worked there myself as a miner, but uh worked
• there myself as a miner, but uh so<00:03:26.160> they've<00:03:26.360> contributed<00:03
• ,<00:04:55.280> and<00:04:55.400> procedures for protocols, process, and procedures
• for protocols, process, and procedures perhaps<00:04:56.960> we're<00:04:57.120> getting

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:05 HJR 81 Discussion 00:00:33 HJR 81 Vote 00:04:30, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up only House Joint Resolution 81, which allocates the remaining $52,502,260 in the W Waters program for wastewater and wastewater assistance to troubled or economically restrained systems. The chair explained the funds would be distributed according to Kentucky Infrastructure Authority criteria under KRS 224A.320, with the goal of restoring systems to operational and financial stability and improving drinking water and sanitation in affected communities. Senator Funke Frommeyer asked how the funded systems would be kept in good repair after receiving the money and whether there would be a regional or long-term management plan. The chair responded that the funding is intended as a corrective measure to address compounding failures and that KIA has already weighed the relevant factors, while also stressing that communities should not expect repeated rescue funding. Senator Webb added context from earlier water and wastewater task force work, citing Martin County as an example and noting that KIA had adopted many of the task force’s recommendations for oversight, accountability, and operating protocols. The committee then voted on the resolution. Senator Funke Frommeyer explained her vote, saying she supported the measure with hope that better protocols and procedures were being put in place, though she emphasized that hope is not a plan. The roll call resulted in 12 yes votes and no no votes, and the measure passed with favorable expression and was sent to consent. A motion to adopt on consent was then made and seconded, and the committee adjourned with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• analysis of the 50% initiative and whether the impact would be similar across counties, especially non-mineral
• analysis of the 50% initiative and whether the impact would be similar across counties, especially non-mineral
• analysis of the 50% initiative and whether the impact would be similar across counties, especially non-mineral
• bill is not in place and the people's initiative should pass, we would still be obligated to be processing
• So for us it's very important that this go through to help us with our processes. Thank you.

Bills: SF0025, SF0027, SF0043, SF0066

Keywords: landowner licenses, hunting, wildlife management, quota hunt areas, game and fish commission, game management, hunting regulations, black bear, tracking dogs, wildlife conservation, conservation, contracting, supervisor, funding, districts, hunting licenses, donated licenses, life-threatening illness, vision impairment, nonprofit organizations