Video & Transcript Research : 'EV'
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DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Legislative Session - Session 2 - 39th Legislative Day Jun 23rd, 2026
Delaware House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Second one was at the Stop the EV Mandate rally you held in your district, and I was there speaking.
- At the Stop the EV Mandate rally you held in your district, and I was there speaking up in favor of EVs
- My first bill was an EV bill. We know how Rich feels about electric vehicles.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, accepted the prior day’s minutes, and read several committee reports and communications into the record. Members also observed moments of silence for two young people who had recently died, and the prayer and pledge were offered before the chamber moved into business. Consent calendar number 28, consisting of several resolutions, passed by voice vote.
A large portion of the meeting was devoted to tributes and retirement remarks for Representative Jeff Holowski, who was praised by colleagues for his work on financial literacy, veterans’ issues, health care, diabetes policy, and constituent service, as well as for his military service and community involvement. Holowski thanked staff, colleagues, and his family, and said he was retiring to spend more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. The chamber also recognized former Representative Harvey Kenton as a guest.
The House then acted on several measures. Senate Bill 286, as amended by House Amendment 1, passed 40-0 and extends consumer protections and dealer equity standards to ATVs, side-by-sides, and vessels. Senate Bill 179, which updates the Delaware Sentencing Accountability Commission and its bench book/data analysis process, passed 27-14. Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 23, the housing supply and affordability bill, was presented with extensive explanation and questions about local control, zoning, and implementation, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that measure. Senate Joint Resolution 18, designating August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day and directing flags at half-staff, was also discussed in emotional remarks about overdose losses and the state’s ongoing response. The House later recessed for party caucuses.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- Some are trying to tag buggies and make them kind of like EVs, you know, where it's consistent if the
- tag buggies so and make them kind<00:38:12.960>
of <00:38:13.119>like <00:38:13.440>EVs - you<00:38:14.480>
know, <00:38:14.560>where <00:38:14.880>it's kind of like EVs - , you know, where it's kind of like EVs, you know, where it's it's<00:38:15.440>
kind <00:38:15.599
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 21, March 6, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Reclassification and Sovereignty Act, ayes 60, excused 2; House Bill 145, Removing Triple Taxation for Resident EV
- taxation House Bill 145, removing triple taxation for<00:11:36.079>
resident <00:11:36.640>EV - <00:11:38.480>
I <00:11:38.959>60 <00:11:40.160>excused for resident EV drivers - I 60 excused for resident EV drivers. I 60 excused too. too. too.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PSM-TCA, PSM Public Hearings 02-05-2025
Public Safety and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- subsection 1, HRS, that generally allows the use of consumer fireworks without a permit on New Year's Eve
- In Honolulu this past New Year’s Eve, an individual came in and bought about 1,000 permits, which allows
- Eve an individual came in and bought Eve an individual came in and bought about<00:18:00.000>
1,000
Summary:
The joint committees heard testimony on three fireworks-related bills. On SB 1226, which would create a shipping container inspection program and require Department of Law Enforcement reporting, the Department of Law Enforcement supported the measure, while the Attorney General recommended deleting references to explosives to avoid a single-subject constitutional issue and noted possible federal limits on military involvement. Harbor users raised concerns about logistics, delays, and cost, and HPD supported the bill; members also discussed how inspections would work and whether DLE would coordinate with county and federal partners. No vote was taken during the testimony portion.
On SB 32, which would sharply restrict consumer fireworks by requiring permits for cultural use, repealing the general holiday exceptions, and imposing a $25 permit fee, the State Fire Council supported the bill as a public safety measure but said it was willing to work on problematic language. The Office of the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill’s use of “culture” could create constitutional and discrimination problems because permit decisions would effectively define culture. Fireworks retailers and other opponents said the bill would push consumers toward illegal fireworks and hurt lawful sales, while supporters said it would reduce injuries, fires, and respiratory harm. Members questioned whether the permit fee was new, whether the bill would affect commercial display companies, and whether permit caps should be added.
On SB 1324, which expands fireworks offenses, increases penalties for injuries or death, creates new criminal offenses and an infraction adjudication system, and appropriates funds, the Attorney General strongly supported the bill and said it would give law enforcement and prosecutors better tools, while DLE said the current weight-based definitions make prosecutions difficult and labor-intensive. DLE also said disposal of seized fireworks is expensive and hazardous, and suggested violators should bear more of that cost. HPD and the Maui County prosecutor supported the bill, but some opponents argued it would overcriminalize conduct and create constitutional issues; a commercial pyrotechnics company asked for amendments to preserve lawful display work. Members asked about the appropriation, enforcement challenges, and whether existing exceptions would still allow commercial shows. The hearing ended with no final decision reported in the transcript.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Transportation (05/06/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- ,<03:54:20.560>
parking <03:54:20.880>in <03:54:21.120>an <03:54:21.439>EV - penalties for, uh, parking in an EV penalties for, uh, parking in an EV charging<03:54:22.080>
- that a marked parking space for a specific purpose, whether that's for handicap or whether it's for EV
- I was actually at a pizza place last week and I saw a petroleum truck, a tanker truck parked in an EV
- <04:01:18.960>
parking tanker truck parked in an EV parking tanker truck parked in an EV parking
Summary:
The committee held public hearings on three transportation bills. SB 154 would add the Snow Traveler Foundation to the list of charitable organizations authorized to offer multi-use decal plates through the existing Department of Safety program. Senator David Roford said the bill would create a non-tax funding source for snowmobile trail maintenance, especially after flood damage, and Dan Gold of the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association said the foundation would accept tax-deductible donations for projects such as upgraded trail signage. He explained that the association’s 96 volunteer clubs maintain about 7,000 miles of trails and that the sign program is costly. No opposition was presented, and the hearing was closed after questions from members about the foundation’s status and fundraising goals.
SB 271 would expand eligibility for veteran license plates to include veterans with a general discharge under honorable conditions. The sponsor’s representative said the change would recognize service members who are already eligible for many veterans benefits but are excluded from plates under current law. Supporters included Phil Grizzo, who argued that general discharges often reflect service that was otherwise honorable, and Kevin Grady of the State Veterans Advisory Committee, which said it strongly supported the bill and was also considering broader statutory cleanup to standardize the definition of veteran across state law. Committee members asked whether the change should be limited to plates or applied more broadly, but the sponsor said broader changes would be a separate policy question. The public hearing was then closed.
SB 273, titled “Cheryl’s Law,” would update New Hampshire’s move-over requirements for motorists approaching stopped or standing vehicles on the roadside, including stranded vehicles and those with warning signals. Senator Donovan Fenton said the bill was intended to save lives and honor Staff Sergeant Jesse Cheryl and Brigadier General John Pogo, both of whom died in roadside incidents. He said the measure would require drivers to slow down, change lanes if safe, and move over for roadside vehicles, with the intent of education rather than punishment. Committee members asked about enforcement, the lack of a fiscal note, whether the bill applied statewide, and whether the language could be read as weakening the move-over requirement; the sponsor said it applied to all roads, did not change fines, and was meant to clarify and broaden safety obligations. The hearing continued with additional questions, and the sponsor said state police and other safety stakeholders supported the approach.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Mar 19, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Also, as far as the EV, would it just be another $100 to the existing?
- And as far as the EV, would it just be another $100 to the existing also?
- >
as existing that's correct and as far as existing that's correct and as far as the the the EV - would it just be another $100 to the EV would it just be another $100 to the existing also also also
- <01:54:03.719>
charging inoperable EV charging inoperable EV charging station<01:54:06.000
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard SB 104, which would restrict the use of restrictive housing or solitary confinement in state-operated and state-contracted correctional facilities, with specified exceptions. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation strongly opposed the bill, saying its existing policy already meets or exceeds ACA and National Institute of Corrections standards, and objecting to language they said would give the oversight commission operational decision-making authority. The Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission supported the bill, but also said it was not intended to run operations and described concerns about restrictive housing practices, including CoreCivic’s SHIP program at Saguaro.
Supporters included the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Office of the Public Defender, the Disability Rights Center, ACLU Hawaii, Easter Seals Hawaii, and individual testifiers. They argued that Native Hawaiians are disproportionately impacted by incarceration, that solitary confinement is harmful and linked to depression, anxiety, suicidality, and poor reentry outcomes, and that confinement beyond 15 days is widely condemned under international standards. Several testifiers cited suicides and deaths in custody as reasons to codify limits in statute rather than rely on policy alone. The department responded that it already has 24/7 medical care, though not 24/7 mental health coverage at one facility, and explained that it uses four custody categories: disciplinary segregation, administrative segregation, protective custody, and placements for inmates seeking separation for safety reasons.
Members questioned the department and commission about the SHIP program, whether the bill was based on other states’ laws, and how current policies compare with national standards. The director said the bill was too ambiguous in places and that the department was willing to work with the commission on policy changes, but still opposed the measure as written. The committee took testimony and questions; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- We also advise major agencies like the MBTA and MassDOT on energy strategy and EV infrastructure.
- poles in the right-of-way, including clean energy development, grid fortification, broadband expansion, EV
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a range of energy, utility, broadband, and municipal infrastructure bills. Representative Powell supported H 3466, which would create a task force to study public ownership of utilities and alternatives to investor-owned electric and gas systems. Representative Therber supported H 3574, which would use RGGI funds to reimburse cities and towns affected by power plant decommissioning, citing lost jobs, tax revenue, and service cuts in communities such as Somerset, Plymouth, Salem, and Everett.
Several witnesses from municipal light plants and related organizations testified in support of mutual aid bills, including H 3486/S 2252 and H 3330/S 2277, saying the measures would clarify protections and liability coverage for MLP workers assisting in emergencies and non-emergency work. Jim Leiden of EMWIC opposed H 3514/S 2295, saying the proposed board and governance changes would reduce local control, add burdens, and weaken confidentiality protections. A committee member asked whether the mutual aid bills had been reviewed for municipal impacts, and the witnesses said they had done due diligence.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on H 3551/S 2306, the smart meter opt-out bills. Supporters argued that smart meters emit harmful wireless radiation, that some residents have developed health problems or electromagnetic sensitivity, and that opt-outs should be available without fees or penalties; several witnesses urged notification, consent, and non-transmitting analog meter options. The committee also heard testimony from municipal officials and the Massachusetts Municipal Association in support of H 3462/S 2250, which would strengthen municipal authority to enforce timely removal of double utility poles, citing safety, accessibility, and construction-delay concerns. Derek Leffert of Gateway Fiber opposed H 3450, saying it would improperly shift broadband deployment costs to competitors. At the end of testimony, the chair closed the hearing by motion and vote, with members voting aye and no opposition recorded.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
November 18, 2025 - 10:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- The right graph depicts the number of EV removals that FWC has conducted in the last 5 years as cases
- These are all entities with extensive EV removal experience.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Sep 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The other thing, Senator Schendel is not here, but they said they put an EV charger in Jemez, and now
- the EV charger doesn't exist.
- And all the EV chargers, where they're at, and where they're located.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Aug 14th, 2025
Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Below to even consider buying a used hybrid EV. And so we got that up to $2,000.
- EV surcharge, right? And so the U.S.
- Recognizing that, the citizens of New Mexico are aware that they travel on the roads, and EVs are just
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 5, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- growth, they look at all that, but they also have to be aware of emerging trends such as adoption of EVs
- The EVs are really just there to see the impact of demand growth.
- The EVs are really just there to see the impact of demand growth.
Summary:
The committee heard introductory remarks from Chair LaMarca and members, then received presentations on electric utility planning, transportation infrastructure, and broadband deployment. Public Service Commission staff explained how Florida’s utilities plan for reliability and cost through 10-year site plans, demand forecasting, and economic dispatch. The presentation emphasized Florida’s residential-heavy load, growing EV demand, expanding solar and battery storage, continued reliance on natural gas combined-cycle plants, and the role of nuclear power. Members asked about energy efficiency, rates, renewable options beyond solar, cybersecurity, grid resilience, data centers, and small modular nuclear reactors; the witness said efficiency programs are reviewed every five years, utilities must balance reliability and affordability, and large new loads like data centers generally must pay for their own infrastructure needs.
Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue described FDOT’s five-year work program, decentralized district structure, and funding mix, noting that the agency is predominantly state-funded and prioritizes maintenance and preservation before expansion. He highlighted record investment levels, major congestion-relief projects, toll-road revenues, seaport and airport partnerships, spaceport investments, workforce and equipment needs, and emerging technology such as advanced air mobility. Members asked about project timing, MPO planning, rail and ferry funding, airport governance, winter storm preparedness, and flooding/sea-level rise; Perdue said faster delivery depends on resources, local governments lead transit operations with FDOT as a capital partner, and coastal and drainage projects are designed around storm surge and resiliency.
The Office of Broadband reported on six grant programs supporting infrastructure, community facilities, digital connectivity, and future digital capacity and broadband expansion. Director Leo Garcia said the office has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars across most counties, leveraged significant private investment, and focused heavily on rural areas. He noted that broadband efforts are intended to support telehealth, education, workforce development, and economic growth, and said the state has reduced the number of unserved locations from more than 400,000 to a projected 170,000 after current awards are completed. He also said the office needs additional budget authority for the upcoming digital capacity program and that the larger federal/state broadband deployment program will be used to reach remaining unserved and underserved areas.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/12/26
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Some of those systems could be folks that are planning to buy EVs or get electric vehicles or, you know
- Um, you know, but we do encounter folks from time to time that say, "Okay, I'm buying an EV next year
- Um, you know, but we do encounter folks from time to time that say, "Okay, I'm buying an EV next year
- 18.080>
I'm <01:32:18.239>going <01:32:18.239>to <01:32:18.320>build an EV - next year, so I'm going to build an EV next year, so I'm going to build it<01:32:18.639>
a <01
Keywords:
utilities, rate cases, cost recovery, reporting requirements, gas infrastructure, 1183, house
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- schools and in like a federal uh formula program that benefits schools, you know, across the state in Eve
- schools and in like a federal uh formula program that benefits schools, you know, across the state in Eve
- schools and in like a federal uh formula program that benefits schools, you know, across the state in Eve
- schools and in like a federal formula program that benefits schools, you know, across the state in Eve
- schools and in like a federal formula program that benefits schools, you know, across the state in Eve
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- On December 23, 2022, Christmas Eve Eve, we had several stranded motorists along Highway 7 in our county
- 00:15:09.440>
23rd <00:15:10.000>2022 <00:15:10.839>Christmas <00:15:11.240>Eve - <00:15:11.560>
Eve <00:15:12.120>we December 23rd 2022 Christmas Eve Eve we December - 23rd 2022 Christmas Eve Eve we had<00:15:12.440>
several <00:15:12.720>stranded <00:15:
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 2/10/25 - Part 2
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- If we were to increase the EV fee and increase the gas tax with inflation, those two things would only
- 48:47.640>
the pay their fair share by increasing the pay their fair share by increasing the EV - fee to $200 per year we support EV fee to $200 per year we support continuing<00:48:51.960>
to <00:49:11.359>- we were to over the next two years if we were to increase<00:49:08.880>
the <00:49:09.160>EV - > uh
increase <00:49:12.359>uh <00:49:12.640>uh increase the EV - we were to over the next two years if we were to increase<00:49:08.880>
Bills:
HF5
Keywords:
tax modification, transportation funding, electric vehicle tax, Social Security subtraction, retail delivery fee, motor vehicle registration, state budget, transportation policy, 1183, house
Summary:
The Transportation Committee resumed consideration of House File 5, which would reduce transportation-related revenues while also providing tax relief, including a subtraction for Social Security income, elimination of the delivery fee, and a cap on automatic gas tax indexing. The committee adopted the A1 author’s amendment, which added the phrase “using existing resources,” and then proceeded to public testimony. Representative Joy described the bill as making Minnesota more affordable, while several members and testifiers raised concerns about the impact on transportation funding and road maintenance.
MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Doppenberg testified that reductions in planned transportation investments would worsen pavement, bridge, and roadway conditions, reduce construction projects and jobs, and add to an already large funding gap. Committee discussion focused on the estimated revenue losses from the bill, including about $45 million in fiscal year 2026 and $55 million annually from repealing the delivery fee, plus additional losses from capping gas tax indexing, for a combined transportation revenue reduction of about $131 million in the 2026-27 biennium. Members also asked about bridge aesthetics, paint, transit impacts, and whether other mandates and cost increases should be considered alongside revenue reductions.
Supporters of the delivery fee repeal, including the Minnesota Grocers Association and Minnesota Retailers Association, argued the fee is costly to administer, confusing to consumers, and disproportionately burdens small businesses and lower-income or disabled consumers who rely on delivery. The Minnesota Association of Townships and the Minnesota Transportation Alliance emphasized that rural and local governments face major road and bridge funding needs and warned that reducing revenue would shift costs to property taxpayers or leave projects unfunded. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the committee continued with testimony and member questions.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Tarr, EV charging demand burden on ratepayers. Senator Tarr. Thank you, thank you, Madam President.
- Again, we have had debate earlier in this session relative to the cost of EV charging and rate filings
Summary:
The Senate considered a series of amendments to a supplemental appropriations bill and related measures, with several adopted and several rejected or withdrawn. Early amendments on equitable approaches to public safety and a Holyoke local account clarification failed, while amendments providing $2.5 million for Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers technical assistance and expanding access to gender-affirming medications and mifepristone were adopted. The chamber also adopted a technical amendment on alternative protein grants, a clarification to ETF modernization, and an energy storage systems amendment. Other proposals on homeowner protections, La Casa funding, emergency contract reform, an energy dashboard, EV charging ratepayer impacts, hate crimes, distressed hospital payments, and task force membership were rejected or withdrawn.
A substantial portion of the debate focused on health care, food assistance, and public safety. Senators spoke in support of funding for community health centers, hospital relief, and EBT anti-skimming protections, including $15.5 million for chip-enabled EBT cards and related replacement-benefit support. One amendment to strengthen protections against impersonating federal officers was rejected, while another on professional protections was withdrawn after discussion of ballot address privacy and security concerns. The Senate also adopted amendments to continue prior appropriations for a North Shore food pantry and drought management efforts, and it later approved a sick leave bank for a Department of Mental Health employee.
The chamber then took up the fiscal year 2025 fair share supplemental budget conference report, which Ways and Means described as $1.39 billion in spending split between transportation and education, including MBTA improvements, Chapter 90 aid, regional transit authorities, special education circuit breaker reimbursements, higher education deferred maintenance, and career technical education capital grants. After a roll call, the bill passed, with one recorded negative vote. The Senate also adopted a separate Ways and Means amendment and ordered the bill to third reading before final passage. The session ended with adjournment motions and a moment of silence honoring Melissa and Mark Hortman and other victims of political violence, along with a memorial adjournment for firefighter Jeffrey DeSanchez.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 10, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- So that but your point about the EV toy for concern back on that ship.
- are lucky to have a company called Effect Mobility, which is headquartered in Florida doing just the EV
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Converting to EVs? >> We are, yeah. >> So... >> Yeah, we're focused. So that's coming along.
- If<01:16:42.280>
if If if If if >> Converting<01:16:43.360>to <01:16:43.520>EVs - >> Converting to EVs? >> Converting to EVs?
- <01:16:52.280>
our <01:16:52.600>fleet <01:16:53.080>into <01:16:53.520>EVs - What are you going to get from EVs? Because it's not like... >> Yeah.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Government Operations held an informational briefing with the State Procurement Office on its small business procurement program. SPO staff described the program’s purpose as expanding access to state contracting for small businesses, including veteran-, Native Hawaiian-, and women-owned firms, and said they are seeking to make the current five-year initiative permanent before it ends in June 2027. They reported outreach efforts, a new website and newsletter, statewide surveys, draft administrative rules, and a 38% increase in small business registrations in the HANS database. They also explained that the program is intended to support outreach, education, certification, compliance, and a statewide database to connect agencies with qualified small businesses.
Committee members focused heavily on whether the program is producing measurable contract awards, not just registrations. The chair and senators questioned the definition of “small business,” noting that SPO currently relies on SBA standards in HANS and is considering a Hawaii-specific definition based on employees, revenue, and Hawaii residency. Members raised concerns that the data showed only a small number of registered businesses receiving awards and that the database does not yet track awards well enough to evaluate performance. SPO responded that the database has had funding gaps, that the position was only filled in February 2025, and that the agency is still building the system and rules needed to track outcomes accurately.
A major theme was how to make the program more effective for very small or “micro” businesses and how to reduce the complexity of state procurement. Members discussed the difference between set-asides and bid preferences, with SPO explaining that set-asides are generally tied to RFPs and preferences to IFBs. The committee suggested that future rules should make participation easier, provide more training and hand-holding, and possibly create pathways for micro businesses or groups of small businesses to bid together. No votes or formal actions were taken; the briefing ended with the committee asking SPO to provide more performance data and clearer information on outreach results and database contents.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair calls Eve Margulies. Eve Margulies.
- We'll show Eve Margulies on behalf of herself registered against the bill but not testifying.
- Eve Margulies.
- We'll show Eve Margulies. on behalf of herself, registered against the bill, not testifying.
- We'll show Eve Margulies on behalf of herself registered against the bill but not testifying.
Bills:
HB4, HB54, SB 10, SB 24, HB4, HB54, HB775, HB850, HB 1122, HB 1249, HB1405, HB2336, HB2757, HB3372, HB3622, HB4442, HB4687, HB4893, HB5089, HB5515, HB5606, SB10, SB24, HB1573, HB3369
Keywords:
district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, citizenship, U.S. citizen, non-citizen, public office, advisory board, task force, state government, local government, political subdivision, commission board, appointment eligibility, officeholder qualifications, public service, naturalization, Texas Government Code
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AEN-WLA-EIG, WLA-AEN-EDT, WLA-AEN, WLA-AEN-PSM Public Hearings 03-20-2026
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- This is Eve Hogan. Steve is with me. Um, let me see if I can get video.
- My name is Eve Hogan, and Steve and I are testifying on behalf of Maui's Agricultural Working Group,
- <00:22:05.120>
My <00:22:05.360>name <00:22:05.440>is <00:22:05.600>Eve - My name is Eve Hogan and Steve >> Okay. Hi.
- My name is Eve Hogan and Steve and<00:22:06.880>
I <00:22:07.039>are <00:22:07.200>using
Bills:
HB1979
Keywords:
environmental review, affordable housing, clean energy, judicial proceedings, public participation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1979 HD3, which would shorten the time to file certain judicial challenges to environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for affordable housing and clean energy projects, and would also affect transfer of some environmental court appeals to the Supreme Court. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the amended bill, saying the changes were improved from earlier versions and that the shorter filing period was reasonable for these priority projects. Hawaii Gas asked that the bill’s clean energy definition be broadened to align with existing renewable energy law so emerging technologies like renewable hydrogen and renewable gas would be included. Kauai Island Utility Co-op and Greenpeace Hawaii testified in support and opposition, respectively, with supporters arguing the bill would reduce litigation uncertainty and opponents saying the shorter deadline would limit public participation and not solve the real causes of project delays.
Opposition testimony came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, 350 Hawaii, and others, who argued the bill could chill legitimate public-interest claims, especially where there is limited public notice, and that environmental review was being unfairly blamed for delays caused by permitting, financing, or infrastructure problems. Several speakers said the measure would reduce transparency and make it harder for communities to respond in time. One testifier from Earthjustice said the environmental review process itself is not the problem and should not be weakened for projects that still need public disclosure and community engagement.
The committee then moved to decision-making and, citing the volume of opposition and concerns about public participation, transparency, and whether the bill would actually improve timelines, the chair deferred HB 1979 HD3 indefinitely. The hearing was adjourned after the vote decision was announced.
The transcript then shifted to HB 2585, relating to tourism and statewide standards for agritourism. Testimony was mixed: farmers and agricultural groups described agritourism as essential to keeping small farms and ranches viable, while also urging safeguards so it would not be abused or displace real agricultural production. Some speakers warned the bill’s revenue-based limits could unintentionally shut down existing farm stays and related operations, especially in Maui County. The Hawaii Farm Bureau said it supported the intent but wanted clearer protections for bona fide agriculture and more flexibility around revenue requirements and force majeure situations. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.