Video & Transcript : 'underground wells' :
Page 16 of 500
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine United States Special Operations Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program; to be immediately followed by a closed hearing in SVC-217. Apr 8th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think it's focused on the workforce as well.
- Well, I'm getting to ADAC here in a minute.
- Well, thank you, Chairman.
- Well, thank you, I appreciate that, and I agree.
- Well, I appreciate that.
Committees:
Senate Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee , Senate SeaPower Subcommittee , Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces , Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel
Keywords:
national security, nuclear energy, Department of Defense, military readiness, public commentary, nominations
Summary:
The meeting convened with a focus on the scrutiny of various nominations and their implications for national security. Mr. Brandon Williams was nominated as the Undersecretary of Energy for Nuclear Security, drawing attention to the pressing need to modernize the U.S. nuclear arsenal amid growing threats from other countries. This was echoed in discussions led by committee members who expressed concern over military readiness and the management of military installations, with emphasis on ensuring accountability within the Department of Defense. Public commentary was notably supportive of the nominations, although some concerns were raised regarding the administration's broader strategies.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The Texas Railroad Commission... is highly likely to get primacy over carbon storage wells, Class 6 wells
- The Class II underground injection control program applies to produced water disposal wells that have
- been linked to over-pressurized formations, such as well blowouts, leaking oil and gas wells, sinkholes
- Well, we have currently built the first geothermal well in Pleasanton. It's licensed.
- Well, it's a public record, so... Well, you're right.
Committee:
House Energy Resources
Keywords:
carbon sequestration, environmental policy, Texas, energy, climate change, regulatory council, geothermal energy, workforce development, education and training, energy industry, apprenticeship, energy production, energy policy, renewable energy, state council, administrative law, public information, transparency, government accountability, judicial process
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WAM, WAM DEFER, WAM-JDC, WAM-JDC Public Hearings 02-19-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- injection control line the underground injection control line insert<00:02:50.360><c> definitions</c
- That was my understanding as well, but let me... I understand your question.
- </c> sooner that was my understanding as well sooner that was my understanding as well but<00:22:04.679
- Well, we can leave it blank years and you can figure it out.
- Well, we can leave it blank years and you can figure it out.
Summary:
The committee met in decision-making on a long list of Senate bills and adopted most measures with amendments or unamended, often with members voting aye and some recording reservations. Among the measures acted on were SB 40, SB 411, SB 436, SB 443, SB 447, SB 572, SB 583, SB 739, SB 742, SB 746, SB 816, SB 826, SB 830, SB 841, SB 850, SB 865, SB 952, SB 955, SB 1040, SB 1042, SB 1083, SB 1229, SB 1359, SB 1469, SB 1553, SB 1578, SB 1609, SB 1610, SB 1619, and SB 1641. Common amendments included deferring effective dates to 2050, adding sunset dates, adopting LRB technical changes, and narrowing or clarifying program language.
Several bills drew brief discussion on policy details. SB 583 was amended to remove references to selling naming rights, leaving only leasing. SB 739 was discussed for its land exchange provisions and concerns about ceded lands and OHA revenue, but it was still adopted with reservations. SB 830 was amended based on DNR testimony to address reconstruction after disasters, excluding certain coastal hazards. SB 850 added State Council on Developmental Disabilities recommendations to address health disparities for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. SB 952 shifted administration of a pilot program to the Department of Human Services in partnership with the Office of Wellness and Resiliency, and SB 1610 added requirements for utility connections and capped spending on the Ohana Zones/Cales-related program.
The committee also heard substantial discussion on SB 442, which concerned returning retirees to state employment. Testimony from the Department of Law Enforcement and the Attorney General focused on whether the bill should allow a shorter waiting period and how it would interact with current 89-day hiring practices, succession planning, and law enforcement retirement rules. After debate, the committee moved to decision-making and adopted amendments to include investigators, expand eligibility to hard-to-fill or succession-planning positions, and set a term limit for returning retirees with director approval for extensions. In a separate joint Ways and Means/Judiciary hearing, SB 716, SB 763, and SB 804 were also advanced with amendments, including organizational placement changes for DLE programs and Attorney General amendments to avoid retroactivity and contract-impairment issues. Several items were deferred, including SB 983, SB 1220, and SB 828.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Human Services Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And we could share that with the committee as well. Sounds good. All right.
- Barbarisville that I see is here as well, so you two can get on your way.
- And I believe that DSHS understands that as well.
- I'm happy to answer any questions that the committee has as well.
- I represent a couple nonprofits, underground ministries, and interest. and reentry.
Summary:
The Senate Human Services Committee heard several House bills. Substitute House Bill 2539 would raise the indigent inmate account threshold from $25 to $100, allowing incarcerated people to retain more money for commissary items like hygiene products, postage, and medications before deductions for legal financial obligations, child support, and other debts. Representative Street said the bill is meant to better cover essentials without stopping debt repayment. Testifiers from Civil Survival, incarcerated people, and family advocates supported the bill, describing current commissary prices, low prison wages, and the burden on families. The committee also heard that the Department of Corrections expects some indeterminate implementation costs and IT expenses. No vote was taken.
House Bill 2510 would require the Department of Corrections to supervise anyone sentenced to community custody for stalking, regardless of risk classification. Representative Burnett said the bill is intended to protect victims and give them peace of mind. Staff explained that the bill is narrower than a related measure heard earlier because it applies only to people sentenced to community custody, typically at the superior court level. Victim advocates and survivors testified in strong support, describing stalking cases that escalated to severe threats and violence and arguing that mandatory supervision could prevent future harm. The hearing was closed without action.
The committee also heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2319 and Substitute House Bill 2350, both concerning residential habilitation centers. HB 2319 would rename Fircrest School and Rainier School to remove the word “school” and better reflect their current role as residential habilitation centers; supporters said the old terminology is outdated and confusing, while the sponsor said the bill is a clarification only and does not change services or funding. HB 2350 would require DSHS to notify residents, guardians, and other designated people when an RHC falls out of compliance with federal CMS requirements, and to post plain-language notices at the facility. Supporters from Disability Rights Washington, The Arc, and self-advocates said the bill would improve transparency and accountability. The committee closed public hearing on both bills, and the meeting adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/10/2026 - House Natural Resources, Energy & Water
House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- She wasn't feeling well this afternoon. We are holding House Senate Bill 1287.
- Is this bill nearly as well as a question?
- I think we heard this bill last year as well. Representative Martinez, I think this was your bill.
- Crane as well. That will ask that the BIA divest themselves of the SKIP system.
- Well, thank you. Thank you. Anything else? Thank you very much. Trenberg. Good afternoon.
Summary:
The Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water considered several water and energy measures. Senate Bill 1202, which requires the Arizona Department of Water Resources director to include additional information on each groundwater basin in the five-year water supply and demand assessment, was described as similar to a bill vetoed in a prior session. After brief discussion, it was passed with a do pass recommendation by a 6-3 vote. Senate Bill 1418, dealing with small modular nuclear reactors, would limit county regulation in certain cases, expand siting definitions, raise the megawatt threshold for plant regulation, and allow replacement of existing thermal units with SMRs without a new certificate in specified circumstances. Members noted it contained language from previously vetoed bills, but it also passed 6-3 with a do pass recommendation.
The committee also heard Senate Concurrent Memorial 1007, which urges Congress to divest the federal government and the Bureau of Indian Affairs of the San Carlos Irrigation Project Electric System and provide funding for a system study and improvements. Testimony from the sponsor and Arizona Municipal Power Users Association emphasized the system’s unreliability, aging infrastructure, and support from multiple local and federal entities for transferring control. The memorial passed unanimously, 9-0, with a do pass recommendation.
Finally, Senate Bill 1785 would codify in statute a Department of Water Resources policy on the area of impact for recovery wells associated with underground storage facilities, generally reflecting a one-mile safe harbor unless a hydrologic study shows a different impact area. Supporters said the bill would provide certainty for permit applicants and align statute with long-standing department practice; DWR testified neutral and said it would like to work on technical language changes. The bill passed with a do pass recommendation by a 7-3 vote. House Senate Bill 1287 was held for additional information and no action was taken on it.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/10/2026 - House Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Transcript Highlights:
- Is this bill nearly as well as a question? Madam Chair.
- I think we heard this bill last year as well. Representative Martinez, I think this was your bill.
- Crane as well. That will ask that the BIA divest themselves of the SKIP system.
- Well, thank you. Thank you. Anything else? Thank you very much. Trenberg. Good afternoon.
- So we're talking about storage basins where it percolates, or an injection well into the aquifer.
Committee:
House Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Keywords:
groundwater, water conservation, Arizona water resources, drought management, water quality, irrigation, active management area, domestic use, stock watering, water rights, small modular reactors, energy regulation, environmental compatibility, utility construction, agricultural use, industrial users, water storage, recovery well, Arizona Revised Statutes, water management
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Civility in the Senate / Preserving the Past and the Present / Inspiring Legislators Through Art Apr 3rd, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The House has representation and membership there as well.
- representation and membership<00:04:21.720><c> there</c><00:04:22.000><c> as</c><00:04:22.200><c> well
- </c> membership there as well. membership there as well.
- From the ceilings to underground halls, art covers the Capitol's walls.
- > covers</c><00:26:33.800><c> the</c> underground halls, art covers the underground halls, art covers
Summary:
This episode of Senate Spotlight focused on several nonpartisan Senate offices and programs that help lawmakers and the public understand the legislative process. It highlighted the Civility Caucus, where Republican Sen. Zach Duckworth and DFL Sen. Grant Hauschild work to build relationships across party lines, especially important in a closely divided Senate and during a bonding year that requires a two-thirds vote for infrastructure spending. Speakers emphasized that the caucus is about civility, empathy, and laying groundwork for future bipartisan work rather than guaranteeing agreement on specific bills.
The program also explained how Minnesotans can track legislative activity through the Senate Journal and the fiscal review. Staff described the Journal as a public record of votes, amendments, roll calls, and other actions, useful for checking how senators voted on bills that passed or failed. The fiscal review was presented as a nonpartisan, award-winning summary of the enacted budget, with examples of how readers can find spending details by page and a discussion of plans to make the document more interactive and web-based. Viewers were also directed to the Senate website to look up senators’ contact information and to the Legislature’s bill-tracking system.
Another segment covered Senate File 901, a bipartisan bill by Sen. Eric Pratt that funded an equine-assisted therapy program for first responders dealing with trauma. Testimony described how the program has helped police, firefighters, dispatchers, and correctional officers stay on the job and recover mentally, with lawmakers noting its strong support and practical benefits. The episode also featured Senate pages and interns, who described their behind-the-scenes work supporting committee meetings and learning the legislative process, and concluded with a segment on Capitol art and a new public gallery meant to inspire good government and showcase Minnesota artists.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So, well, these are assessing, literally, I mean, President Gates is asking for a CPA and a financial
- You have your rate and then you'll have cost-recovery provisions on your bill as well.
- Senator Brodeur just articulated those concerns very well, so I won't go back through them.
- Senator Broder just articulated those concerns very well, so I won't go back through them.
- and you can skip the line and underground and do tie-ins.
Committee:
Senate Regulated Industries
Summary:
The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and considered four bills, all of which were reported favorably. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives was presented as a negotiated “glitch bill” to narrow statutory language so co-ops can choose generation and power purchases based on cost and reliability without exposure to lawsuits aimed at banning fuel sources; it was supported by the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association and passed without debate. SB 364 on public accountancy was described as a modernization and licensure-efficiency bill to increase the supply of CPAs; an amendment correcting a drafting error and restoring automatic mobility language was adopted without objection, and the bill as amended was reported favorably. A public comment on the bill was briefly redirected after it appeared to address a different subject.
The committee then took up SB 200 on utilities, which addresses solar decommissioning and storm protection plans. Chair Bradley said the bill would authorize counties to require decommissioning plans for utility-scale solar facilities at the end of their useful life, direct DEP to develop best management practices, and require the Public Service Commission to consider whether storm protection plan costs are reasonable relative to expected customer benefits. County and consumer groups spoke in support, and the Small County Coalition said the bill was a needed step that did not restrict solar development; the bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee considered SB 126 on the Florida Public Service Commission, which was presented as a reform and “glitch” bill and amended to add CPA and financial analyst expertise, require stronger PSC order explanations, tighten intervention requirements, cap returns on equity at the national average for comparable utilities, set periodic ROE review schedules, and require affordability to be considered in rate-related proceedings. The PSC staff deputy executive director answered extensive questions about storm hardening, cost recovery, risk, and affordability. Several members and public speakers supported the bill’s goals but raised concerns about the affordability standard, the ROE cap, and comparisons to other states; others said the bill would improve transparency and accountability. The amendment was adopted, and CS for SB 126 was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor & Commerce Feb 24th, 2026 at 10:45 am
Labor & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- And as we know, many employers are not in the underground economy.
- Well, I think this. discussion Senator Conway well I think this group this was a group that met all during
- Well, we appreciate you being here. All right, well, we appreciate you being here.
- We've had great staff as well. And anything that I may have achieved, I really have achieved.
- Well, thank you so much. Yeah, very well said.
Bills:
HB1526
Committee:
Senate Labor & Commerce
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Mar 4, 2025, 9:00 AM HST - Day 25
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><02:17:52.399><c> enough</c> unveil their plan knowing well enough unveil their plan knowing well
- </c> L for 1123 with reservations as well L for 1123 with reservations as well thank<02:33:34.279><c>
- </c> regulate an already thriving Underground regulate an already thriving Underground Market<03:24:59.239
- Well, I beg to differ on that.
- Well, I beg to differ on that.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:09:21.200><c> water</c><00:09:21.519><c> resources</c> and underground water resources and underground
- </c> into the gates of heaven, saying, "Well into the gates of heaven, saying, "Well done,<00:22:00.080
- He said, 'Well, let me help you because these guys are good people.
- He said,<00:25:41.360><c> "Well,</c><00:25:41.679><c> let</c><00:25:41.840><c> me</c><00:25:41.919><c
- > help</c><00:25:42.080><c> you</c><00:25:42.240><c> because</c> said, "Well, let me help you because
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Sub. on Primary & Secondary Education & Workforce Development (2-17-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- I know all of the community really well.
- Um so the allocation is support as well.
- Well, if he if if they master's program.
- I'm one of those kids as well.
- My father was of those uh kids as well.
Summary:
The subcommittee met without a quorum and did not approve minutes, but heard testimony on budget line items for Data Seam and Teach for America. Andrew McNeel of Kentucky Free and representatives from the Commonwealth Policy Center argued that both programs rely heavily on recurring taxpayer support and should be re-evaluated. McNeel cited a 2020 Office of Policy and Audit examination of Data Seam, saying the program had received more than $30 million in state support since 2006, including $3.5 million in the current budget, and that the audit raised concerns about administrative overhead, alleged threats to districts, and the use of line-item language to justify sole-source contracting. He recommended suspending Data Seam funding this biennium, directing a new special audit, and requiring reimbursement of audit costs.
The witnesses also urged the committee to withhold funding for Teach for America, saying the organization’s materials and history showed a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that they opposed. They pointed to past statements, leadership titles, and program language as evidence that DEI concepts remained embedded in the organization, and suggested any funding should be redirected directly to school districts instead. Mike Harmon and Richard Nelson echoed those concerns, while also saying long-running programs should be periodically reviewed for efficiency.
Teach for America Appalachia representatives then testified in support of the program. Executive director C.D. Morton described the organization as a teacher-preparation and leadership-development program serving rural eastern Kentucky, saying it had recruited and supported more than 325 teachers since 2011, with about 30 current core members in several counties and roughly 2,800 students impacted daily. He said the program helps fill hard-to-staff vacancies, that about 80% of teachers stay for a third year, and that many alumni remain in education. In response to questions from Representative Bojanowski about retention and cost, Morton said more than 60% of alumni are still in education, but he could not give a precise classroom-teacher retention number beyond the program’s broader alumni data.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, House Bill 2976 requires the Department of Environmental Quality to promulgate rules establishing
- , not measure how much water is actually applied, and that there has been a long-time fear that underground
- He said users cannot have their underground water permit taken back unless they abuse it, and that has
Committee:
House Energy
Keywords:
environmental protection, water quality, aluminum, Department of Environmental Quality, EPA standards, groundwater conservation, water rights, permit allocation, metering, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, liquefied petroleum gas, safety regulation, LP-Gas Board, inspections, accident investigations, rural water service, district organization, emergency legislation, Oklahoma, water management
Summary:
The House Energy Committee met for its second scheduled meeting and announced it would need to meet again the following week because of bill reassignments and new agenda items. The committee first considered House Bill 2976, which requires the Department of Environmental Quality to promulgate water quality criteria rules for aluminum. An amendment was adopted to extend the rulemaking deadline to December 31, 2027, to allow time for an OU study on aluminum in water to be completed. The bill then passed 9-0.
The committee next heard House Bill 4459, which would create a five-year averaging option for certain water users, mainly irrigators, allowing flexibility in annual use while requiring measurement and reporting over the five-year period. Members questioned whether the bill could encourage excessive use during drought years and whether it would improve reporting accuracy; the author said he was open to discussing a possible reduction from 200% to 150% and emphasized long-term aquifer conservation. HB 4459 was reported out due pass. House Bill 3142, described as a revised version of a bill vetoed last year, also passed unanimously after the author said it addressed the governor’s veto concerns.
The committee then advanced House Bill 4316, which updates outdated language related to rural water districts and passed 11-0. House Bill 4338, the so-called Brine Act, was adopted with a PCS and would allow wastewater or produced water to be used in ways that could expand Oklahoma’s iodine production industry; the author said it would create value from material now disposed of and would not change disposal rules. Members asked about treatment and environmental safeguards, and the author said the bill only recognizes the activity as legal and does not mandate it. HB 4338 passed 11-0. Finally, House Bill 4230, which expands the ability to use qualified outside suppliers for training and technical assistance, passed 11-0 after brief questioning about who those suppliers might be.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Thu Mar 20, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- And then for section three as well, I'd like to do the same thing.
- We just believe that the model that we've had in place continues to improve well.
- I'm not saying to go underground. They're not saying rail underground.
- <c> saying</c><00:59:45.599><c> rail</c> underground.
- They're not saying rail underground.
Summary:
The House Committee on Transportation met on March 20, 2025, first on two bills and then on a series of resolutions. On SB 597, relating to administrative driver’s license revocation, the Department of the Attorney General and other agencies supported extending the deadlines for written review decisions because chemical testing results, especially from neighbor islands, can take longer to return. One individual testified in opposition. The committee amended the bill to set the review-decision deadlines at 14 and 28 days, deferred the effective date to July 1, 3000, and recommended passage with amendments by vote.
The committee then heard SB 1285 SD2, a highway safety measure that would create an impaired-driving offense, establish automatic license suspension procedures, and amend related administrative processes. The Attorney General’s office raised concerns about the new infraction structure and recommended deleting that section, while the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it could create due process problems and unnecessary burdens on the courts. DOT and several advocacy groups supported the measure, and one individual testified in support of lowering the BAC limit to 0.05. The committee adopted extensive amendments, including deleting several sections, revising revocation language for refusals to test, and deferring the effective date to July 1, 3000, then passed the bill with amendments.
In the later resolution hearing, the committee heard measures on Maui road projects, the Kulani Hako Bridge replacement, enforcement against improperly registered out-of-state vehicles, a proposed extension of the Skyline rail to West Oahu, a proposal to transfer airport regulatory authority to DOT, a golf-ball safety resolution, and a restricted parking pilot program in West Oahu neighborhoods. Testimony was generally supportive on the Maui road, bridge, vehicle-registration, and golf-ball measures, while DOT opposed the airport-corporation task force resolution and several groups offered mixed views, including calls for public-sector union representation if a task force were created. The committee also heard support and concern on the Skyline extension resolution, with members noting the need for transit options that better serve West Oahu. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted the resolutions it took up in decision-making, including the Maui road measures, the bridge resolution, the vehicle-registration resolution, and the Skyline-related resolution, with the airport-corporation and parking-zone measures also heard before adjournment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 26th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Her point well taken. Senators, simply remain with the context and...
- Senators, we are doing really well today.
- And the scooters came along as well.
- We are well into making good progress for tomorrow.
- We are well into making good progress for tomorrow.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee (8-26-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for knowing the answer to that as well. Thank you.
- Those are the four that you have rolled together. power lines underground in order to power lines underground
- U and uh uh with their budget as well.
- The required local well as site prep.
- Um, Lewis, I saw you take as well.
Keywords:
0:00:08 Call to Order and Roll Call
0:00:38 Approval of Minutes
0:01:02 Information Items
0:02:17 Lease Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions
0:06:42 Project Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet
0:15:03 Lease Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet
0:24:00 Rpt from OFM – KY Infrastructure Authority
0:42:55 Economic Development Fund Grants
0:53:38 Rpt from OFM – New Debt Issues
1:16:33 Remaining 2025 Meeting Dates
1:16:45 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first handled routine business, including roll call, approval of the July minutes, and several informational reports. Those reports included a University of Kentucky restricted-fund medical equipment purchase for Chandler Hospital, debt issues for five school districts, Eastern Kentucky University’s planned model laboratory school using construction management risk delivery, a Division of Real Properties lease advertisement, Kentucky Communications Network Authority quarterly project reports, and EKU asset preservation revisions.
Members then heard and approved a new UK St. Clair Urgent Care Clinic lease in Morehead and an amendment expanding space for the UK Family and Community Medicine Clinic at Turflin Clinic. Testimony explained that both properties are privately owned, the Morehead lease predated the UK/St. Clair arrangement, and the Turflin Clinic is tight on space. The committee also approved three new projects and an appropriation increase: two Department of Military Affairs projects, a Window Ford Training Center underground electric project and a Williamsburg Readiness Center interior repair project, a Fish and Wildlife property acquisition adjoining Veterans Memorial Wildlife Management Area, and an $8.113 million increase for the Department of Revenue integrated tax system (DORIS). The DORIS increase was described as needed for change orders tied to legislation and to complete the unified tax system.
The committee next reviewed no-action items, including a $3 million emergency flood-damage repair project for the Bush Building and Vest-Lindsay House in Frankfort, and three pool projects over $1 million: a Kentucky Correctional Institute for Women window replacement phase 2 project, a Department of Criminal Justice Training interior refurbishment at Thompson Hall, and the Muddy Gut Branch stream mitigation project in Johnson County. The flood project was confirmed to be fully reimbursed by insurance proceeds.
Finally, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented six loans and nine grants. Action items included water and sewer financing for Cumberland County, Lebanon, Northern Kentucky Water District, Lewisport, and Providence, plus a major Taylor Mill treatment plant project and several cleaner water grants and reallocations. Members asked about loan rates, local rate increases needed to repay debt, and the Providence emergency water interconnect; staff explained that Lewisport had begun a rate increase process, and that the Providence project would connect Webster County Water District and the city of Providence to stabilize pressure after a systemwide failure. All action items were approved.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Press Conference: Senators Tan Parker, Brent Hagenbuch, and Adam Hinojosa Jan 29th, 2025
Texas Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, good morning, everybody.
- I think you've said it well. This is about awareness.
- My trucking company's been in it as well, fighting trafficking.
- My trucking company has been as well in fighting trafficking.
- And there is this sick underground world.
Keywords:
American Public Works Association, public works, infrastructure, Texas, recognition day, local government, municipalities, APWA, Texas Chapter, community development, engineering, professional recognition, community impact, Texas Society of Professional Engineers, Lubbock leadership, recognition, professional achievement, Alpha Kappa Alpha, sorority, social service
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The Texas Railroad Commission is highly likely to get primacy over carbon storage wells, classic wells
- The Class 2 underground injection control program applies to produced water disposal wells that have
- Well, we have currently built the first geothermal well, uh, in, uh, Pleasanton.
- Well, the, the existing wells give us the, uh, give us the, the picture of the subsurface and give us
- Well, yes. You've done good.
Committee:
House Energy Resources
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for describing it so well.
- wells for the Red Hill situation.
- wells for the Red Hill situation.
- wells for the Red Hill situation.
- Uh and I with your staff as well.
Committee:
Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs
Summary:
The joint hearing of the Committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs considered two resolutions related to Red Hill and PFAS contamination. HCR 186 urged the U.S. Department of Defense and Defense Health Agency to extend the renewal period for secretarial designee health care authorization for people affected by the Red Hill water contamination crisis and to improve access to care. Testimony from Moira Flanary and Board of Water Supply’s Ernie Lau supported the measure, emphasizing lasting health impacts, the need for continuity of care, and National Academies recommendations for continued eligibility and access to treatment.
The second measure, HCR 200, urged the U.S. Department of Defense to reassess prior determinations and closure decisions under CERCLA in light of evolving scientific understanding of PFAS and recent federal hazardous substance designations. Mr. Lau testified in support, arguing that military investigations should not rely only on old records or AFFF documentation and should instead use current testing methods to identify contamination. He said PFAS is persistent, mobile in groundwater, and likely to require long-term remediation, and he also answered questions about cleanup challenges and the Board of Water Supply’s ongoing litigation against the Navy over Red Hill-related costs.
At the end of the hearing, the committees voted to pass both HCR 186 and HCR 200 unamended. The Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on both measures. The Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee did not have quorum, so its votes were deferred until April 21 at 2:00 p.m. in Conference Room 225.
OR
Oregon 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee On Legislative Audits 06/17/2026 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, thank you so much. We will look forward to when you come back to present to us again.
- But I'll let the director expand a bit more on that as well.
- Well, thank you, co-chairing. Good afternoon.
- All right, well, thank you so much for being here. Well, thank you so much for being here.
- , like our underground utility systems, sewer, and electrical systems. ...our underground utility systems
Summary:
The Joint Interim Committee on Legislative Audits met on June 17 for informational presentations. The Department of Administrative Services, through Chief Audit Executive Eli Ritchie, gave an overview of statewide internal audit requirements and the fiscal year 2025 report. He explained the difference between internal and external audit, described Oregon’s statutory and rule-based internal audit structure, and reported that 30 agencies had internal audit functions, with most meeting required standards. He said 73 audits and 49 advisory/consulting engagements were completed statewide, with strong compliance overall, though a few agencies were rebuilding audit committees after vacancies. No committee questions were raised after the presentation.
The Secretary of State’s Audits Division then presented its Government Waste Hotline annual report. Director Steve Bergman and audit manager Olivia Rekhed described changes made to align the hotline with statute, including renaming it the Government Waste Hotline, creating a review panel, improving anonymity protections, removing fraud reporting from the hotline’s scope, and adjusting reporting timelines. They said hotline volume increased modestly in 2025, most reports were referred elsewhere or closed for insufficient evidence, and two reports were substantiated, including questioned costs of about $856 for personal use of a state vehicle and about $2.9 million tied to the Preschool Promise program. Committee members asked about hotline staffing, cost, anonymity, and follow-up on findings; staff said the hotline is lightly resourced, uses a contracted intake service, and referrals or recommendations are followed up through management letters and later reviews.
The committee also heard an audit of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s safety inspections and asset tracking. The Secretary of State’s office reported that OPRD had not consistently conducted or documented quarterly OSHA safety inspections and had incomplete asset records, including missing acquisition dates and costs for many assets. The audit made eight recommendations covering safety inspection policies, asset management guidance, tagging, reconciliations, disposition controls, training, and a new asset management system; OPRD agreed to all recommendations. OPRD officials said they had already begun training staff, improving inspection procedures, and working toward a replacement asset system, while noting operational challenges from a large, dispersed park system and manual processes. Committee members asked about what kinds of assets are tracked, how tagging works, whether items were actually being lost, and how much tracking is necessary for low-value tools; OPRD said the main issue was inconsistent classification and documentation rather than widespread loss. The meeting ended with no votes or formal actions taken.