Transcript Highlights:

• They also created an effect of an environmental disaster that burnt for several days.
• John McCord and Jennifer Tharp, you come forward as invited test men. Thank you. And Mr.

Bills: SB 476, SB 664, SB 745, SB 826, SB 989, SB 1080, SB 1171, SB 1320, SB 1437, SB 1727, SB 1809, SB 2289, SB 2320

Keywords: education, funding, school infrastructure, public schools, teacher support, intoxication manslaughter, criminal penalties, ignition interlock devices, youth offenders, vehicular homicide, Texas courts, judicial officers, associate judge, magistrate, master, referee, hearing officer, court administration, Government Code Chapter 54, Government Code Chapter 54A

Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice convened to address pressing issues surrounding oil field crime and safety on Texas highways. The meeting was initiated by Chair Flores, who emphasized the need for improved tools to combat repeat offenders having committed intoxicated driving, alongside tackling oil field theft that has escalated due to organized criminal activities. The committee heard public testimonies and engaged with various stakeholders, including law enforcement and industry representatives, who highlighted the complexities and dangers associated with these crimes. Notably, a significant focus was placed on Senate Bill 1320, which aims to establish a dedicated unit within the Department of Public Safety to investigate and address thefts specific to the oil and gas industry. This initiative seeks to strengthen coordination among various law enforcement agencies and improve training for local officers to combat these sophisticated theft operations more effectively.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, wouldn't the more environmentally preferred way to— I mean, we're making light of it, but let's
• the FIR and what it's saying is that this The current law, or the lack of this law, disincentivizes testing

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is how we really incentivize to get those greater environmental and human health benefits as
• And this is how we really incentivize to get those greater environmental and human health benefits as
• Public Health um and environmental Public Health um and environmental health<01:05:25.880> so
• So the scoring and ranking criteria really closely cleave to environmental benefit and protection of
• benefit it has to either environmental benefit it has to either clean<01:15:34.639> up<01:15:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:45.599> damage<00:35:46.320> to can uh do cause environmental damage to can
• Environmental groups have supported this, and I don't have the file with me, and I apologize.
• been requested to do it um environmental been requested to do it um environmental groups<00:38:39.599
• The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has the Lakes Management and Protection Program
• The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has the Lakes Management and Protection Program

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And um having of Environmental Services.
• Is anybody going to cause you to somehow have the environmental police come and take you away? No.
• Um and so we do environmental services.
• 1,365 on my list of environmental 1,365 on my list of environmental concerns<00:31:28.480> right
• with New England's environmental policy. with New England's environmental policy.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a former history teacher myself, I know that success is not measured by a single test or a single
• This project brings together local government, private industry, and community stakeholders to test new
• Lord, make our love increase in the face of the trials and testing which we inevitably encounter.
• communities and communities of color have been forced to bear the burden of industrial pollution and environmental
• We need air quality testing, soil testing, and frequent health monitoring.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are calling the hearing of the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee to order
• vehicles reduces the demand for raw materials, thereby avoiding the negative social, economic, and environmental
• are inherently valuable as they contain critical earth minerals, but can also pose a potential environmental
• Amanda Bloom from the California Association of Environmental Health Administrators in support.
• Good afternoon, Sarah Ehrlich from the Center for Environmental Health in support.

Summary: The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard SB 615 by Senator Allen, which would create a Department of Toxic Substances Control program for end-of-life electric vehicle battery management. The bill is intended to promote reuse, repurposing, recycling, tracking, and responsible handling of EV batteries, with producer responsibility and certification of recyclers as key features. Supporters, including the Union of Concerned Scientists, California State Association of Counties, automakers, recyclers, and environmental groups, said the measure would help prevent hazardous waste problems, reduce illegal dumping, and prepare for a coming wave of battery retirements. Opponents, including Tesla, Rivian, the California Chamber of Commerce, and others, raised concerns about liability, burdens on smaller entities, and the bill’s structure, while some groups supported it if amended. Committee members discussed the current low recycling rate for EV batteries, the difference between reuse, repurpose, and recycling, and whether the bill appropriately places responsibility on producers rather than consumers. The author said the bill builds on prior work and stakeholder input and is designed to create a workable system without overburdening DTSC. After quorum was established, the committee voted SB 615 out on a 5-1 vote, with one member voting no. The committee also took up a consent calendar containing SB 39, SB 454, SB 724, and SCR 3, and those measures were approved. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• um, we decided to offer an amendment that would just extend the benefits and would remove those environmental
• Iggo, um, and it had this provision to extend these benefits for these miners as well as some environmental
• uh roll backs and those environmental uh roll backs and changes.<00:03:08.800> Uh<00:03:10.040
• Some work to do on some of our environmental permitting and regulations, and not rollbacks, just some
• permitting and regulations environmental permitting and regulations and<00:26:00.159> not<00:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, I'll go over several general fund solutions in the environmental protection space for the Department
• Now moving on to several other proposals that are notable within the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Special funds and 12 permanent positions to defend California's environmental laws and programs that
• advance the state's climate, water, public health, and overall environmental priorities in response to
• Not general fund: the environmental license plate fee, the waste discharge permit fund, etc.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also concluded that vulnerability assessments could be useful in two other places: the State Environmental
• I'm wondering how, if the auditor has thought through, how would that interface with the State Environmental
• I'm wondering how if the auditor has thought through, how would that interface with the State Environmental
• Washington's State Environmental Policy Act creates an environmental review framework that, in many cases
• So if you can imagine the comprehensive plan is identifying all the potential environmental hazards for

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee I-900 Subcommittee heard JLARC’s annual update on the status of legislative implementation of State Auditor recommendations, followed by two State Auditor performance audits. JLARC staff reported that for the 2024 review period there were three new legislative recommendations and three unresolved older recommendations. They said the legislature did not convene a work group on civil asset forfeiture, and no formal action was taken on two water-use-efficiency recommendations. Two recommendations related to concurrent Medicaid enrollments were addressed in a bill introduced this session, but that bill was not adopted. The first audit examined how Washington can ensure climate-resilient electricity infrastructure. The State Auditor found the state has opportunities to better adapt new energy infrastructure by using more site-specific climate information, broader collaboration, and vulnerability assessments. The report recommended expanding climate analyses through the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group if funding is available, using forecasted information in DNR wildfire maps, designating a non-regulatory office to coordinate siting and conflict resolution, and expanding vulnerability assessments in Ecology and Commerce processes. Agency witnesses generally agreed resilience is important but emphasized existing efforts, the need to avoid duplicative requirements, the importance of affordability and efficiency, and the role of current forums such as the Clean Energy Siting Council and SEPA processes. The second audit reviewed fines for human trafficking and related sexual exploitation crimes. Auditors found courts assessed fines inconsistently, collection rates varied, some revenues were sent to the wrong local government, and some jurisdictions did not use the money as required for enforcement, prevention, or survivor services. The audit recommended courts work with prosecutors to improve awareness of mandatory fines, and that King and Pierce County improve coding, templates, and tracking so revenues are routed and used correctly. King County testified that it appreciated the audit and described its existing prevention and survivor-support work. The committee took no votes or formal actions and adjourned after the presentations and testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was asked to convey the strong support of Environmental Action Committee of West Marin, Monterey Bay
• the Environmental Protection Information Center.
• I was asked to convey the strong support of the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin, Monterey
• , and the Environmental Protection Information Center.
• Ryan Spencer, on behalf of the Environmental Working Group, in respectful opposition.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 21, 2025, with 86 bills on the agenda. The committee first approved two consent motions covering a group of bills eligible for the Assembly floor consent calendar and another group of unanimous bills not eligible for floor consent. Several bills were then heard individually, with authors and supporters emphasizing that many had no or minimal state costs and were aimed at climate, health, or regulatory improvements. Among the bills discussed were AB 39 on local planning for electrification and EV charging infrastructure; AB 1129 allowing local health jurisdictions to opt into reporting birth defects and early-life health conditions; AB 1332 to allow narrow direct shipment of medicinal cannabis to seriously ill patients; AB 1056 phasing out transfer of certain gillnet permits except for a one-time family transfer; AB 408 creating a new Medical Board health and wellness program for physicians; AB 546 requiring health plans to cover portable HEPA air purifiers for vulnerable people during wildfire emergencies; AB 942 revising rooftop solar subsidy rules to reduce costs for non-solar ratepayers; and AB 967 expediting licensure for out-of-state physicians. Supporters generally framed these bills as improving access, equity, public health, or affordability, while opponents on AB 942 and AB 967 raised concerns about implementation, workload, contract issues, and impacts on existing programs. The committee took action on each bill after testimony and questions. AB 39, AB 1129, AB 1332, AB 1056, AB 408, AB 546, AB 942, and AB 967 were all moved out of committee on roll call votes, with some members voting no or not voting on certain measures. The suspense calendar was then read and deemed approved, and the committee opened general public comment, where speakers voiced support for bills including AB 715, AB 1138, AB 782, AB 98, AB 53, AB 258, AB 330, AB 650, AB 649, AB 1048, and AB 425. The meeting adjourned after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• maybe these Commissioner Simpson brought me in 2 years ago from you or from the Department of Environmental
• As someone who knew something about environmental regulations, about environmental issues.
• We now have from the Department of Environmental Protection, Mr.
• He's the deputy secretary of ecosystems restoration and he is going to go over our environmental grant
• That is a budget in need both environmentally sensitive and cost wise.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One, we have realized a two-year delay in the environmental process, so that is baked into the numbers
• We do have a final supplemental environmental impact schedule.
• We do have a final supplemental environmental impact statement that was published in April.
• That's what's cleared in the environmental document. That's the plan.
• That's what's cleared in the environmental document. That's the plan.

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: The committee first received an informational update on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project from Carly Francis and Travis Brower. They described the project’s purpose as improving seismic resilience, safety, freight movement, transit, and bicycle/pedestrian access across the Columbia River, and said the updated cost estimate is $13.2 billion to $14.4 billion for the full corridor. They explained the increase from the 2022 estimate as driven by construction inflation, a more conservative inflation curve, schedule delays, more detailed engineering, and risk modeling. They also outlined the funding plan, including $2.1 billion in federal funds, $1 billion each from Oregon and Washington, and $1.5 billion in projected toll revenue, and said they are working to obligate federal funds by the end of September. The panel described a first funded phase that would include the bridge, highway connections, tolling infrastructure, bridge removal, and transit design, with light rail to Vancouver still intended but dependent on additional funding. Members questioned the risk of losing federal transit funds, whether bridge design decisions were being made with legislative input, and whether the space reserved for light rail could be used for buses if transit funding does not materialize. The committee then heard testimony on maintaining Oregon’s existing roads and bridges from representatives of Knife River, the Asphalt Pavement Association of Oregon, and CRH. Witnesses said pavement and bridge preservation is severely underfunded, with ODOT needing about $400 million per year for pavement preservation but receiving roughly $100 million annually. They showed examples of deteriorating highways such as U.S. 97 and I-84 and argued that delaying maintenance leads to much higher reconstruction costs, more safety risks, and higher user costs. Knife River described layoffs and reduced work in Oregon because of limited preservation funding, while witnesses also said rising wages, equipment costs, fuel, and permitting delays are increasing project costs. Committee members asked about the role of prevailing wage, diesel equipment, hauling distances, and whether preservation work could be prioritized more effectively. Finally, economist Joe Cortright presented on recent ODOT megaproject cost overruns. He said Oregon has experienced persistent overruns driven by overly optimistic revenue forecasts, heavy reliance on debt, consultant costs, inflation above forecast, and projects that have become much larger in scope than originally presented. He cited major increases in the Interstate Bridge, Rose Quarter, and Abernathy Bridge projects and argued that some designs are far wider and more expensive than necessary. Cortright said better accountability, clearer priorities, and more disciplined project sizing are needed, and committee members pressed him on why agencies proceed with larger designs even when consultants recommend narrower, less expensive alternatives.

Transcript Highlights:

• littering to fostering environmental littering to fostering environmental responsibility,<00:17:
• Uh, this bill is a request from the Department of Environmental Services and seeks to amend language
• Uh, this bill is a request from the Department of Environmental Services and seeks to amend language
• It clearly defines the Department of Environmental Services' authority over industrial discharges and
• <00:38:07.359> practices<00:38:08.160> and environmental practices and environmental practices

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Education and one of my Environmental Education and one of my volunteers<00:20:43.640> who<00
• In these times when the current cruel, despotic, anti-environmental federal administration is gutting
• environmental pollution protections and just destroying entities like the EPA, it is imperative that
• <00:59:24.280> uh<00:59:24.440> Policy under the Hawaii environmental uh Policy under
• the Hawaii environmental uh Policy Act<00:59:25.440> we<00:59:26.119> depend<00:59:26.839

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in the midst of an environmental process governed by NEPA, the National Environmental Policy Act
• , that spells out how we go through an environmental review process.
• , we announced six alternatives that we are proposing to move forward to the next stage of the environmental
• <00:08:02.159> process<00:08:02.879> uh<00:08:03.039> to our envir environmental
• process uh to our envir environmental process uh to recommend<00:08:04.319> a<00:08:04.599>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• e e e e e e e e e e Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the Committee on Energy and Environmental
• Thank you, Chair Len, Vice Chair Peruso, and the Energy and Environmental Protection Committee.
• <00:07:45.000> energy<00:07:45.319> and peruso and the environmental energy and peruso
• And then we have County of Hawaii Department of Environmental Management in support.
• Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection for decision-making on the 9:00 a.m. agenda.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on a series of energy, transportation, climate, and waste bills. HB 977 would provide additional funding to the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority for low-interest financing of rooftop solar and storage for underserved ratepayers; HB 1295 would require state and county agencies to use federal energy tax credits; HB 1051 concerns energy efficiency portfolio standards; HB 1019 addresses long-duration clean energy storage; HB 344 concerns EV charging infrastructure at state facilities; HB 733 would change EV parking requirements; HB 242 creates a working group on EV battery reuse and recycling; HB 1022 expands access to energy industry information reporting; HB 1017 repeals the greenhouse gas sequestration task force; HB 787 asks for a feasibility study on a Buy Clean program; and HB 751 sets composting goals. Testimony was largely supportive across the bills, with some agencies standing on written testimony or offering comments, and a few measures drawing opposition or concerns, including HB 751 from county agencies and HB 242 from Redwood Materials requesting inclusion of a specialized battery recycler on the working group. Members asked several questions, including about EV charging siting, whether bike parking and showers should be considered in EV facility planning, how often EV charging stalls are relocated to other sites, and whether Hawaiʻi has in-state capacity to prepare EV batteries for shipping and recycling. On HB 751, the committee discussed county diversion rates and Maui’s composting capacity, with the Department of Health noting Maui’s diversion decline was tied to closure of the EKO co-composting facility at Central Maui landfill and that reestablishment was planned. On HB 242, Redwood Materials explained it handles lithium-ion batteries, including work related to the Maui wildfire response, and said a full in-state recycling chain is unlikely, though local facilities can safely prepare batteries for shipment. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass all of the measures with amendments. For HB 977, the committee noted a recommended appropriation of $50 million and made technical amendments. HB 1295, HB 1051, HB 1019, HB 344, HB 733, HB 242, HB 1022, HB 1017, and HB 787 were all advanced with technical or substantive amendments, including changes to dates, appropriations, and working group membership. For HB 344, the committee accepted DAGS’s suggestion to make HSEO the expending entity and adjusted the appropriation to one year. For HB 242, the committee added a battery storage industry member, included stationary storage as a consideration, and extended the reporting date to 2027. HB 787 was advanced with a request that the Climate Commission and State Procurement Office work together on more specific amendments if the bill continues moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I also want to remind us just in closing that we don't means test education.
• And I also want to remind us just in closing that we don't means test education.
• think the fact that we didn't means test think the fact that we didn't means test those<00:18:56.480
• just in closing that we don't means test just in closing that we don't means test education.<00:
• And so, in their in their test scores.

Bills: HB2117, HB2155, HB1832, HB1601, HB2297, HB2397, HB1893, HB2533, HB1890, HB2004, HB1810, HB2323, HB1691, HB1671, HB2619, HB1481, HB2314, HB2319, HB2214, HB2488, HB2009, HB2007, HB1964, HB2218, HB1535, HB1977, HB2054, HB2046, HB146, HB2094, HB2181, HB2515, HB2444, HB2385, HB1724, HB1733, HB2416, HB2001, HB1603, HB1753, HB2140, HB1962, HB1963, HB2096, HB1959, HB1960, HB2293, HB2288, HB1752, HB1573, HB469, HB2091, HB1851, HB1688, HB1696, HB2417, HB2375, HB2333, HB2152, HB1881, HB2395, HB1721, HB1921, HB1730, HB1697, HB1824, HB2282, HB2078, HB2321, HB2279, HB1522, HB2097, HB2433, HB2106, HB2274, HB2452, HB1764, HB2438, HB1860, HB2604, HB2118, HB2017, HB2216, HB1934, HB2454, HB2427, HB2207, HB1840, HB1644, HB1645, HB1946, HB1648, HB2324, HB1509, HB1514, HB1515, HB2164, HB2165, HB2283, HB2386

Keywords: arts education, data mapping, task force, creative economy, cultural preservation, workforce development, geographic information systems, agriculture, data collection, statistical program, sustainable practices, Hawaii, aquaculture, biosecurity, food security, sustainable seafood, regulatory framework, interagency coordination, environmental stewardship, invasive species

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy will come to order.
• Most of these positions provide crucial environmental protections and critical public safety around the
• More than a dozen of these provide environmental protection services additionally and help manage and
• Cutting environmental and natural resource positions now would move California backwards at a time when
• Please protect these positions and fully fund our environmental agency.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard an extensive discussion on the Governor’s proposal to eliminate vacant positions across several environmental and natural resources departments, including Fish and Wildlife, Parks, the Coastal Commission/BCDC, DPR, DTSC, CalRecycle, and the State Water Resources Control Board. The Legislative Analyst’s Office explained that the JLBC had already not concurred with 650 of roughly 1,000 positions under review, citing concerns that many of the vacancies support core functions such as law enforcement, permitting, public safety, sea-level rise planning, and implementation of recently enacted laws. The Department of Finance defended the vacancy reduction exercise as a way to capture savings from a statewide pool of about 40,000 vacancies, arguing that departments need flexibility to manage operations and that some vacancies are used to cover operating costs or hard-to-fill roles. Several department representatives testified that the cuts would reduce capacity and could slow permitting or enforcement, though they said they would try to reclassify positions and prioritize the highest-need work. No vote was taken and all items were held open for a future hearing. Members focused heavily on the practical effects of the cuts. Senators questioned whether vacant positions should be treated as a budget savings tool, whether special-fund positions should be eliminated when they do not affect the General Fund, and whether long-vacant positions should simply be removed if they have not been filled for years. Fish and Wildlife and Parks described impacts to permitting, wildlife conflict response, and law enforcement; Parks said its academy can train only about 50 rangers a year, leaving many vacancies even after the proposed reductions. The Coastal Commission said the affected positions support SB 272 sea-level rise planning with local governments. DPR said the proposed cuts would affect multiple branches involved in pesticide registration, enforcement, and safety review, while DTSC said it was still hiring from a large 2022 reform package and had reduced its vacancy rate from about 30 percent to 15 percent before the drill. The State Water Board said its proposed reductions would be spread across programs and could lead to slower permitting and backlogs, though it would protect drinking water functions as much as possible. The committee then moved to a State Water Resources Control Board overview and a new budget proposal tied to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Sackett decision. Chair Esquivel described the board’s responsibilities for water quality, water rights, drinking water, and financial assistance, and said the board is updating the Bay-Delta Plan while also pursuing voluntary agreements and broader water-rights administration. He said federal workforce reductions and the Sackett ruling have increased pressure on state programs. The board requested $2.6 million and 12 permanent positions from the Waste Discharge Permit Fund to address permitting and enforcement gaps created by the narrowing of federal Clean Water Act jurisdiction. The LAO said the request met its high bar for new proposals because it was supported by the board’s data and would help maintain water-quality protections, though it noted that state processes are less efficient than the federal framework they are now partially replacing.

Transcript Highlights:

• By creating a fee-free relocation permit for up to 10 trees, SB 1061 provides a path to balance environmental
• toward advancing outdoor equity in every community in California across the different levels of environmental
• Good morning, Chloe Shea, on behalf of California Environmental Voters, in strong support.
• Good morning, Natalie Brown, on behalf of the Environmental Protection Information Center, Sonoma Land
• Good morning, Chloe Shea on behalf of California Environmental Voters, in strong support.

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to wildlife access, groundwater enforcement, desert plant regulation, outdoor equity, and water supply planning. SB 1021 would direct the Fish and Game Commission to create accommodations for children with life-threatening illnesses to participate in hunting and fishing opportunities; supporters described the bill as therapeutic and family-centered, while an opposition group argued the state should focus on non-lethal outdoor activities. SB 997 would give the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency lien authority to enforce fees and penalties under SGMA; the author and agency said the bill closes an enforcement gap for a special-legislation GSA, and it drew broad support from local government and agricultural groups. The committee also considered SB 1061, which would streamline relocation permits for Western Joshua trees on private property; the author and local officials said the current law creates burdens for homeowners and infrastructure, while supporters framed the bill as a balance between conservation and property rights. Members also heard SB 1268, which would codify the Outdoors for All initiative to expand park access and outdoor equity, especially in underserved communities; it received strong support from environmental, parks, local government, and community organizations, with members praising the effort to improve access. SB 1085 would restore water supply assessment requirements for large developments even when CEQA exemptions apply, so local agencies still receive early information about water availability; the sponsor and water agencies said the bill helps prevent “paper water” problems and supports planning in drought conditions, and the building industry indicated it would remove its opposition after amendments. The committee accepted amendments on several bills, took roll once quorum was established, and advanced the measures by vote. Votes taken included SB 997, SB 1021, SB 1061, SB 1085, and SB 1268, all of which were reported out of committee, with SB 1061, SB 1085, and SB 1268 later recorded as passing 11-0. SB 997 was approved on a due-pass motion to Judiciary, SB 1021 was sent to Appropriations as amended, SB 1061 and SB 1085 were sent to Appropriations and Local Government respectively, and SB 1268 was sent to Natural Resources. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning after completing the votes.