Video & Transcript : 'electric utility cooperatives' :
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NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Finance Sub Committee Oct 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This program is set to enter into a cooperative agreement with us, so we think that we don't need quite
- But we are six to eight months away from entering into a cooperative agreement.
- Once we enter into that cooperative agreement, and then our two top...
- And our plan is to utilize our livestock inspectors, first and foremost, because they have already established
- We anticipate not utilizing our FY 2025. or federal fiscal year award.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Utilities and Energy Committee and Natural Resources Committee and Transportation Committee Aug 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I would like to call to order this joint hearing of the Assembly Committees on Utilities and Energy,
- targets to achieve SB 100, establishing a carbon capture, utilization, and storage program, establishing
- We would utilize existing resources to determine protected species, determine whether there's a waterway
- Because I do know that for the last two years, roughly one in four vehicles are electric vehicles.
- Martin Mediola, on behalf of the California State Association of Electrical Workers, the Western States
Summary:
The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Committees on Utilities and Energy, Transportation, and Natural Resources focused on California’s transportation fuels sector, especially the state’s response to refinery closures and the broader transition away from fossil fuels. Opening remarks emphasized the tension between climate and air-quality goals, fuel affordability, refinery jobs and local tax bases, and the need to avoid crisis-driven responses as Phillips 66 and Valero consider shutting refineries in Wilmington and Benicia. Professor Emily Grubert framed the issue as a long-term managed transition in which the public already bears much of the risk and should also capture benefits from a well-planned shift.
CARB Chair Leanne Randolph reviewed the state’s emissions and fuel policies, including AB 32, the low-carbon fuel standard, clean vehicle programs, and the at-berth regulation for ocean-going vessels. She said California’s transportation sector remains the largest source of greenhouse gases and a major source of smog-forming pollution, but that the state has made substantial progress and still needs to reduce demand for fossil fuels while maintaining compliance with federal air-quality standards. Randolph also said CARB’s recent LCFS amendments had not caused the predicted spike in gas prices and explained that compliance pathways for the at-berth rule include emissions-reduction technologies or payments into a remediation fund.
CEC Vice Chair Gunda described declining gasoline demand, shrinking in-state refining capacity, and growing dependence on imports, arguing that the state is in a “mid-transition” period that requires both support for legacy infrastructure and continued investment in cleaner alternatives. He outlined the administration’s petroleum market stabilization proposal, which aims to return California crude production to 125 million barrels a year through four components: codifying the ban on fracking, validating the Kern County oil-and-gas permitting ordinance, creating a temporary CEQA exemption paired with a two-for-one plug-and-drill framework, and strengthening pipeline and spill-safety requirements. Department of Conservation Director Jennifer Lucasey said the proposal is intended to stabilize crude supply and pipeline throughput while preserving health and environmental protections, and noted that CalGEM would still review permits and enforce other requirements.
Mayor Steve Young of Benicia testified that a Valero closure would significantly reduce city revenue and leave the community facing years of cleanup and redevelopment challenges. He said the city supports environmental protection but is worried about the economic hit, the possibility that Benicia becomes a fuel-import terminal, and the lack of local influence over refinery decisions. Members pressed the panel on the CEQA exemption, tribal and habitat review, disclosure of closure liabilities, fuel-demand projections, and whether the proposal should include more demand-side measures. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and officials said some proposals, including a margin-cap pause and further transition planning, would be taken up later in the process.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Subcommittee on LOSSAN Rail Corridor Resiliency Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- they've serviced, the electric buses just couldn't handle it.
- The electric buses just couldn't handle it. Fuel cell batteries right up the top.
- they've serviced, the electric buses just couldn't handle it.
- Ridership is up 57% year over year since we launched new electric service.
- And that's after just a little more than a year of electric service.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty Five - Thursday, May 7
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Anna Jo has earned one of six statewide winners in the Three Rivers Electric Cooperative Youth Tour essay
- those scholarships and, you know, what type of education they may be getting and how they’re going to utilize
- And with their dedication and their hard work, utilizing, yes, another task force—which, when I saw the
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the House Journal by a 125-0 roll call vote. Members then spent a large portion of the morning recognizing special guests, interns, students, and constituents, including school groups, interns, a Savannah Bananas player, and several birthday and personal privilege announcements.
On legislation, the House agreed to conference on Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1421. The chamber then took up Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1000, a bipartisan measure to reauthorize the Missouri Tourism Supplemental Revenue Fund and continue support for the Division of Tourism and Missouri Film Office. Supporters from both parties emphasized tourism’s economic importance statewide; the bill passed 136-6.
The House next debated House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1020, an omnibus Department of Revenue bill covering fee office contracting, vehicle registration penalties, Real ID document retention, and other DOR changes. The body adopted an amendment lowering late registration penalties, making document retention opt-in, and restoring a five-year plate option, followed by a second amendment removing cosmetic damage as a basis for rejecting rebuilt-vehicle inspections. The bill then passed 130-10. Later, the House began debate on a combined judiciary/civil legislation bill involving insurance assignment-of-benefits restrictions, anti-SLAPP protections, workers’ compensation and court administration changes, and expungement-related funding; members adopted a title change and several amendments, including one to make attorney-fee awards more even in anti-SLAPP motions, while also debating a proposed St. Louis police legal expense fund amendment and whether it had been properly vetted.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (04/29/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- transmission or distribution system, and that they're not public utilities, and that particularly on
- transmission or distribution system, and that they're not public utilities, and that particularly on
- I guess it's the utilities. So, um, as per 365, Josh, you have a comment on that.
- I guess it's the<00:33:34.159><c> utilities.
- So, um, as per 365, Josh, the utilities.
Committee:
Senate Energy and Natural Resources
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HWN-EIG, HWN, HWN-HOU, HOU DEFER Public Hearings 02-04-2025
Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So when it comes to just paying your electricity bill, much less your mortgage, as well as these kinds
- A lady living at the power plant couldn't afford her utilities, that's why she came homeless.
- bill much less paying your electricity bill much less your<00:13:53.959><c> mortgage</c><00:13:54.959
- that's why she came homeless utilities that's why she came homeless she<00:16:40.040><c> had</c><00:
- So everybody's utility bill, from electric to utilities, we take a half percent of the utilities.
Committee:
Senate Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The joint hearing focused primarily on Senate Bill 1409, which would cap county user fees charged to Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the measure, arguing it would reduce monthly housing-related costs for lower-income beneficiaries and help make homesteading more affordable. Several testifiers, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and some individuals, also submitted comments or support. County and city water and sewer agencies, including the County of Kauai Department of Water, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Facility Maintenance, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, and the City and County Department of Environmental Services, strongly opposed the bill, saying it would shift substantial costs to other ratepayers, create lost revenue, and could force fee increases for everyone else. They also raised concerns about the bill’s cap structure and potential misuse, while noting their systems are funded by user fees rather than taxes.
During committee discussion, Honolulu Board of Water Supply officials estimated about 4,500 DHHL customers on Oʻahu and projected lost revenue of roughly $30 million to $36 million over five years, with larger cumulative impacts over time; they said any waiver would be absorbed by other customers. The County of Hawaiʻi representative estimated nearly 2,000 DHHL customers on the Big Island and about $2.4 million in annual lost revenue. DHHL responded that it is pursuing revenue-generating projects on unused lands, but members questioned whether the department should do more to generate its own revenue and suggested looking at other affordability mechanisms, including market rent on commercial properties or a similar cap on other beneficiary fees. After hearing the testimony and discussion, the committee chair announced the recommendation to defer SB 1409 indefinitely, and the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs agreed with that decision.
The hearing then moved to Senate Bill 1408, a housekeeping measure. DHHL testified in support, saying the bill was part of an effort to lower housing costs through a modular manufacturing approach. DHHL described plans to use an unused hangar at Kalaeloa for a potential modular housing manufacturing plant, including discussions with the University of Hawaiʻi and a Denver-based company, and said it was also exploring a pilot project with Habitat for Humanity on Maui. No vote or final action on SB 1408 was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration and General Government Apr 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So it's also like how they're being utilized, how many hours of a project are they getting?
- Senator Cabaldon, I can see you're itching to utilize your microphone. Itching is probably...
- In just one year, wages increased by 36% among the four worker cooperatives that were launched.
- as pathways out of poverty and exploitative working conditions. worker cooperatives as pathways out
- In just one year, wages increased by 36% among the four worker cooperators that were launched.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard an overview from Go-Biz Director D.D. Myers on the administration’s economic development strategy, centered on the California Jobs First framework. Myers described regional planning across 13 regions, the Jobs First Council, and pilot sectors including ag-tech, space and defense, life sciences, and semiconductors. She also outlined budget requests for CalCompetes, CalExport, the California Film Commission, innovation/emerging technologies, and the California Civic Media Fund, along with the new California brand campaign. Committee members raised questions about misinformation about California, regulatory burdens, tourism versus broader economic messaging, and how the brand campaign would highlight underrepresented communities. No vote was taken; the item was informational.
The committee then reviewed CalOSBA’s work on small business support, including California RISE, the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund, and TAP/SIP technical assistance and capital infusion programs. CalOSBA reported that California RISE’s first cohort awarded $16.9 million to 61 employment social enterprises, with growth in revenue, contracts, and jobs; the performing arts payroll fund paid all 100 recipients but was heavily oversubscribed; and TAP supported more than 112,000 businesses in the past year, helping leverage federal and local funds. Testimony from program partners emphasized the importance of small business counseling, community-based outreach, and support for arts organizations facing post-pandemic and AB 5-related cost pressures. Senators pressed for more data on long-term job retention, better outreach to smaller and ethnic media, and possible program changes to speed grants and stretch funding further.
Finally, the committee heard Go-Biz’s request for additional staff and funding for the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program. Staff said the request would support application review, DEIA implementation, and data tracking. The Film Commission reported that about 147 productions had been approved and roughly 90% were opting into the new diversity provisions, with career pathways reporting to include demographic and participation data and a future report expected in 2027. Senators asked about accountability, apprenticeship and internship hours, and whether the program was producing real career pathways and inclusive hiring outcomes. The item remained informational, with no vote or action taken during the hearing.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 216, 18 February, 2026; 11:00 AM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- on Alcorn State, that's a $238,000 increase; and at Mississippi State, forestry is $1,900,000, cooperative
- <00:07:40.960><c> extension</c><00:07:41.599><c> 740,000</c><00:07:43.039><c> forest</c> cooperative
- extension 740,000 forest cooperative extension 740,000 forest wildlife<00:07:43.840><c> research</c><
- c><00:10:42.880><c> that</c><00:10:43.040><c> would</c><00:10:43.200><c> be</c><00:10:43.440><c> utilized
- </c><00:10:43.839><c> for</c> funds likely that would be utilized for funds likely that would be utilized
Committee:
Joint Appropriations
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- surveyed the PSC, the Office of Public Counsel, and selected representatives from Florida's public electric
- , gas utility, and water and wastewater utility industries.
- There could be a number of utility records, financial records. There could be power plant design.
- There could be a number of utility records, financial records. There could be power plant designs.
Committee:
Senate Regulated Industries
Summary:
The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum present and took up two Open Government Sunset Review bills. SPB 706 would preserve the public meeting and public records exemptions for portions of Florida Public Service Commission hearings involving proprietary confidential business information, such as utility financial data, plant designs, and other sensitive records discussed in rate or related proceedings. Staff explained that the exemptions are set to repeal in 2026 and that PSC-related stakeholders unanimously supported renewing them; the committee adopted a motion to submit the bill as a committee bill and then reported it favorably.
The committee then considered SPB 708, which would remove the scheduled repeal date for public records and meeting exemptions covering confidential information held by the Florida Gaming Control Commission. Staff said the bill maintains current policy and that interviews with the commission and stakeholders supported keeping the exemptions in place. The committee again adopted a motion to submit the bill as a committee bill and reported it favorably.
No opposition was presented on either measure, and there were no substantive amendments. After both roll calls, the committee completed its business and adjourned.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- the new Mina Trails located at Queen Wilhelmina State Park, including clearing, access, lift, and electric
- This is a new contract, and it is for the appraisal of utility, communication, and transportation property
- This is a new contract, and it is for the appraisal of utility, communication, and transportation property
- This is for expert witness testimony on issues related to the utility industry.
- This is on-call skilled trade labor, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, boiler, valve, controls, welding
Committee:
All ALC-REVIEW
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Housing Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Housing
Transcript Highlights:
- Utilities are up 39 percent, insurance up 25 percent, property taxes up 21 percent.
- I am the president of the Massachusetts Association of Housing Cooperatives.
- TOPA ordinance had enabled some 6,000 renter households to purchase shares in housing cooperatives.
- I have groceries, gas, insurance, utilities, and other monthly expenses.
- s nearly 4,400 limited-equity cooperatives since 1980, including almost 800 cooperative apartments since
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Housing
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on a broad slate of landlord-tenant and home rule bills, with most testimony focused on rent stabilization, tenant opportunity to purchase (TOPA), tenant fees, access to counsel, algorithmic rent fixing, and tenant protections in subsidized housing. Chairs Cyr and Haggerty outlined the hearing procedures and noted that written testimony could also be submitted. Several members and invited speakers emphasized that the committee was hearing from both local officials and residents affected by housing instability, especially in Somerville and other communities facing high rents and displacement.
Supporters of rent stabilization and local-option rent control argued that Massachusetts needs tools to prevent displacement while new housing is built. Senator Eldridge, Senator Jalen, Somerville officials, tenant organizers, and residents described steep rent increases, no-fault evictions, and the loss of naturally occurring affordable housing. Somerville’s home rule petition was described as allowing annual increases tied to CPI plus 2%, capped at 5%, with exemptions for owner-occupied two- and three-family homes and a 15-year exemption for new construction. TOPA supporters said it would let tenants or their designees buy buildings before speculative buyers, preserving affordable housing stock; opponents, including small landlords and property managers, argued rent control would reduce supply, discourage investment, and that TOPA could delay sales and harm properties.
The committee also heard testimony on bills to curb junk fees and regulate tenant charges, including limits on late fees, lease renewal fees, payment portal fees, attorney’s fees, and other add-on charges. Advocates said these fees can add hundreds of dollars a month and disproportionately harm low-income renters and renters of color. Another major topic was algorithmic rent fixing: Senator Moore and Representative Sabadoza said landlords should not use software such as RealPage to coordinate pricing, citing federal antitrust actions and arguing that competition is essential to lowering rents. Additional testimony supported a statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, with legal services providers saying representation dramatically improves outcomes and can save the state money, and a bill to create an office of tenant protections to better enforce sanitary code violations. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Aug 3rd, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- has taken steps in recent years to write the wrongs of the past with legislation, like expanding cooperation
- of years ago I had the privilege of touring the Barona tribe, only to find that they didn't have electricity
- with Native American Day that... of touring the Barona tribe, only to find that they didn't have electricity
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with a Native American prayer/song and a moment of silence for former staff member Eric Washington, then proceeded through a series of procedural motions, guest introductions, and floor ceremonies. Members also recognized Assemblymember Ward’s birthday and welcomed several guests, including family members, business and community leaders, firefighters, and students.
A major portion of the meeting was devoted to the Native American Day ceremony and adoption of ACR 208 by Assemblymember Ramos, which recognized California Native American Day and the California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference. Multiple caucus leaders spoke in support, emphasizing Native history, sovereignty, cultural preservation, missing and murdered Indigenous people, and the need to tell California’s history honestly. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 61 coauthors were added, followed by a ceremonial honoring of tribal elders and leaders.
The Assembly also adopted several other resolutions and concurred in Senate amendments on multiple bills. These included ACR 126 designating the Captain Vida Anderson Memorial Highway, AB 1651 requiring disclosure of AI use in bar exam development, AB 2789 on mediation, AJR 27 urging federal disaster aid for Eaton and Palisades fire victims, and AB 2134 protecting local officials taking parental leave. Later, ACR 213 designated September 2026 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, HR 102 recognized Filipino American History Month, and ACR 230 proclaimed California Firefighter Appreciation Month and California Firefighters Memorial Day; all were adopted with broad support and many coauthors. The Senate file also began with SCR 136 on coastal protection and SJR 12 opposing offshore drilling, with debate reflecting strong environmental opposition and a dissenting view that the resolution was too absolute and could raise energy costs.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty Eight - Wednesday, April 8 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He's the presiding commissioner of Cooper County.
- High School the exact same year, a long-time friend, and he is now the presiding commissioner of Cooper
- Further introductions, the gentleman from Cooper. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Representing Cooper County in FFA and at the Farm Bureau Youth Leadership Day, we have Ian Twinter, Aiden
- Further introductions, the gentleman from Cooper. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Apr 29th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- cooperatives toward seeding community-based cooperatives.
- worker cooperatives inside state prisons.
- AB 746 directs 40% of prison cooperative earnings into the Green Reentry Cooperative Reserve.
- AB746 directs 40% of prison cooperative earnings into the green reentry cooperative reserve.
- The reserve. into the green reentry cooperative reserve.
Summary:
The committee heard several public safety measures, beginning with housekeeping items and the adoption of a four-bill consent calendar. Bills on the consent calendar included AB 476 on metal theft, AB 619 on California Conservation Corps training for formerly incarcerated people, AB 1192 on child abuse or neglect reporting, and AB 1239 on human trafficking data. Several bills were pulled by the authors before hearing, and the committee also announced that AB 379 would be heard with a file notice waiver and AB 63 would be for testimony only.
The most extensive discussion was on AB 366, which would require ignition interlock devices for anyone convicted of DUI. The author, Senator Archuleta, and a MADD representative gave emotional testimony about family members killed by drunk drivers and argued the bill would save lives. Support came from law enforcement, fire, medical, auto club, and safety groups. Opposition from public defenders and criminal justice advocates focused on loss of judicial discretion, costs for low-income drivers, and concerns about vendor oversight and effectiveness. The committee voted to pass AB 366 as amended to Appropriations.
The committee also heard AB 1380, which would create a permanent pathway into firefighting careers for formerly incarcerated people who served on Cal Fire hand crews. The author and supporters said the bill would recognize service, improve reentry, and reduce recidivism; a fire labor group withdrew its opposition after amendments were discussed. The measure passed to Appropriations, though it remained on call pending one additional vote. AB 461, which would remove criminal penalties for parents of truant K-8 students and replace them with supportive responses, drew broad support from education and justice advocates but no opposition testimony; it was also passed to Appropriations and left on call pending one more vote. ACR 60, recognizing the Downey Police Department’s special-needs communication program for interactions with people with disabilities or sensory challenges, was adopted unanimously.
The committee then heard AB 746 on creating an inmate cooperative program and a green reentry reserve for incarcerated workers. Supporters said it would build job skills, dignity, and reentry success; there was no opposition testimony. The bill passed to Appropriations and was left on call pending votes. Finally, AB 379 on human trafficking drew strong support from survivor advocates, law enforcement, and local officials for creating a survivor services fund and targeting buyers, but also strong opposition from survivors and civil liberties groups who warned it would criminalize vulnerable people and revive harmful loitering enforcement. The committee discussion continued with members weighing survivor support, public safety tools, and concerns about the bill’s amendments and scope.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Taxation and Revenue Feb 16th, 2026 at 08:33 am
House Taxation & Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- and our local solar industry provides solar energy storage at the point of use, which complements utility
- I'm the owner of Ogotillo Solar Electric. another solar installation company in Albuquerque.
- I wasn't paying close attention to how much electricity every panel could produce because I trusted that
- We had issue after issue, only to find out that the utility bill never went down.
Committee:
House House Taxation & Revenue
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Jan 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- products have been largely limited to compost, mulch, energy made from anaerobic digestion, and electricity
- In order for municipal utilities or municipal districts to meet that requirement, this bill simply gives
- In order for municipal utility or municipal districts to meet that requirement, this bill simply gives
- AB 710, Irwin, electricity pricing and advanced metering, do pass out with the Republicans not voting
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on January 22, 2026, for its regular order hearing and suspense-file hearing. In regular order, the committee approved consent-calendar bills AB 683, AB 763, AB 1126, and AB 1278 on unanimous due-pass motions, and AB 34 and AB 442 on a second unanimous due-pass motion. The committee then heard and advanced several bills, including AB 35, which would create an APA exemption for Proposition 4-funded programs to speed implementation of water, wildfire, energy-storage, and grid-support projects; AB 748, establishing pre-approved housing programs for local agencies; AB 939, allowing immediate transfer of certain affordable homeownership units to qualified nonprofit housing organizations; AB 643, adding a narrow organic-waste-derived agricultural fertilizer product to SB 1383 procurement options; and AB 96, removing the high school diploma requirement for certified Medi-Cal peer support specialists. Testimony on these bills was largely supportive, with sponsors and coalition representatives emphasizing reduced delays, lower costs, and improved housing, environmental, or behavioral-health outcomes. The Department of Finance offered general budget comments but no bill-specific positions. The committee voted the bills out, with AB 643 and AB 96 receiving no recorded opposition in the transcript and AB 939 passing with some members noting support and interest in coauthoring.
The committee also received a presentation-only discussion of AB 1091, a proposal to authorize eight-letter specialty license plates, which the author said could generate revenue for rural programs such as the Williamson Act; the bill was not acted on at that time. After public comment, the committee moved to the suspense-file hearing on 53 bills. Using a substituted motion for due-pass and due-pass-with-amendments items, the committee held some bills and advanced many others, often with amendments that narrowed scope, deleted provisions, or required reports or studies. Bills held in committee included AB 405, AB 298, AB 333, AB 296, AB 1091, AB 1241, and AB 577, among others. The committee reported moving 43 bills to the Assembly floor, with several on A roll calls and others on B roll calls or with amendments, and noted that amendment language would be posted later online.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm with the Utility Wildfire Survivor Coalition.
- When we're paying victims 50 cents on the dollar after attorney's fees and after utilities try to pay
- We need to make sure we see each time there's a utility-caused wildfire.
- bankruptcy that will increase further cost pressures on Californians with increases in their electricity
- bills, worsening the affordability problem for both utility and insurance bills, and discouraging the
Committee:
House Insurance
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy May 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So rents, utilities, those types of things would be...
- It will require a lot of cooperation and coordination.
- Molly Mala, representing the California Municipal Utilities Association.
- Thank you to everyone, and thank you for your patience and cooperation.
- Thank you to everyone, and thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Summary:
The subcommittee met to discuss budget issues related to vacant positions across several natural resources and environmental departments, with no votes taken and all items held open for a future hearing. The Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Department of Finance explained the administration’s proposal to eliminate about 6,000 vacant positions statewide, including roughly 293 positions in the departments before the committee, as a way to capture salary savings and reduce flexible funding tied up in vacancies. The LAO recommended retaining special-funded positions, while noting that eliminating General Fund positions would reduce savings. Finance argued that vacancy levels have remained steady statewide, that departments need flexibility to manage operations and hard-to-fill jobs, and that some vacant positions can be reclassified to higher-priority work.
Members raised concerns that many of the proposed eliminations would affect core public-safety, permitting, and environmental-protection functions. The Department of Fish and Wildlife said the cuts would affect permitting, environmental protection, and law enforcement, while State Parks said its proposed ranger reductions were chosen from historically vacant, hard-to-fill positions and would still leave many vacancies to fill through the academy. The Coastal Commission said its positions supported sea-level rise planning under SB 272. The Department of Pesticide Regulation and DTSC said the reductions would affect multiple program areas, though Finance said the special funds involved were not in structural deficit and the cuts could help avoid future fee increases. The State Water Resources Control Board said its proposed reductions were spread across programs, with public-health functions protected as much as possible.
The committee then heard an overview from the State Water Resources Control Board on its responsibilities for water quality, water rights, drinking water, and funding for water infrastructure. Chair Joaquin Esquivel described ongoing work on the Bay-Delta Plan update, the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes voluntary agreements, and the need to actively administer water rights. Members also discussed the board’s response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Sackett decision, which narrowed federal Clean Water Act jurisdiction. The board requested $2.6 million and 12 permanent positions to address resulting permitting and enforcement gaps; the LAO said the request met its high bar for new proposals and was supported by the board’s data and reporting.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We've got a contractor going, and they're going to build road infrastructure and other utilities.
- </c><01:15:32.239><c> and</c> infrastructure and other utilities and infrastructure and other utilities
- In last session, the legislature appropriated $20 million to do electrical upgrades that are going to
- We are also doing a CID infrastructure master plan to determine electrical needs and drainage needs.
- We are also doing a CID infrastructure master plan to determine electrical needs and drainage needs.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- There's also the Apprenticeship Advisory Board, the Board of Electricity, the Board of High Pressure
- The division also licenses boiler operators, electricians, electrical and technology system contractors
- </c><00:22:24.200><c> and</c> operators electricians electrical and operators electricians electrical
- inspectors um building um so electrical inspectors um building inspectors<00:48:16.200><c> things</c
- a process where we adopted so we utilize a process where we pull<00:58:25.599><c> together</c><00:58
Committee:
Senate Labor