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:

• 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.

Transcript Highlights:

• APPLICATIONS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO INCREASE OUR STATE AND NATION ENERGY SUPPLY WHILE MAINTAINING ENVIRONMENTAL
• ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES FROM SOLAR POWER, WIND POWER AND HYDRO KINETIC POWER AND WE HAVE A MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL
• ARE MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY HAS ONE EMBEDDED COLLEGE CERTIFICATE AND THAT IS TROPICAL ORNAMENTAL
• THE NAVY LITERALLY IMPORTS PEOPLE TO BUILD OUR SHIPS. >> OUR MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTS
• THERE IS A PRETTY LUCRATIVE CAREERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL TECH ADVENTURING 45, ALMOST $46,000 A YEAR WHERE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Further, we have no standardized testing assessment to determine how well or how poorly these children
• Um environmental<04:41:36.400> measures<04:41:37.200> and<04:41:37.680> things<04
• :41:37.920> like environmental measures and things like environmental measures and things like
• of insanity is constantly uh the test of insanity is constantly doing<04:52:52.320> the<04:52
• Specifically, this program helps to cover no-cost or low-cost birth control, STD testing and treatment

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we as career environmental restorers really appreciate it.
• And so I've got perspective on In my career, 17 years at the Environmental Protection Agency.
• And so I've got perspective on how Florida tackles its environmental challenges versus other states.
• So I, like I said, I've been in the environmental business my entire career, 33 years now.
• My understanding is that they used, and this is lake.com, chemical data from the Environmental Protection

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met to hear presentations on Lake Okeechobee from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the South Florida Water Management District, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. FWC described the lake as a major recreation, water supply, and habitat resource, and outlined its habitat management plan, including control of invasive plants, prescribed fire, and restoration of native vegetation. The agency said low water levels have helped submerged aquatic vegetation recover, with gains in 2025 exceeding 24,000 acres and meeting its target, while torpedo grass and floating invasive plants remain active management priorities. Senators asked about bass fishing trends and blue-green algae; FWC said water levels are the main driver of fishery health and that it was not seeing current water-quality impacts on bass, though algal blooms can affect habitat and wildlife. The South Florida Water Management District focused on nutrient pollution, lake ecology, and restoration projects across the watershed. Director Drew Bartlett said the district’s work is aimed at reducing harmful discharges, improving water quality, and moving more water south to the Everglades through storage and treatment projects, including the EAA Reservoir, C-43 and C-44 reservoirs, aquifer storage and recovery, and wetland treatment areas. He said the state and federal governments have invested about $9 billion in restoration, roughly split 50-50, and that the EAA Reservoir is now targeted for completion in 2029. He also said Lake Okeechobee BMAP participation is around 92% and that recent data show phosphorus and nitrogen loading declines, though the lake remains impaired and eutrophic. An industry witness from Associated Industries of Florida said the BMAP and agricultural best management practices are producing measurable improvements and urged continued funding for water storage and treatment. The Army Corps of Engineers then explained LOSOM and Lake Recovery operations, saying the new operating approach balances flood control, water supply, navigation, ecology, and estuary protection. Colonel Brandon Bowman said Lake Recovery was implemented in late 2024 to bring the lake below 12 feet long enough to help submerged vegetation rebound, and reported that the lake met both recovery metrics, with water levels low enough to support a major increase in SAV from about 4,000 acres to 28,000 acres in 2025. He also noted benefits such as improved water clarity and more Okeechobee gourd plants, but acknowledged drawbacks including reduced navigation and some impacts to wading birds and snail kites. Senators pressed the Corps on the C-44 reservoir’s sloughing issue; Bowman said repairs are underway, the problem is geological rather than a safety failure, and the Corps expects to award a contract by 2027 and complete work by 2030. The committee did not take any substantive vote on the presentations and adjourned after Senator Smith moved to do so.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're convening this Thursday, February 13th, 2025, hearing for the Energy Environmental Protection Committee
• It is 11:00 a.m., but we're on the 10:15 a.m. agenda, Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection
• House Bill 256, relating to environmental protection.
• All right, we are back for decision making on the 10:15 a.m. agenda committee on Energy and Environmental
• House Bill 256, relating to Environmental Protection, we will adopt the Department of Health suggested

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Energy and Environmental Protection Committee met on February 13, 2025, after a brief recess for a concurrent hearing. The committee heard testimony on several measures, including HB 332 on recycling and lithium-ion batteries, HB 256 on environmental protection and federal air standards, HB 348 on single-use plastics in lodging establishments, HB 810 on noise pollution and helicopter-related civil actions, HB 505 on Red Hill coordination, HB 975 on carbon sequestration incentives, and HB 974 on utility financing and step-in agreements. Testimony was generally supportive on HB 256, HB 348, HB 505, HB 975, and HB 974, while HB 332 drew both support and opposition, including concerns from the Consumer Technology Association about battery recycling policy. On HB 975, OPSD supported the program but urged language to prevent use for carbon offsets, and the committee discussed how the program would be monitored and reimbursed. On HB 974, the chair summarized extensive amendments addressing reserve fees, revenue definitions, trust funds, default procedures, and customer credits, while noting the Consumer Advocate’s changed view that a reserve fee may not be constitutionally required. In decision making, the committee adopted amendments and recommended passage for HB 332, converting it into a working group to study recycling of small- and medium-format lithium-ion batteries, with members from state agencies and industry and a note that an appropriation may be needed. HB 256 was passed with amendments to clarify compliance with federal law unless standards become more stringent. HB 348, HB 810, and HB 505 were each passed as is. HB 975 was passed with amendments, including language to prevent use of the program for carbon offsets and a note that dollar amounts would be blanked out and addressed in the committee report. HB 974 was also passed with amendments after the committee reviewed the proposed changes and discussed the reserve fee issue. The committee additionally noted that HB 1476 had previously been deferred and would remain deferred, and the meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• This will be followed by a presentation by the Department of Environmental Protection regarding the decision
• I'm an attorney with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
• I'm an attorney with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Resoundingly, everybody—all the stakeholders across the spectrum, from environmental interests to home
• interests, Whether it be environmental interests or builders and developers and industry and commercial

Summary: The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee met on February 3, 2025, with a quorum present and took up three main items. First, the committee considered a large set of recommended objections to Agency for Health Care Administration rules, all centered on sunset provisions stating the rules would expire after five years. AHCA asked for another deferral while it reviewed the rules, arguing the sunset language was a form of self-restraint rather than an invalid exercise of rulemaking authority. Committee leadership disagreed that further delay would resolve the issue and moved to a single vote covering all objections. The motion passed by roll call, and the committee informed AHCA that an objection would be filed unless the agency amended the rules within 30 days. The committee then heard an informational briefing from the Department of Environmental Protection on its Outstanding Florida Springs rule and stormwater rule. DEP explained that it did not prepare a statement of estimated regulatory cost for the springs rule because the proposed standards largely mirror existing water management district rules and the Central Florida Water Initiative framework, so DEP said there was no new regulatory burden. Members asked about permit authority, costs, and whether the rules were functionally different from prior rules. DEP maintained the rules set minimum standards and did not add costs beyond what regulated parties were already doing. DEP also described implementation of the stormwater rule adopted under the 2020 Clean Waterways Act and later ratified by the Legislature in 2024. DEP said the rule was the product of years of workshops and technical advisory committee meetings, and that the final version included lower-cost alternatives, grandfathering, and phased implementation. DEP estimated the rule’s cost at about $2,600 per acre in the revised CERC, while industry witnesses said the real cost could be much higher, especially if land costs are included. A home builders representative argued the estimate understated impacts, while a stormwater engineer said the rule gives more flexible, performance-based tools and could become more cost-effective over time. Finally, Senator Graal presented proposed Chapter 120 changes in SB 108, aimed at tightening and modernizing rulemaking. The proposal would require five-year rule reviews, annual agency reporting, faster notice of proposed rulemaking after authorizing legislation, electronic filing, public access to incorporated materials, clearer tracking of technical changes, and limits on how long rules can remain pending ratification. Members discussed whether the Legislature should be more specific in statutes about rulemaking deadlines and whether agencies should be more accountable when rules stall. No formal action was taken on the Chapter 120 proposals, and the committee adjourned after discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• scores as documented demonstrated test scores as documented in<02:33:03.920> Ohio<02:33:04.800
• weights and testing by the division of weights and measures.<06:14:43.440> It<06:14:43.680>
• <06:14:50.638> and vehicle charging station testing and vehicle charging station testing and
• <07:25:40.320> So, children from environmental hazards.
• So, children from environmental hazards.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• locate in the state of Vermont and to walk around that and see where we were protected with our environmental
• are creating tremendous pressure on electric rates across the country and they have incredible environmental
• where they made some significant improvements in terms of electrical rates and reducing overall environmental
• We also specifically put data centers into Act 250, which provides the most robust environmental considerations
• Madam Speaker, I am also a member of an Madam Speaker, I am also a member of an Act 250 Environmental

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're all dedicated to fostering environmental quality standards and to the protection and preservation
• They're all dedicated to fostering environmental quality standards and to the protection and preservation
• They're all dedicated to fostering<00:09:38.800> environmental<00:09:39.600> quality fostering
• environmental quality fostering environmental quality standards<00:09:40.959> and<00:09:41.279

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House convened with a devotional message from Reverend Peter Pagi, who reflected on an ancient text about the Magi and emphasized themes of gentleness, invitation, trust, and a “laughing Christ” as a way to begin the new year and new biennium with openness rather than fear. After the devotional, the House suspended its rules to introduce 23 House bills by number only and referred them to committees, including Ways and Means, Judiciary, Transportation, General and Housing, Environment, Energy and Digital Infrastructure, Healthcare, Education, and Government Operations and Military Affairs. During announcements, a member introduced Meline Connory, a Brown University student and Vermont resident who had recently experienced a school shooting, noting her outreach to the Judiciary Committee and her testimony that day. The chamber also recognized representatives of the Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds, described as a statewide coalition focused on protecting Vermont’s lakes, ponds, watersheds, and aquatic ecosystems. On the action calendar, the House considered and adopted Joint House Resolution 6, authorizing the Green Mountain Boy State Educational Program to use State House facilities on June 25, 2026. The session then moved toward adjournment until Friday, January 9, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• As an environmental scientist, she championed environmental and public health initiatives.
• As an environmental scientist, she championed environmental and public health initiatives.

Summary: The House convened in special session with prayer, a moment of silence for former Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Mettier Bowen, the Pledge of Allegiance, and confirmation of a quorum. The clerk read the Governor’s amended special session proclamation, which added two subjects to the call: legislation protecting Floridians from artificial intelligence harms, including an AI Bill of Rights and possible public-records exemptions during early investigations, and legislation on medical freedoms similar to Senate Bill 1756. The special session was set to run from April 28 to May 1, 2026. The chamber then seated and swore in three new members: Representatives Hillary Holley, Samantha Scott, and Emily Gregory. The House adopted motions accepting their certifications as prima facie evidence of election and declaring them duly elected and qualified members. Guests of the new members were recognized in the chamber. Speaker Pro Tem Duggan outlined the House’s approach to the special session, saying the House had received the Governor’s proposed redistricting maps and intended to bring them to the floor for consideration the next day. He also said that, because no bills had been filed on the other topics in the call before the special session began, those issues would not be taken up. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn and reconvene on April 29, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. or upon call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Environmental.
• In New Mexico, we face a serious series of emergencies because of environmental pollution accumulating
• Considering health and environmental factors is crucial to protecting the climate, water, and future
• Focusing on environmental protection also helps mitigate the impacts of climate change. safeguarding
• My name is Felicia Guillen, and I'm an environmental justice organizer with UNM LEAF, where we work with

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• and environmental impacts from increased<00:48:32.359> water increased water increased water
• Why is an environmental group here to talk about taxes?
• <01:05:11.520> fragile<01:05:12.400> site<01:05:13.400> doesn't environmentally
• fragile site doesn't environmentally fragile site doesn't seem<01:05:13.920> to<01:05:14.400><
• It would require the requisite environmental review be conducted by the Environmental Quality Board under

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

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• continuing to do those efforts with this amazing ballpark that needs improvement to serve with environmental
• justice and also including environmental justice and also including to<00:03:18.560> maintain
• What environmental considerations are being copied into this renovation plan, and to ensure that the
• Lea to speak to some of the environmental impacts of the stadium construction.
• impacts of the some of the environmental impacts of the stadium<00:47:58.359> construction<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• As an environmental scientist, she championed environmental and public health initiatives.
• As an environmental scientist, she championed environmental and public health initiatives.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to testify and share our experience today. the Environmental Health Division
• of the the Environmental Health Division of the Department<00:45:50.040> of<00:45:50.120>
• appointments with many doctors and specialists and patiently, also known as agonizingly, waiting for test
• and possibly forever. also known as agonizingly, waiting for also known as agonizingly, waiting for test
• results, numerous MRIs, we found test results, numerous MRIs, we found out<01:33:25.560> he<01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Studies have with environmental laws.
• <03:55:00.239> We for legal or environmental reasons.
• We for legal or environmental reasons.
• In short, environmental stewardship.
• century, the region's environmental century, the region's environmental health<04:38:14.400>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 1012, house, all

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• end to have 24 preliminary engineering reports completed on their behalf, two technical memos, environmental
• They're going to take the same tests that everybody else takes. Is that correct?
• Do they have to pass tests in order to graduate from Mr.
• Chair, Representative Duncan, we no longer have a requirement for a proficiency test at the end of high

Keywords: 996, all

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• And by far, the largest environmental impact of consumer electronics is in manufacturing, not use.
• We meet that test.
• We would meet a test at 400% even, which means four times spending versus what you're collecting in rates
• The test we don't meet in the bill is we're not building infrastructure in the Permian.

Bills: HB 106, HB144, HB145, HB252, HB1732, HB2221, HB2467, HB2468, HB2517, HB2518, HB2963, HB3016, HB3689, HB3960, HB4386, HB4490, HB4751, HB5247, HJR175, HB2213

Keywords: HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund, production safety, leasehold operations, electric utility, distribution poles, inspection

Summary: The committee first handled pending business, including reconsidering SB 715 and then voting out several measures. The committee substitute for SB 1978 was reported favorably, and HB 431, HB 1522, HB 1922, HB 3228, HB 3229, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 4219, HB 4238, HB 434, HB 1584, and HB 4739 were all reported favorably, many with objections sent to the local and uncontested calendar. HB 1522 and HB 4238 were adopted as committee substitutes before passage. The committee then moved into public testimony on HB 2963, a right-to-repair bill for consumer electronics. Supporters argued it would reduce waste, lower costs, and help independent repair shops by requiring manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information on fair terms, while opponents said the bill was too broad and the automotive MOU exemption was problematic. The bill was left pending after testimony. The committee also heard HB 2467, which would align State Fire Marshal Office investigators’ pay with other commissioned peace officers at TDI; testimony was strongly supportive, emphasizing the office’s arson-investigation role, and the bill was left pending. HB 252, a bill allowing certain state agencies flexibility to pay Schedule A employees twice monthly, was laid out and left pending after limited testimony. HB 2468, dealing with public improvement district notice in real estate transactions, would let buyers terminate within seven days if required PID notice was not provided before contract execution; it drew no public testimony and was left pending. HB 4386, an annuity exchange and surrender process bill, was presented as a consumer-protection measure with deadlines and penalties for insurer delays; it received support from industry witnesses and was left pending. The committee then heard HB 4751, creating the Texas Quantum Initiative within the Governor’s Office to coordinate quantum research, workforce, industry partnerships, and possible future grant funding. Witnesses from universities and industry supported the bill, while several senators questioned whether a new state structure was necessary; the bill was left pending. HJR 175 proposed a constitutional amendment protecting Texans’ right to use mutually agreed forms of exchange, including cash, bullion, digital currency, or private script, and was discussed at length in the context of central bank digital currency and barter; it was left pending after testimony. HB 2221, updating insurance anti-rebating laws to allow wellness and value-added services, drew supportive testimony from the insurance industry and discussion about incentives versus monitoring; it was also left pending. Finally, the committee heard a series of utility wildfire and infrastructure bills: HB 106, requiring oil and gas operators to maintain certain electrical infrastructure near well sites; HB 144, requiring electric utilities to submit pole inspection and management plans to the PUC; and HB 145, requiring wildfire mitigation plans and allowing self-insurance under certain conditions. Utility, insurance, and cooperative witnesses generally supported the wildfire-related bills while asking for clarifications and less burdensome reporting, and the bills were left pending.