Video & Transcript Research : 'reliability model'

Page 19 of 460
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • It provides more reliable water supplies.
  • and reliable energy to fight fires.
  • We can either finance undergrounding through our regular model.
  • That's simply our model.
  • There's a lot of reliability concerns. There's a lot of storm damage.
Summary: The committee heard several energy and utilities bills, with testimony largely focused on wildfire mitigation, affordability, clean energy planning, and utility accountability. AB 706, by Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry, would create a fund to support projects that use forest biomass waste from wildfire mitigation and forest restoration; supporters said it would reduce open burning and emissions while providing reliable renewable power, and the bill later passed 13-0. AB 39, by Assembly Member Zbur, would require larger cities and counties to adopt electrification planning strategies for transportation and buildings; it drew broad support from clean energy, labor, environmental, and local government advocates and passed 9-0. AB 1167, by Assembly Member Berman, would restrict investor-owned utilities from charging ratepayers for lobbying, promotional advertising, and similar shareholder-benefit expenses; supporters framed it as an affordability and transparency measure, while utilities argued the bill was overly broad and already covered by existing rules. It passed 7-0, with some members not voting and the roll left open. The committee also considered AB 1417 on offshore wind community funding transparency, which was amended to remove new fees and instead require reporting on developer support for local and tribal community capacity-building; opposition was withdrawn and the bill passed 9-0. AB 367, by Assembly Member Bennett, would require water districts in high fire-risk areas of Ventura County to have backup power, full tanks during red flag warnings, and hardened facilities; water agencies opposed unless amended due to cost and liability concerns, but the bill passed 10-0. The consent calendar, including multiple additional measures, was approved 11-0. Other bills drew more divided testimony. AB 745 would allow securitization to finance utility undergrounding and prohibit a return on equity for undergrounding projects; supporters said it would lower ratepayer costs, while utilities warned it would effectively discourage undergrounding and could raise other rates. The bill passed 7-4 and was left on call. AB 1423 would apply reliability standards to publicly funded EV chargers installed before 2024; supporters said taxpayers should get functioning chargers, while charging-network representatives objected to retroactive requirements and possible conflicts with existing agreements. It passed 13-0. AB 388 would create a narrow exception to utility regulation to facilitate green hydrogen projects using private power lines; supporters said it would unlock low-cost renewable hydrogen and jobs, while utilities raised concerns about customer protections and grid planning. It passed 12-0. The committee also began hearing AB 825, which the author said would address the high cost of financing major transmission and generation buildout, but the transcript cuts off before the full presentation and action on that bill.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • I appreciate the director's presentation first as we look at that $24 million and then the Sprint model
  • 51.840> Sprint at that 24 million and then the Sprint at that 24 million and then the Sprint model
  • 01:54.280> we<00:01:54.520> are<00:01:54.799> clear<00:01:55.200> that model
  • as we go forward we are clear that model as we go forward we are clear that Greater<00:01:56.079>
  • volunteer Staffing model that had been<00:08:31.919> the<00:08:32.080> backbone<00:08:
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The committee took up House File 337, a bill addressing long-term funding for rural and Greater Minnesota EMS and ambulance services. The author offered the A2 amendment, moved to divide it, and the committee adopted lines 1.2 to 1.19 of the amendment. The bill, as amended, was described as creating a policy framework for identifying ambulance services with operating deficits, requiring financial audits, and setting up a future grant program, with the author emphasizing that the proposal was still being developed and was intended to be a long-term solution rather than a short-term fix. Testimony was largely supportive. Eric Simonson of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities said the bill builds on last session’s one-time aid and would target grant dollars using state data, clarify eligible uses, allow audits, address uncompensated care and readiness costs, and require reporting back to the legislature. Mike Warner of the Red Wing Fire Department said his city’s ambulance service operates with a heavy government-funded payer mix and a persistent operating shortfall. Tim Meyer of Sanford Ambulance said low-volume rural services face widening revenue gaps, staffing pressures, and the loss of the volunteer model. Nathan Zacharias of the Association of Minnesota Counties and Kevin Lee of North Memorial Health also supported the bill, citing rising costs, staffing shortages, stagnant reimbursement, and the need for a sustainable statewide funding model. Members raised concerns about how the bill would work in practice, especially around communities that straddle metro and non-metro boundaries and around local control over grant dollars. Representative Pel asked how the eligibility language would apply to places like Northfield and New Prague; the author and a testifier said eligibility would depend on whether a service area is mostly outside the metro area, but acknowledged more review was needed. Representative Huitt argued the bill should give more local control and should address EMS as a statewide issue, not only a Greater Minnesota issue. Representative Ryer asked whether the bill would eventually include revenue recapture or another funding source, and the author said the proposal was still at an early stage and all options were being considered. The committee laid HF 337, as amended, over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee May 12th, 2026

Energy, Utilities and Communications

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is actually modeled after NASA.
  • Those were then used when we modeled actually the costs of the wildfire fund or other kinds of state
  • The modeling and analysis that we perform to support the SB 254 study as the financing catastrophe’s
  • You're modeling, okay, we accumulated this much from the rate base.
  • So we're getting very little reliable power in those communities. And now we're being... A month.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
Summary: The committee held the first of several informational hearings on the SB 254 Natural Catastrophe Resiliency Study, focused on wildfire risk, utility liability, and how to finance catastrophic losses. Chair Allen opened by describing California’s recent utility-ignited wildfires, the creation of the wildfire fund under AB 1054, and SB 254’s extension of that fund and requirement for a study. The California Earthquake Authority, as wildfire fund administrator, presented the report’s process and findings, emphasizing that the study was intended to be neutral and broad, based on extensive stakeholder outreach, and that the status quo is not working well for survivors, communities, ratepayers, insurers, or utilities. CEA’s report organized recommendations into three policy pathways: continued mitigation investment, more equitable allocation of catastrophe burdens, and expanded state roles in catastrophe financing. For utilities, the report discussed options such as setting a binding risk-tolerance standard, preserving safety certificate accountability, tying executive compensation more directly to safety, creating confidential reporting with safe-harbor protections, reforming utility liability including possible changes to inverse condemnation, limiting damages, reducing insurance subrogation, and creating a fast-pay facility for survivors. The financing analysis compared a more durable wildfire fund, risk transfer/reinsurance, liability reforms, and state-backed mechanisms such as a state insurer, a state backstop, and broader funding for community wildfire mitigation. The CPUC said wildfire mitigation oversight has improved, but wildfire-related costs are driving electricity bills higher and creating an affordability crisis. The Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety highlighted its wildfire mitigation plan review and field inspections, and recommended stronger safety reporting and more safety-weighted executive compensation. In member discussion, senators and assemblymembers focused on the cost of the status quo, whether the burden should be shared by ratepayers, utilities, the state, or other parties, and whether California should consider broader disaster-financing approaches. Several members raised concerns about inverse condemnation, the pace of survivor compensation, local land-use responsibility, and the need for a more comprehensive statewide solution rather than piecemeal bills. No votes or formal actions were taken; the hearing was informational only.
DE

Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Health & Human Development Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026

Health & Human Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is just making the optional model form that Delaware has in the code.
  • And again, this is just making sure that the model form is consistent with Delaware state law.
  • Talk to me about line 39, verification of reliable transportation.
  • But I think that we need to be inclusive of many other types of models and understanding this.
  • Unlike established models across the country, SB 249 creates a dangerous policy gap.
Bills: SB274, SB301, SB249
Summary: The committee heard and advanced several measures related to health care, public health, and patient protections. House Concurrent Resolution 148, urging a statewide educational strategy on menopause, was presented as a workplace awareness measure and received supportive comments from members before being released. Senate Bill 274, updating Delaware’s MOST program to POLST and clarifying capacity determinations and documentation for end-of-life orders, also drew supportive testimony from medical and nursing groups and was released. House Bill 458, limiting local backflow preventer requirements for certain low-hazard buildings, was presented as a cost-relief measure for homeowners and small businesses; DHSS expressed concerns but said it was willing to work on amendments and a sunset provision, and the bill was released. Senate Joint Resolution 18, designating August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day and ordering flags at half-staff, was released after brief supportive remarks. The committee then considered Senate Bill 339, a technical correction to the advance health care directive form clarifying that an agent’s authority for voluntary mental health admission cannot exceed 72 hours, consistent with existing law. Members asked detailed questions about how the 72-hour limit works and whether it applies to voluntary directives; the sponsor and a Disability Rights Delaware witness explained that the bill only aligns the form with current statute and does not expand authority. The bill was released. House Bill 301, requiring hospitals to create discharge plans for pregnant patients discharged while showing signs of labor, prompted extensive discussion. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve safety, transportation planning, and aftercare, while some members noted Delaware hospitals already do much of this work and questioned whether codifying it was necessary; supporters emphasized maternal mortality disparities and the need for guardrails. The bill was released. Senate Bill 196, creating ownership disclosure requirements for long-term care facilities and resident notice rules after ownership transfers, was presented as a transparency measure for seniors and families and was released after supportive testimony from the Delaware Nurses Association and elder-care advocates. Senate Bill 320, expanding pharmacists’ independent prescriptive authority for certain non-controlled medications and allowing opioid use disorder medications under standing order, with added malpractice reporting requirements in Senate Amendment 2, was supported by pharmacists and nurse practitioners as an access-to-care measure and was released. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 161, establishing a unified licensing and oversight framework for adult behavioral health providers under DSAM, was presented as a patient-protection measure; providers supported the goal but cautioned that regulations must be workable, and the substitute was released. Senate Joint Resolution 19, directing DHSS to study strategies to reduce health care costs, was released with a note reflecting concerns about broadening the analysis to include additional cost drivers and alternatives. Finally, Senate Bill 249 with Senate Amendment 2, modernizing harm-reduction programs and paraphernalia laws, generated the most extended debate: supporters framed it as life-saving public health policy, while opponents raised concerns about needle litter, community impacts, and whether the approach facilitates addiction. Despite the objections, the bill was released.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
  • This model allows students to access transit easily while providing a predictable revenue stream for
  • Our buses are extremely reliable. If they're running behind, it's maybe by a minute or two.
  • Our buses are extremely reliable. If they're running behind, it's maybe by a minute or two.
  • Some people prefer fixed routes because they're more reliable with the route times.
  • So there's a lot of costs involved with electric and I don't believe they're that reliable yet.
Summary: The committee met as a study subcommittee on fixed-route public transportation and first approved the December 11 minutes. It then heard detailed presentations from transit leaders in Grand Forks, Bismarck/Mandan, and Fargo about their systems, including route structures, paratransit service, ridership trends, fare changes, funding sources, fleet replacement needs, and operational challenges. Grand Forks described Cities Area Transit’s 17 routes, university shuttle service, expanded paratransit coverage, a 2025 fare increase, and rising costs for labor, fuel, parts, and new buses. Bismarck/Mandan’s Bisman Transit outlined its fixed-route and paratransit operations, recent service expansions approved for April 1, fare structure, ridership recovery since COVID, and major funding streams including mill levies, federal grants, and new local sales tax revenue. Fargo’s MATBUS representative emphasized the importance of continued state support for urban fixed-route transit. Members asked extensive questions about cost per ride, fare increases, school transportation, veteran service partnerships, app-based ticketing, local funding formulas, and whether ride-share or microtransit could replace fixed routes. Transit officials said fixed-route service remains essential because it provides reliable capacity, supports jobs and access to services, and preserves federal funding tied to public transit operations. They also said paratransit is costly but necessary for riders with disabilities, and that vehicle and maintenance costs have risen sharply. Minot’s transit superintendent added context on the state’s existing transit aid formula, explaining that it is weighted more toward rural and paratransit providers and that urban fixed-route systems are seeking a separate, dedicated funding source rather than changes to the current formula. The committee also heard public testimony from North Dakota Protection & Advocacy supporting both fixed-route and paratransit service for disabled riders, and from Minot staff on refurbished buses, CDL driver recruitment, and why the agency is not pursuing full electric buses. Near the end, members discussed whether to recommend additional state funding for the four urban fixed-route systems. A motion passed to have Legislative Council prepare a summary of the subcommittee’s activities for inclusion in the Government Finance Committee’s report to Legislative Management. Members then continued discussing possible recommendations, including a separate funding source for urban fixed-route transit and whether the four urban systems should meet to develop a proposed amount.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • protect the progress we've made as a state in protecting our environment and ensuring clean air, reliable
  • A third element is to streamline judicial review, and that is really modeled off the site's proposal
  • that this body approved, I believe it was two years ago, and also modeled off of streamlined judicial
  • Issue eight is our emergency reliability, load flexibility, and demand reduction CalSHAPE trailer bill
  • I think for everybody in the future doing your presentation, she was a model of efficiency.
Summary: The hearing opened with budget framing from the chair and the LAO, who said the May Revision addresses roughly a $14 billion budget problem and that the environment and transportation subcommittee’s proposals account for about $1.9 billion of the solution. The LAO urged members to focus on solutions that do not worsen out-year deficits, to preserve reserves, and to defer major policy changes that are not necessary to pass the budget, including the newly introduced water-related trailer bills. Members also raised concern about a late-dropped Olympic-related trailer bill, which the LAO likewise suggested should be deferred for fuller review. The first major item was the Delta Conveyance Project and related water quality control plan trailer bills. The administration argued the proposals would streamline permitting, water rights proceedings, judicial review, and land acquisition, and would clarify DWR’s bond authority for the project. DWR said the project is needed to protect water supply reliability against drought, earthquakes, sea level rise, and other climate-related disruptions, and that the tunnel would help move water when conditions are wet and safer for the environment. Committee members from both parties questioned the timing, the use of budget trailer bills for major policy changes, the scope of the CEQA and water-rights changes, the lack of a bond cap, cost growth, and eminent domain protections. The LAO recommended deferring both water trailer bills without prejudice. Public comment was sharply divided, with labor, water agencies, and some business groups supporting the project as climate adaptation and reliability infrastructure, while environmental, tribal, fishing, county, and community groups opposed it as an attempt to bypass public process and weaken protections. The committee then briefly heard the DMV’s Digital Experience Platform fee trailer bill, which would reinstate a $1 system improvement fee to help fund the vehicle-registration phase of the project. DMV said the fee would raise about $7 million annually and offset roughly $59 million to $60 million of project costs, while the LAO noted it would help but would not solve the Motor Vehicle Account’s broader structural gap. The hearing then moved to California High-Speed Rail, where the new CEO presented an updated plan and said the project remains a major climate and infrastructure investment. He reported a revised Merced-to-Bakersfield cost range of $34.9 billion to $38.5 billion, said the agency is trying to reduce risk through direct procurement of materials, and argued that stable annual funding is needed to avoid higher costs from delays.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, June 29, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • age of 30 years, Allan has distinguished himself as a leader in the agricultural industry and a role model
  • The task force will develop model processes and guidances necessary for states to reclaim funds in a
  • Cyber attacks can cause significant disruption to the reliable significant disruption to the reliable
  • The North American Electric Reliability Corporation estimates that the U.S. grid is gaining about 60
  • When Israeli leaders talk about applying the Gaza model in Lebanon, this is what they mean. And...
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee Jun 16th, 2026 at 10:00 am

Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • General Electric BWX-300 is one model. Westinghouse AP 300 is another. There's others.
  • That's all modeled as part of the resource plan.
  • Will the project improve reliability? Are the costs reasonable compared to anticipated benefits?
  • to meet the state's needs for unbiased, accurate, and reliable data and information.
  • In reliability. In reliability. Okay. Other comments by the committee. Okay.
Keywords: 908, all
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee Jun 16th, 2026

Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • General Electric, BWX-300 is one model. Westinghouse AP 300 is another. There's others.
  • That's all modeled as part of the resource plan.
  • Will the project improve reliability? Are the costs reasonable compared to anticipated benefits?
  • to meet the state's needs for unbiased, accurate, and reliable data and information.
  • In reliability. In reliability. Okay. Other comments by the committee. Okay.
Summary: The committee met to review advanced nuclear energy issues in North Dakota, beginning with approval of the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon presented an overview of the advanced reactor landscape, distinguishing light-water SMRs, advanced Gen 4 reactors, and microreactors. The presentation emphasized that light-water SMRs are the most near-term deployable and use familiar low-enriched uranium fuel, while many Gen 4 designs may require high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALU), which is not yet supported by a mature U.S. supply chain. Nucleon also noted that advanced reactors are being developed primarily for industrial heat applications, while microreactors are niche, higher-cost systems for remote or mission-critical uses. Committee members asked about fuel availability, safety, recycling, and whether large reactors such as AP-1000s were evaluated; the presenter said fuel development is proceeding in parallel but remains a bottleneck, and that siting and grid capacity often make SMRs more practical than gigawatt-scale plants in North Dakota. Representatives from the National Association of State Energy Officials described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, regional coordination, grants, tax incentives, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and pilot programs. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and said states are focusing on multi-state coordination, demand aggregation, regulatory coordination, waste management, workforce readiness, and community engagement. They also discussed affordability tools such as construction work in progress (CWIP), financing incentives, and consumer protections, citing examples from Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Missouri, Utah, Tennessee, and others. In response to questions, they explained that pilot programs often involve site-readiness and feasibility studies, and that the federal Nuclear Innovation Campus process is moving forward with multiple submissions while broader waste and recycling policy may require congressional action. The Public Service Commission said it would likely have a major role in any North Dakota nuclear project through certificate-of-public-convenience-and-necessity review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted gaps in current law for small reactors, co-located facilities, NRC coordination, and long-term site stewardship. The commissioner said the commission has no authority over a private, self-contained reactor not connected to the grid. The Department of Environmental Quality explained that the state regulates radioactive materials under its agreement-state authority, but NRC retains primacy over fission reactors; DEQ would likely assist with emergency planning and could have a larger role if fusion reactors emerge. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, requiring a dedicated radiological emergency preparedness program, training, drills, public outreach, and likely additional funding and staffing, with industry expected to bear much of the cost. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota’s water laws and prior-appropriation system are adequate for nuclear siting, that the Missouri River is the best likely source, and that no statutory or budget changes are currently needed from a water perspective. The committee recessed for lunch after these agency presentations.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Local Government Committee Jun 17th, 2026

Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • It would expand the pre-approved plan model that we use for ADUs for small, single-family projects.
  • We use this model in Altadena, which I represent, and it is helping a lot with rebuild and recovery.
  • a larger ratepayer base and more resources to implement capital improvements and provide a more reliable
  • were or are in similar situation, and we believe this is the best option to provide a long-term reliable
  • Establishing a similar model for retail projects will be essential for small businesses to thrive in
Keywords: 987, senate, all
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • That's the most flexible And reliable pot of funding our schools have.
  • We don't actually recommend 128, 129, and 130 for that Evaluation model: There's some money already in
  • We're going to be talking about bilingual and dual language instructional models that develop literacy
  • Again, we're already doing some of this in regard to model and support schools.
  • And I think we talked about the three queen queen maybe seeing the wrong queen model and I understand
Keywords: 996, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee Sep 15th, 2025

Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And you model all of those onto the schedule that the program has, with an updated schedule, to get a
  • So with our transit ridership modeling for the CIG...
  • But our local model typically captures that a little better.
  • So we work with the FTA on that transit model. So we work with the FTA on that transit modeling.
  • As far as that STOPS model, it uses post-pandemic ridership as the base for developing these.
Summary: The committee met jointly with the Washington-Oregon Legislative Action Committee for an update on the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement (IBR) program. Members first adopted the proposed committee rules, then received program updates from staff on environmental review, permitting, design, tribal consultation, and public engagement. Staff said the project remains in the supplemental EIS process, with a final supplemental EIS and amended record of decision expected in early 2026, which would allow construction to begin. They also described ongoing work on Coast Guard navigation clearance, Section 106 historic-property coordination, and architectural guidelines for the bridge and five-mile corridor, emphasizing that the visualizations shown were conceptual and that public and partner feedback has already influenced design considerations such as accessibility and shared-use path connections. Members raised concerns about schedule delays, rising costs, and whether the project is being designed to be functional, safe, and economical. Staff acknowledged that the timeline has slipped from earlier expectations and said the delay reflects the complexity of the environmental and federal review process, as well as the need to avoid redoing steps. They said the updated cost estimate is being prepared now that design has advanced to roughly 30 percent, and that it will account for inflation, risk factors, and both fixed-span and movable-span options. Staff estimated a movable span would add more than $400 million and said the first construction work after environmental approval would likely be preliminary freeway and retaining-wall work in late 2026, followed by the bridge procurement. The committee also received funding and tolling updates. Staff reported that major federal grants have been executed, including Mega and Bridge Investment Grant agreements, and that state STIP amendments are advancing to allow access to federal funds. The tolling team described Level 3 traffic-and-revenue work, a bi-state tolling subcommittee process, and possible toll scenarios aimed at supporting either about $1.24 billion or $1.6 billion in toll revenue. Members questioned low-income toll relief timing, truck toll rates, and the effect of tolls on freight users. Staff said low-income discounts are being analyzed for both revenue and operational feasibility, that tribal exemptions and other policy exemptions are under review, and that the commissions expect to move into public outreach on toll rates and policies in 2026, with tolling on the existing bridges currently projected to begin in spring 2027.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 04/07/25

Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:
  • In order to do this, we have to continue to have competition on price and reliability.
  • They're more reliable and resilient because you're spacing them throughout communities and the state
  • <00:57:57.200> you're reliable and resilient because you're reliable and resilient because
  • can't uh reliably keep the lights<01:14:23.120> on<01:14:23.840> and<01:14:24.080>
  • Small uh today's nuclear isn't the old model of massive plants with the ominous cooling towers.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • And rural communities really need reliable energy supplies, so converting organic waste to energy makes
  • sense for energy reliability too, not just emissions reduction and waste reduction.
  • and Waste from landfills, and it will help increase energy reliability and resiliency in those communities
  • on organic waste-to-energy projects to meet the state's climate goals, air quality, and energy reliability
  • We now have the means to implement this and provide models that can be replicated in other states, as
Summary: The committee heard and advanced a series of natural resources and climate-related bills. AB 70 would codify a definition of pyrolysis and allow procurement credit for projects using organic waste to generate pipeline biomethane; supporters said it would help divert organic waste from landfills, reduce methane, and support energy reliability. AB 30 would authorize E15 fuel sales in California, with supporters arguing it could lower consumer fuel costs and emissions, while opponents from boating and marine groups raised concerns about engine damage and the need for clear labeling and continued E10 availability. AB 66 would create a CEQA exemption for emergency evacuation routes in high fire-risk areas; supporters emphasized wildfire evacuation safety, while some members worried the bill lacked sufficient guardrails and environmental review. AB 399 would let the Coastal Commission consider blue carbon sequestration in coastal permitting and authorize blue carbon demonstration projects; environmental groups supported it, while business groups objected to new costs and regulatory uncertainty. AB 491 would codify California’s nature-based solutions climate targets for lands and wetlands, with supporters citing climate and adaptation benefits and the Farm Bureau opposing statutory targets. AB 580 would extend Metropolitan Water District authority related to the Colorado River Aqueduct, and AB 43 would make permanent state authority to protect federally designated wild and scenic rivers if federal protections are weakened. The committee also considered AB 436 to streamline siting and permitting of composting facilities and AB 539 to streamline certain Coastal Act procedures and reporting. Most measures received due-pass recommendations and were reported out on roll calls, with several bills also moving on consent; AB 404 was pulled at the author’s request.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Mar 20th, 2025

Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, Madam Chair, House Bill 13 ensures New Mexico's utility customers receive reliable and affordable
  • New Mexicans deserve a reliable, modernized grid that not only meets our current energy demands, but
  • Years, um, there are some wins with that model which include the potential of fewer fees, fewer, um,
  • That's one, type of model.
  • Another type of model is to set the amount that you wanna distribute per child born, of which for New
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 27th, 2025

Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:
  • As a result, we are the most cost-efficient higher education model in the state.
  • I have to be honest with you, I'm sitting here that the old model of us going to the school district
  • Uh, for those that aren't familiar, the, um, The emergency management model starts at the local level
  • This unique funding model and the lack of property tax revenue available to other 2-year institutions
  • revenue source for the future support and expansion of the TSTC model.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 27th, 2025

Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:
  • As a result, we are the most cost efficient. higher education model in the state.
  • I have to be honest when I'm sitting here that the old model of us going to the school districts and
  • Those producers who harvested based on the model that we produced had a 10% increase. recent profits,
  • Disaster and Emergency Services, and chair of your Texas Energy Reliability Council, and chair... of
  • revenue source for the future support and expansion of the. model.
Keywords: 1184, house, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Now, the model projects SAF production at least double that projected by the administration and up to
  • Are you modeled after any particular one?
  • I mean, we were modeling the cost curves for these different fuels.
  • And so I'm not, you know, and that's what we sort of have out of my modeling: that if you want to use
  • As of now, SAF is the only way to reliably reduce the emissions of aviation fuel.
Summary: The meeting began with a budget subcommittee hearing on a proposed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit trailer bill. Assembly Members Ávila Farías and another member spoke in support, emphasizing union jobs, refinery investments, and the need to decarbonize aviation. The Department of Finance said the Governor’s proposal would provide a $1 to $2 per gallon credit against the diesel excise tax for SAF sold in California from 2026 to 2036. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended rejecting the proposal, arguing it is a relatively expensive way to reduce emissions, has uncertain environmental benefits, could significantly reduce transportation revenues, and conflicts with the spirit of voter restrictions on transportation taxes. Committee members questioned whether the credit would mainly benefit out-of-state producers, whether firms would have diesel tax liability to use the credit, and whether the proposal would shift production away from renewable diesel and raise fuel prices. Administration and CARB staff said the credit is intended to support aviation decarbonization, preserve jobs, and help keep California on track toward its 2045 climate goals. LAO and UC Berkeley testimony countered that the policy could mostly subsidize existing technologies, that feedstock supply is limited, and that the net emissions benefit may be small relative to the cost. Members also asked about the effect on local streets and roads, SHOP, and trade corridor funding; Finance estimated a $165 million annual revenue impact would reduce those programs, while LAO said the reductions would mean fewer projects over time. No vote was taken, and the chair said the issue would remain open for further discussion. The committee then moved to a zero-emission vehicle incentive trailer bill proposing a one-time $200 million appropriation to CARB for a new point-of-sale incentive program focused on first-time buyers and leases of new and used light-duty ZEVs. Supporters said the program would help offset the loss of the federal EV tax credit, maintain momentum in California’s ZEV transition, and use a one-to-one match with participating automakers to double the state’s investment. LAO recommended rejection, saying the proposal does not meet the high budget bar this year, lacks enough program detail to evaluate, is unlikely to move sales significantly given the size of the appropriation, and could duplicate existing state and utility programs. Members asked about current incentives across light-, medium-, and heavy-duty sectors, the recent decline in ZEV sales, and whether the program would help lower-income buyers rather than subsidize purchases that would have happened anyway. CARB said the proposal is meant to fill a gap in the light-duty market, where sales fell sharply after the federal credit expired, and noted existing programs for other vehicle classes. The Department of Finance also addressed a separate question about the Motor Vehicle Account, saying a previously planned GGRF transfer was no longer needed because updated forecasts showed the fund had sufficient balances, though LAO said the account still has a structural long-term imbalance. The discussion ended before any vote or action on the ZEV proposal.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • The city of Columbia and the Camp Dick Fire and Rescue—I am a big believer in doing models, you know,
  • The city of Columbia and the Camp Dick Fire and Rescue—I am a big believer in doing models, you know,
  • The city of Columbia and the Camp Dick Fire and Rescue—I am a big believer in doing models, you know,
  • <00:03:44.640> you<00:03:44.720> know believer in doing models you know believer in
  • importantly protect energy reliability importantly protect energy reliability for<00:34:55.359><
Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government met for its first meeting and heard budget-related presentations from the Auditor of Public Accounts and the Secretary of State, with the Treasurer beginning a presentation at the end of the transcript. Auditor Allison Ball reviewed her office’s 2024 and early 2025 work, including hundreds of county and state audits, several special examinations, and ongoing reviews such as the kinship care funding issue, the Kentucky Department of Education audit, and the Jefferson County Public Schools audit. She said her office is focused on waste, fraud, abuse, and legal compliance, and asked the committee to consider future budget changes, including aligning her appropriation with restricted funding and restoring a stronger performance-audit function. She also highlighted audits that exposed serious problems, including the Department of Juvenile Justice review, and said those reports are intended to serve as models for other entities to avoid similar failures. Secretary of State Michael Adams said his office is self-sustaining through fees and does not need tax dollars, but asked for greater access to its own revenues and more flexibility in using them. He highlighted the Safe at Home address confidentiality program, saying recent changes expanded protections for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, and that the program has grown rapidly while remaining funded by offender fines. Adams also urged lawmakers to again adjust county election funding for inflation, noting the current per-voter and per-precinct amounts were set decades ago. In questioning, Representative Hart asked whether the Safe at Home program was self-funding; Adams replied that it covers only about 10% of its operating cost and said the best solution would be to let the office use more of the revenue it already collects rather than rely on tax dollars. Treasurer Martin Medcafe, introduced with staff member Russell Weber, praised the General Assembly’s fiscal discipline and described the Treasury’s work in managing state funds. He reported strong results from the Unclaimed Property Fund, saying the office returned $35.5 million to Kentuckians in its first year and $3.8 million in the first month of the current year, and said the State Investments Commission generated $682 million in returns last year. He also highlighted financial literacy efforts through the Kentucky Financial Empowerment Commission and said the Treasury is helping manage opioid settlement funds, which are now earning up to $200,000 per month through investment. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, January 13, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • As we face growing divisions in our nation, let the Virgin Islands be a model.
  • As we face growing divisions in our nation, let the Virgin Islands be a model.
  • <05:42:18.080> with and undermined grid reliability with and undermined grid reliability with
  • <05:42:36.958> The deteriorating grid reliability. The deteriorating grid reliability.
  • years because of lack of reliable care. years because of lack of reliable care.