Video & Transcript Research : 'fuel loading'
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HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Tue Jan 28, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a proven drop-in fuel.
- conventional jet fuel.
- It's a proven drop-in fuel.
- conventional jet fuel.
- conventional jet fuel.
Summary:
The House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection opened its first hearing of the session and heard testimony on several energy and environmental bills. On HB 470, relating to noise and leaf blowers, the Department of Health supported the bill’s intent to reduce noise pollution but raised concerns about using decibel limits alone and suggested using dBA measurements; testimony also noted the bill would regulate future sales rather than current use, and there were three additional testimonies, two in support and one in opposition. No questions were raised before the committee moved on.
The committee then heard HB 742 on transit-oriented development, which would require HCDA to prepare a programmatic EIS for Ewa, Kapalama, and West Oahu improvements. UH supported the bill, HHFDC said it was already preparing a master plan and programmatic EIS for the Ewa area, and HCDA explained that the projects are already underway or completed, including infrastructure work funded by prior appropriations. Supporters said the bill would streamline environmental review and potentially reduce costs for future housing, while HCDA emphasized the work is already in progress.
On HB 340, concerning a streamlined grid-ready home interconnection process and related cost recovery, DCCA provided comments, the Attorney General suggested changing a deadline to a specific date, and the PUC said it wanted to study the matter further while still meeting the 180-day reporting requirement. Solar and clean energy groups strongly supported the bill as a way to speed interconnection and advance grid-interactive technologies, while Hawaiian Electric supported the goal of more DERs but opposed the process, saying its interconnection performance has improved and that collaboration would be preferable to legislation. Members asked about newer technologies, UL 1741, and ratepayer impacts, and the Consumer Advocate said removing the cost-recovery section would alleviate its concerns.
The committee also heard HB 243, requiring PV- and EV-ready new residential construction, which the Hawaii State Energy Office described as a cost-saving no-brainer because installing these features during construction is much cheaper than retrofitting later. The hearing then shifted to HB 350, expanding the water-heater systems that can satisfy building-permit requirements to include heat pump water heaters alongside solar hot water systems. The Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray supported the concept but asked for amendments to align efficiency standards and noted the bill’s removal of a 15-year lifespan limit for solar thermal systems, and Hawaii Solar Energy Association raised questions about how heat pump performance should be measured and whether PV-plus-heat-pump combinations should qualify. Committee members asked about impacts on smaller homes and ADUs, and the discussion remained focused on technical standards and possible amendments; no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Jun 10th, 2026
Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- Hydrogen can be made from renewable sources and is a clean, safe fuel source that can help us meet our
- Members, renewable hydrogen is a carbon-free fuel that can be produced in large quantities and used to
- As we are now facing severe energy price volatility, there is a need to... ...fuel cells.
- For us, we really take issue with the fact that we're going to be combusting gas in fossil fuel plants
- These are constant loads inside our homes and apartments.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility affordability, transparency, and clean energy. SB 327 would bar investor-owned utilities from using ratepayer funds to oppose municipal utility formation and would clarify the Public Advocates Office’s authority to inspect utility books; supporters framed it as a ratepayer protection measure, while utilities and telecom/broadband interests opposed it unless amended, citing concerns about scope and participation in regulatory proceedings. After questions about how it differed from AB 1167 and how PAO discovery disputes are handled, the committee passed SB 327 as amended to Appropriations on an 11-2 vote, later reopening the roll to 12-2.
SB 1350 would allow renewable portfolio standard credit for power plants using green hydrogen, with the author and supporters emphasizing hydrogen’s role in decarbonization, grid reliability, jobs, and the Lancaster/ARCHES project. Environmental groups opposed the bill unless amended, warning about NOx emissions, paper transactions, and the need for stronger safeguards on hydrogen sourcing and delivery. The committee discussed amendments, including a minimum 20% hydrogen blend and emissions-related guardrails, and passed the bill to Natural Resources on a 14-0 vote, later reopening the roll to 18-0.
SB 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, would create a framework for small plug-in balcony solar devices for renters and others without rooftop solar access, while setting safety standards and limiting system size. Supporters said it would lower bills and expand access to solar; utilities and some public power entities raised safety and backfeed concerns, arguing interconnection review under Rule 21 remains necessary. After extensive discussion of safety, certification, and export limits, the committee passed SB 868 as amended to Appropriations on a 17-0 vote, later reopening the roll to 18-0. SB 1233, a transparency bill requiring additional disclosure about utility cash on hand, capital structure, and related reporting, drew utility opposition over duplicative processes and possible delays, but was passed as amended to Appropriations on a 10-3 vote, later reopened to 11-3. The committee also approved the consent calendar unanimously and adjourned after reopening the rolls for absent members to add on.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations Apr 21st, 2025 at 09:15 am
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- And of course, with fuel economy, more hybrid vehicles, that's practically flat.
- And of course, with fuel economy, more hybrid vehicles, that's practically flat.
- Most of the traffic that you see is large trucks and oversized loads, and so that’s one of the issues
- Most of traffic that you see is large trucks and oversized loads, and so that's one of the issues that
- when you start combining tourism, loads, and so that's one of the issues that when you start combining
Summary:
The committee met to consider Senate Bill 2012, the Department of Transportation budget, with Representative Brandenburg presenting a detailed House amendment package and Speaker Robin Weisz explaining the overall funding strategy. The discussion focused on restructuring transportation funding streams, including moving Prairie Dog money into a flexible transportation fund, adjusting gas tax distributions, increasing the legacy earnings transfer from 7% to 8%, and authorizing a $155 million bond for Highway 85. Members also discussed DOT operations, bridge funding, rest areas, electronic titling, and the use of funds for grants to counties, cities, and townships. A separate provision would let the DOT consider whether local ordinances or policies unreasonably restrict permitted agriculture or energy projects when scoring grant applications, which drew significant debate about local control and whether the language was punitive.
Testimony from Brandenburg and Weisz emphasized that the plan was intended to provide more predictable funding, preserve the ability to match federal dollars, and direct money where needs are greatest through a grant process. Weisz said the package was designed to simplify multiple revenue buckets, ensure DOT can meet federal match requirements, and free up money for the general fund while still supporting transportation needs. Several members raised concerns about whether cities, counties, and townships would receive as much as under the prior Prairie Dog structure, whether the bridge allocation was correctly reflected in the bill, and whether the local-policy language would penalize subdivisions that oppose energy projects. Supporters argued the state needed to protect revenue tied to energy development and that local governments would still receive distributions plus additional grant opportunities.
The committee adopted the House amendment to SB 2012 by a vote of 19-1-3, then rejected an amendment to remove the local-policy language on a 5-15-3 vote. The committee then passed SB 2012 as amended on a 20-0-3 vote, with Representative Brandenburg designated as the carrier. The chair announced that Senate Bill 2014 would not be taken up at that time and the committee recessed until called back.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 04/15/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In addition to that, our continual dependence on fossil fuels. In addition to that, the PSC...
- IN ADDITION TO THAT, OUR CONTINUAL DEPENDENCE ON FOSSIL FUELS.
- MODERNIZATION OF OUR FOSSIL FUEL PLANTS THAT APPARENTLY IS YOUR CONCERN.
- And the reality is that we have load, yes, that is increasing.
- AND REALITY IS THAT WE HAVE LOAD, YES, THAT IS INCREASING.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of utility and public service bills and resolutions. A resolution sponsored by Senator Scarcella-Spanton designating April 9, 2026, as Yellow Ribbon Day was adopted after remarks honoring veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The chamber then moved through several Public Service Law measures focused on utility affordability, consumer protections, and PSC procedures, with some bills laid aside and others advanced.
Among the bills passed were measures by Senators Mayer, Cleare, Hinchey, Comrie, and Parker. Debate on the Mayer bill centered on limiting utility expenses and fees recoverable in rate cases; supporters said it was part of a broader package to reform PSC practices, while opponents argued it would not lower current bills and had been softened from earlier versions. The Webb bill creating a residential utility usage monitoring program drew extended debate over whether it would meaningfully reduce costs, who would pay for the program, and whether it could lead to government monitoring of household usage; supporters said it would give consumers more control and transparency, while critics said it would not lower rates. The Gonzalez bill, which would add consumer protections during PSC investigations and delay shutoffs in certain circumstances, also passed after questions about whether it applied to rate cases, with the sponsor saying rate cases were explicitly excluded.
Several members explained their votes, with supporters emphasizing affordability, transparency, and consumer protection, and opponents arguing the package would not address immediate rate relief and could burden ratepayers or encourage nonpayment. Senator Tedisco and others criticized PSC appointments and state energy policy, while Democratic sponsors argued the bills were part of a longer-term effort to reform utility regulation and address climate and affordability concerns. The chamber restored multiple bills to the non-controversial calendar before final votes, and the recorded results showed passage of the major utility bills by substantial margins, along with one amendment appeal being ruled nongermane and rejected.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House State Government Committee Feb 18th, 2026
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- It's where the Department of Revenue fuel contractors and sellers have to have a bond, and every five
- It's where the Department of Revenue fuel contractors and sellers have to have a bond, and every five
Keywords:
independent contractors, portable benefits, employee benefits, tax deductions, employment relationship, education, high school, community college, dual enrollment, secondary credit, Move on When Ready, financial services, discrimination, social credit score, religious freedom, transparency, consumer rights, Alabama, wastewater management, public service commission
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Consumer Services, we have over $100 million for the Florida Forest Service and $10 million for the fuel
- preventing new cases of HIV by ensuring that treatment is prevention, by suppressing someone's HIV viral load
- preventing new cases of HIV by ensuring that treatment is prevention, by suppressing someone's HIV viral load
- Senators on tab five are going to take up SPB-2506, by appropriations relating to fuel taxes.
- SPB-2506 revises the distributions of the fuel sales tax proceeds and caps the distribution of funds
Bills:
S2500, S2502, S2504, S7028, S2506, S2508, S2510, S2512, S2514, S2516, S2518, S0482, S0678, S0984, S1016, S1074, S1706, S7030
Keywords:
budget, appropriation, education funding, healthcare, environmental protection, infrastructure, local government, Appropriations Act, funding, education, rural development, economic assistance, collective bargaining, state employees, labor relations, impasse resolution, negotiations, retirement, elected officials, Deferred Retirement Option Program
Summary:
The committee heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2026-2027 budget, SPB 2500, with chairs outlining major spending in K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and agriculture/environment/general government. Highlights included a $115 billion overall budget, pay raises for state employees and public safety workers, major K-12 funding increases and enrollment supplements, higher education workforce and nursing investments, expanded Medicaid/KidCare and behavioral health funding, corrections and law enforcement operational funding, transportation and housing investments, and significant environmental and water quality spending. Members asked about civic education funding, declining enrollment, professor retention, APD waiver waitlists, cultural grant allocations, and other line items. Public testimony also addressed HIV/AIDS drug assistance funding and prison air conditioning. SPB 2500 was adopted as a committee bill after amendment consideration and a roll call vote.
The committee then took up implementing and related budget bills, including SPB 2502 (implementing the General Appropriations Act), SPB 2504 (state employee bargaining placeholder), SB 7028 (Florida Retirement System contribution rates and related retirement changes), SPB 2506 (fuel tax distributions), SPB 2508 (state agency law enforcement radio system surcharge), SPB 2510 (termination of an unused court trust fund), SPB 2512 (new judgeships), SPB 2514 (K-12 conforming changes), SPB 2516 (higher education conforming changes), and SPB 2518 (health conforming changes). Most were explained as technical or conforming measures tied to the budget, and all were reported favorably as committee bills, with SB 7028 amended to direct a portion of increased contributions to disability and line-of-duty death benefits in the FRS investment plan.
The committee also heard and passed several member bills, including CS for SB 1074 on rounding rules for cash transactions in a world without pennies, CS for SB 678 restoring the alcohol loss deduction framework for distributors, and SB 964 on firefighter cancer benefits and prevention. SB 964 drew the most discussion, with questions about the one-year death-benefit window, the separate $25,000 cancer diagnosis payment, and whether the bill could create gaps in coverage for firefighters diagnosed or dying just outside the new time limits. Firefighter representatives testified in support, saying the bill would provide clearer protections for members and families. All of these measures were reported favorably.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- exempted transit authorities from the tax imposed on compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas fueling
- A monitor can exceed $61,000, a ventilator over $10,000, a video scope over $10,000, a power load for
Keywords:
SB 868, rural volunteer fire department assistance program, volunteer fire department assistance fund, Texas Government Code, wildfire, wildland fire, high-risk wildfire area, fire suppression, rural fire departments, volunteer firefighters, emergency response, public safety, grant allocation, appropriations, disaster preparedness, tax penalties, interest calculation, overpayment, tax law, refund process
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Neonicotinoid insecticide and insecticide-treated seed ban 3/11/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- creates regulatory chaos, and a huge cost to Minnesotans, particularly for higher food, beer, and fuels
- No, this is higher food beer and fuels.
- c><00:32:28.880>
to <00:32:29.039>quantify <00:32:29.440>the <00:32:29.600>load - <00:32:29.919>
that with seeds uh to quantify the load that with seeds uh to quantify the - load that major<00:32:30.960>
res <00:32:31.600>uh <00:32:31.840>registrants <00:
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Economic and Rural Development Jul 7th, 2025
Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Our forests are overstocked not only with fire-prone fuels, but with potential.
- Not from a fossil fuel, not from a pollution perspective, but dirty power is power that'll fluctuate
- And so we are moving from a world where you would sort of figure out what is the maximum load and then
- The old model was: you look at your load today and you build to that load.
- Now, we need to really look at what these large loads put into what's really going on in our state, and
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- they would identify and they would haul, but they wouldn't load.
- flaw in R RFP that we didn't add loading flaw in R RFP that we didn't add loading into<00:26:58.080
- <00:27:06.399>
so would haul but they wouldn't load so would haul but they wouldn't load so - <01:19:35.159>
loads <01:19:35.480>that landscape um creating fuel loads that landscape - um creating fuel loads that significantly<01:19:36.600>
increase <01:19:37.600>um <01:19
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part I) Feb 26th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- The crisis is fueled by an industrialized food system that prioritizes profit over health, flooding our
- markets and schools with government-subsidized, cheap, ultra-processed foods loaded with... refined
- our schools to provide meals that are safe for our kids, and we assume that what they're eating is fueling
- country, including in Texas, are schools that pride themselves... on excellence and are serving meals loaded
- This crisis is being fueled by this ultra-processed, high-sugar, starch diet, as well as environmental
Keywords:
attorney ad litem, indigent parents, parent-child relationship, legal representation, Texas Family Code, court procedures, nutrition, health standards, food labeling, education, dietary guidelines, medical education, food safety, school meals, child nutrition, food additives, public health, 1185, senate, all
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- And net metering, by reducing the load demand, reduces the clearing price.
- the load demand reduces the clearing<00:35:52.480>
price. - fuel dependency for<00:42:22.240>
everyone. - <00:42:37.359>
market outofstate fossil fuel market outofstate fossil fuel market fluctuations - From small business owners who fuel day.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture (2-18-25) - Part 2
Transcript Highlights:
- that's able to be produced or there's more soybeans that can be produced for our biofuels and our fuel
- Or there's more soybeans that can be produced for our biofuels and our fuel industries.
- I run several loads of steers a year on farms that I either have bought or I lease.
- of steers a steers I run several loads of steers a year<00:04:33.520>
uh <00:04:34.000>on< - Whose farm are they feeding that semi-load of corn to?"
Summary:
The committee heard extended testimony from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and several senators about using agriculture economic development funds to make Kentucky farms more profitable and attract related businesses. Discussion focused on expanding markets for corn, soybeans, beef, dairy, and other products through biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel, feedlots, processing plants, transportation, and other infrastructure that would keep more value in-state. Members also discussed the profitability pressures on farmers, high land prices, and the need for small-farm support and aggregation programs such as Kentucky Proud, BCAL, KOAP, CAP, food-is-medicine efforts, LFPA, and farm-to-school initiatives.
Senators raised specific ideas and concerns, including raw milk and food-freedom innovation, support for 5-acre and other small farms, and the possibility of a beef processing plant in Kentucky. Shell said raw milk testing is not currently a department function but could be explored with legislative direction, and he emphasized that Kentucky must first prove it can feed cattle at scale before a processor is likely to locate here. He also argued that changing conditions in the West and Midwest, including water limits, workforce shortages, and regulatory pressure, could make Kentucky increasingly competitive for beef processing and feedlot operations.
Several senators shared personal farming experiences to underscore the difficulty of making a living in agriculture and the need for off-farm income or value-added businesses. They cited examples such as grain storage, dairy products, chicken and hog operations, and restaurant or rental income supporting farm operations. Commissioner Shell said the fund is intended to fill gaps and attract businesses that need Kentucky agricultural products, creating premium markets and more local jobs.
After questions concluded, the committee took up the bill, with a motion by Senator Richardson and a second by Senator Nunn. The roll call was taken, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then moved to adjourn.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Jun 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Hydrogen can be made from renewable sources and is a clean, safe fuel source that can help us meet our
- Members, renewable hydrogen is a carbon-free fuel that can be produced in large quantities and used to
- For us, we really take issue with the fact that we're going to be combusting gas in fossil fuel plants
- So where we are making those investments and utilizing that fuel, we need to be really strategic about
- These are constant loads inside our homes and apartments.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility affordability, transparency, clean energy, and consumer access. SB 327 would bar investor-owned utilities from using ratepayer funds to oppose municipal utility formation and would clarify the Public Advocates Office’s authority to inspect utility books; supporters framed it as a ratepayer protection and accountability measure, while utilities and industry groups raised concerns about municipalization language and data-request procedures. After discussion about the scope of the bill and existing guardrails from prior legislation, the committee voted SB 327 out on a due pass as amended basis to Appropriations, with the roll left open and later updated to 12-2.
SB 1350, a hydrogen bill, would allow renewable portfolio standard credit for power plants using green hydrogen in turbines. The author and supporters said it would help California meet clean energy goals, support the Lancaster hydrogen project, and create jobs, while opponents, especially environmental groups, warned about NOx emissions, the risk of paper transactions, and the need for stronger safeguards on feedstocks and delivery. Members discussed amendments already taken and the need for continued work on environmental protections; the committee passed the bill 14-0 to Natural Resources.
SB 868 would create a framework for plug-in or balcony solar devices for renters and others without rooftop solar, with safety standards and a cap on system size. Supporters said it would lower bills and expand access to solar, while utilities and some others raised safety and backfeed concerns and asked for more review through existing interconnection processes. The author and witnesses said the devices are small, non-exporting, and covered by safety certifications; the committee approved the bill 17-0, later updated to 18-0, and sent it to Appropriations.
SB 1233 would require additional disclosure about utility cash on hand, capital structure, and related information in existing reports to help inform rates and affordability. Utilities opposed the measure as duplicative of existing proceedings and potentially delay-inducing, while supporters said it would improve transparency for ratepayers. The committee passed SB 1233 10-3 to Appropriations. The committee also dispensed with the consent calendar, passing the remaining consent items, including SB 925, SB 667, SB 952, SB 742, SB 929, SB 943, and SB 1138, and noted that SB 905 had been pulled from the agenda.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (02/11/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:05:56.560>
diverse excess of 1 gwatt of fuel diverse excess of 1 gwatt of fuel diverse - this represents about 178% of New Hampshire's load under the existing cap.
- It represents about 178% of New Hampshire's load under the existing cap.
- additional load additional load um<01:24:25.159>
and <01:24:25.320>essentially <01: - <01:24:32.960>
has um you know 10 years ago load has um you know 10 years ago load has changed
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Energy, Utilities and Communications
Transcript Highlights:
- It has provided reliable, safe, grid-quality, renewable power to critical loads during 63 islanding events
- We need to support our workforce, but we also need to be able to account for this new load when we're
- in mid-sized businesses, monthly reporting obligations that may exceed what the CEC needs to model load
- The bill as in print would fail to provide a full understanding of load growth and address efficiency
- Every gram of spent fuel Diablo Canyon has produced in 40 years is solid, tracked, and sitting on site
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Nov 17th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The trees are coming back, and when fire happens, whether Than have that fuel load that actually is going
- That's a pretty hefty load for anybody to pay.
- But ongoing fuel costs for solar are upfront.
- We're doing our due diligence to get rid of this fuel.
- They dumped eight loads, eight loads, Madam Chair, of drilling mud in there to get that stopped.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee, May 4, 2026 - AM
Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- fuel tax no matter where they fuel up.
- And and really take these heavy loads And and really take these heavy loads off<01:47:39.680>
- You know, whereas you get<02:13:45.400>
fuel <02:13:45.680>tax, get fuel tax, get fuel - This is from their fuel tax.
- Seeing none. variables such as jet fuel. So uh jet variables such as jet fuel.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications - 02/03/2026
Energy And Telecommunications
Transcript Highlights:
- we're going to get to in terms of both reaching our CLCPA goals but also meeting the shortage and load
- that's also a hedge against power prices downstate, where everything relies on the price of fossil fuels
- And when it helps, it helps with the air conditioning load in the summer.
- And when it helps with the air conditioning load in the summer, that's when it's really great.
- Even if we ran the whole grid on fossil fuels, it would still be more efficient to heat your house with
Summary:
The Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications met under Chair Senator Kevin Parker and considered several bills related to clean energy, transmission, storage, schools, and microgrids. Bill 1456, which would require certain watercraft, aircraft, and trains to be zero-emissions and direct NYSERDA studies and incentives, was discussed as technology-neutral and advanced with one no vote to the Finance Committee. Bill 286, increasing statewide energy storage capacity, drew concerns about battery safety, fire risk, and volunteer fire department training, but was advanced to the floor with two no votes. Bill 2482, the Go Green Schools Act, would let schools convert to renewable energy and keep savings for school operations; it advanced to the floor despite concerns about siting solar on school grounds. Bill 2485 on expanding electric transmission lines and Bill 5510 directing NYSERDA to develop microgrid recommendations were both advanced to the Finance Committee, each with one no vote.
The committee then heard testimony from Marguerite Wells, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York. She argued that wind, solar, storage, and transmission have made New York a leader in clean energy and said renewable energy is increasingly cost-competitive, with much of recent bill increases driven by grid upgrades and gas prices rather than renewables. She also said clean energy helps hedge against volatile fossil fuel prices, pointed to community solar and offshore wind as savings and reliability tools, and said the state’s permitting and interconnection processes have improved.
Members questioned Wells about farmland use, decommissioning, recycling of solar and wind equipment, battery storage safety, local control, and misinformation. Wells said utility-scale projects require decommissioning plans and financial assurances, farmland must be restored under agricultural guidelines, and recycling capacity is developing. On battery storage, she said New York has rigorous codes and monitoring requirements, that not all storage is lithium-ion, and that state-level permitting is appropriate for large facilities. Several senators raised concerns about fires, contamination, winter performance, and siting projects in densely populated areas or on farmland, while others emphasized farmland protections and the value of renewable projects to host communities.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Energy Development and Transmission Committee Feb 26th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- But we do also have refined fuels terminals in Fargo and Grand Forks.
- , as well as a refined fuel pipeline that runs between the two cities.
- So you're insulated from a lot of fuel price volatility.
- Zero fuel costs, ever. Bottom right: community heating.
- New base-load electricity that doesn't depend on weather.
Summary:
The Energy Development and Transmission Committee met in interim session and approved the November 6 minutes. Chair Novak outlined the committee’s study agenda, including large energy users such as data centers, geothermal, landowner relations, wind and solar, and other energy topics across the state. The meeting was framed as informational only, with no bills or formal legislative action taken beyond the minutes approval.
Testimony focused first on landowner relations. Oliver County Commissioner Dave Berger described the county’s energy history and local support for coal and related development. North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue emphasized proactive, face-to-face communication with landowners, respect for property rights, and the need for developers to be transparent about tradeoffs; he also discussed insurance and liability concerns tied to easements. Committee members asked about eminent domain, local versus state authority, and how communities can better understand the revenue and infrastructure implications of energy development.
Department of Agriculture Deputy Commissioner Tom Bodine then described the department’s ombudsman programs for pipeline restoration and reclamation, wind restoration, and royalty oversight. He said the programs provide confidential, third-party assistance on reclamation and royalty disputes, but do not provide legal advice. Senators raised concerns about post-production deductions in royalty leases and whether the ombudsman can explain them; Bodine said the program can clarify statements and deductions but cannot resolve legal disputes. He also said the department has not received requests related to fiber lines.
Representatives from Grid United and One Oak described their project development and landowner engagement practices. Grid United’s Brent Johnson discussed the North Plains Connector transmission project, its route selection process, voluntary acquisition approach, and efforts to avoid eminent domain by working closely with regulators, counties, townships, and landowners. One Oak’s Danette Welsh and Tom Giltner described the company’s midstream operations, extensive North Dakota footprint, and emphasis on direct landowner communication, consistent local regulation, careful construction practices, and post-construction reclamation. Members asked about setbacks, zoning consistency, invasive species prevention, outside advocacy groups, and eminent domain use; One Oak said it has not used eminent domain on its North Dakota projects, largely because most gathering lines are negotiated easements.