Video & Transcript : 'electricity costs' :
Page 22 of 500
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Vega: The cost of electricity and energy is significantly higher in California than it is in Texas or
- And then two is cost and, is this going to raise our rates, what we pay on our electricity bills?
- costs for our constituents?
- that those who cause the costs pay the cost.
- What is its impact on generation costs and that part of our constituents' electricity bill?
Committee:
House State Affairs
Summary:
The Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss data centers and their impact on Texas's energy infrastructure. The meeting featured testimony from key representatives of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and ERCOT, who outlined the evolving landscape of energy generation and the challenges posed by the rapid growth of data centers. Notably, ERCOT reported over 450,000 MW of generation resources planned for connection, with a significant portion attributed to data centers, which now represent around 87% of new large load interconnection requests.
The committee explored proposed changes to the interconnection process, including a new 'batch study' approach aimed at streamlining the approval of multiple projects simultaneously. This change is intended to address the challenges of managing numerous simultaneous requests and to provide more certainty for developers regarding their energy needs. Testimonies emphasized the importance of ensuring that the costs of infrastructure upgrades are borne by the data centers rather than residential ratepayers, with discussions around the financial commitments required from developers.
Several data center developers also provided testimony, highlighting the economic benefits of their projects, including job creation and increased local revenues. They expressed concerns about the potential for a moratorium on future growth due to the new interconnection rules and emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to address water usage and environmental impacts. The committee plans to continue discussions on these topics in future hearings, with a focus on balancing economic growth with energy reliability and resource management.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jul 1st, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The exact costs being shifted to electric ratepayers as a result of any energy or utility procurement
- because it's a competitive disadvantage for them to pay the cost of electricity in the Commonwealth.
- The study included a contemplation of the maintenance cost of the electric heat pumps.
- And yes, I understand that there are concerns about costs, whether electric bills or other costs including
- Costs, whether electric bills or other costs including housing, but Massachusetts needs to continue its
Summary:
The Senate continued debate on House 5175, An Act Relative to Energy Affordability, Clean Power, and Economic Competitiveness, taking up a series of amendments focused on clean energy procurement, oversight, gas infrastructure, housing impacts, and ratepayer costs. Amendment 22, offered by Senator Rogers, was rejected 5-34 after he argued the underlying bill already improves clean energy procurement and reduces utility middlemen. Senator Tarr then offered Amendment 34 to expand reporting, oversight boards, and consumer representation, and to strike provisions on consumer choice, gas program frameworks, and municipal procurement authority; it was also rejected 5-34 after supporters of the bill said the legislation already strengthens oversight through the EEAC, a new review board, and DPU audits.
The chamber also considered Amendment 77 by Senator Eldridge to end ratepayer-funded gas line extension subsidies for new construction. Supporters said the subsidy unfairly shifts costs to all ratepayers, favors gas over cleaner alternatives, and could save about $1.6 billion over ten years; opponents argued it could raise housing construction costs, especially for gateway cities and large projects. After extended debate, the amendment failed 19-20. Senator Moore withdrew Amendment 65, which would have created a commission on reducing emissions from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles while preserving long-term zero-emissions goals.
Several other amendments were adopted, including measures on low-income discount charges, environmental justice protections, data and tax printing, and increased access to plug-in solar. The Senate also adopted the Ways and Means amendment, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 32-8. Separately, the Senate adopted a Judiciary extension order after removing two bills from it, and agreed to adjourn in memory of Robert G. Najarian.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP-HSH Joint Public Hearing - Tue Feb 10, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Our high electricity costs are driven by dependence on imported fossil fuels that expose us to global
- Um, I mean just to level set the discussion here, can we talk about the cost of today's electric bills
- >> Uh, that's a mechanism for passing the costs of electricity generated, well, the fuel prices, back
- ><c> well</c><01:06:31.039><c> the</c> costs of electricity generated well the costs of electricity generated
- costs, the highest a year in electricity costs, the highest in<02:14:48.159><c> the</c><02:14:48.400
Bills:
HB2284
Committee:
House Energy & Environmental Protection
Summary:
The hearing covered House Bill 2284, which would create the Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program in the Department of Human Services to help qualifying households pay energy bills and direct the Public Utilities Commission’s public benefits fee administrator to provide information and assistance to recipients. Testimony from the Division of Consumer Advocacy, DHS, and the Public Utilities Commission was in support. A committee member asked about how the program would interact with existing TANF-related energy assistance and whether rules could be adjusted to avoid duplicative benefits; DHS said logistics would need to be worked out and that the agencies would make the rules. The committees noted the bill’s $1.5 million appropriation and moved it forward with amendments, including blanking out amounts and noting them in the committee report. Both committees voted to pass HB 2284 with amendments, with the recommendation adopted.
The committee then heard House Bill 2486, relating to plug-in or balcony solar. DCCA, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, and the Public Utilities Commission stood on prior testimony in support of the bill’s intent. Multiple advocates and organizations, including Carbon Cashback Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Bright Saver, Sierra Club of Hawaii, and others, testified in support, arguing that plug-in solar would lower electricity bills, expand access for renters and condo residents, and reduce emissions. Several speakers urged the committee to remove or avoid registration, reporting, feed-in tariff, interconnection fee, and other requirements they said would create barriers. Bright Saver testified that the systems are safe and would not back-feed during outages. No vote was taken on HB 2486 during the excerpt.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1568, which would prohibit the importation or storage of LNG in the state and the construction of related infrastructure. State agencies including the Consumer Advocate, Hawaii State Energy Office, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaiian Electric opposed the bill, with the Energy Office arguing LNG would perpetuate oil use on Oahu and expose the state to price volatility. Supporters included Life of the Land, Sierra Club of Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Earthjustice, Our Hawaii, and others, who argued LNG would lock Hawaii into another fossil fuel dependency, create major infrastructure costs and safety risks, and undermine the state’s renewable energy goals. Several testifiers cited climate and affordability concerns and urged the committee to reject LNG. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1568, before any committee action or vote is shown.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Apr 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And so, for ratepayers, the avoided-cost value is the least cost that we can pay for the energy, and
- What cost did the state pay for these resources, capital costs excluding staff and fuel?
- the costs go into rates.
- The cost share is roughly $900 million.
- We normally look at the cost of electricity and natural gas, the fuels that are powering California.
Summary:
The hearing was an informational budget session on energy agency proposals, with no votes taken. Early discussion focused on Proposition 4 climate bond implementation, including funding for demand-side grid support, offshore wind development, and transmission financing. The Department of Finance said the budget includes allocations for demand-side grid support and offshore wind, but not yet for the $325 million transmission financing piece pending a required study. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the Legislature to consider whether to wait on offshore wind funding, whether to keep shifting funds into demand-side grid support, and how to direct future transmission financing. Members also raised concerns about local technical assistance for offshore wind, Salton Sea priorities, and the need for more information before final decisions.
The California Energy Commission and CPUC then reviewed the broader energy package. The CEC highlighted the demand-side grid support program’s growth, distributed energy backup assets, long-duration storage, hydrogen grants, and the SIRP clean energy reliability program. CPUC testimony emphasized affordability, wildfire mitigation costs, rooftop solar cost shifts, and efforts to reduce rates while maintaining reliability and clean energy goals. Members questioned CPUC staffing, delays in proceedings, coordination with the CEC and CAISO, and the impact of rate increases on customers. The agencies also discussed the AB 3264 transmission financing study, with CPUC saying work on the study had already begun and was on track for the July 1 deadline.
Several trailer bill and implementation items were also discussed. The committee reviewed a proposal to extend the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program surcharge, with members split over whether it should be handled in budget trailer bill language or policy legislation; the administration said the surcharge supports a critical program serving about three-quarters of a million Californians. The committee also heard a CPUC data-sharing proposal to allow nondisclosure agreements for transmission and reliability data, which members generally supported as a technical fix. DWR explained a proposal to clarify language for the Electricity Supply Strategic Reliability Reserve so it can potentially sell three gas-fired units it owns, and the CEC presented a federal transmission grant proposal tied to grid-enhancing technologies and ratepayer cost recovery. Finally, the committee discussed California Lifeline and possible broadband pilot reforms in light of uncertainty around federal Universal Service Fund support, with CPUC saying it is exploring a statewide standalone broadband option for eligible customers.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jul 1st, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The exact costs being shifted to electric ratepayers as a result of any energy or utility procurement
- because it's a competitive disadvantage for them to pay the cost of electricity in the Commonwealth,
- Without line extension subsidies and allowances, alternatives such as cost-effective electric heat pumps
- The study included a contemplation of the maintenance cost of the electric heat pumps.
- And yes, I understand that there are concerns about costs, whether electric bills or other costs, including
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Feb 7th, 2026 at 06:52 pm
Senate Tax, Business & Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- , electricity cost, feed cost, fertilizer cost, and other inputs.
- SB 18 will increase operating costs on fuel, transportation, electricity, and essential inputs.
- That represents a 40% increase in electricity cost.
- Costs of goods and services are higher, and household electricity costs are projected to be higher as
- I am nervous, because I've already seen electric costs go up.
Committee:
Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation
Keywords:
tax credit, physician, healthcare, income tax, rural health, quantum technology, infrastructure, economic development, New Mexico, corporate tax, research and development, innovation, affordable housing, gross receipts tax, tax deduction, construction materials, multifamily housing, low income, journalism, local news
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Feb 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- , electricity cost, feed cost, fertilizer cost, and other inputs.
- SB 18 will increase operating costs on fuel, transportation, electricity, and essential inputs.
- That represents a 40% increase in electricity cost.
- Costs of goods and services are higher, and household electricity costs are projected to be higher as
- I am nervous because I've already seen electric costs go up.
Summary:
The committee first took up the proposed 2026 tax package, Senate Bill 151, and adopted a committee substitute after discussion of the package’s funding capacity and included measures. The substitute bundled five bills: a physician tax credit, a quantum facility infrastructure tax credit, a construction materials gross receipts deduction for affordable multifamily housing, a local journalist employment tax credit, and a health equipment gross receipts deduction. Members discussed amendments that raised the physician credit from $4,000 to $10,000, narrowed the housing deduction to project-based certification, and reduced the journalist credit threshold from four stories to three. Concerns were raised about the fiscal impact on municipalities, especially Albuquerque, and about the funding mechanism, but the committee voted 6-4 to give the substitute a do pass recommendation. Senator Sanchez explained his vote, saying he wished more could have been included in the package.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 18, the Clear Horizons Act, which would codify statewide greenhouse gas reduction targets and direct the Environment Department and Environmental Improvement Board to develop plans and rules for emissions reductions. The sponsors said the bill builds on the governor’s 2019 executive order, includes a 10,000-metric-ton threshold for covered emitters, allows certified offsets, and is intended to protect public health, reduce climate-related costs, and provide regulatory certainty. Supporters argued the bill would help communities facing wildfire, drought, health harms, and rising insurance and utility costs, and that it would encourage clean-energy investment and long-term economic stability.
Opposition testimony came from mining, oil and gas, rural electric cooperatives, construction, agriculture, auto dealers, chambers of commerce, banks, water recycling companies, and realtors. They argued the bill functions like a carbon tax or broad regulatory mandate, would raise energy and compliance costs, could reduce investment and jobs, and would disproportionately affect rural, tribal, agricultural, and low-income communities. Several witnesses warned of higher electricity and fuel bills, revenue losses for local governments, and uncertainty from delegating major policy decisions to rulemaking. Supporters included public health advocates, educators, local officials, clean-energy businesses, tribal and environmental advocates, and residents affected by wildfire and drought, who said the bill is necessary to address climate harms and protect public health and the economy. No final committee vote on SB 18 was reached in the portion provided.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty Five - Wednesday, April 1 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a bill to lower electricity costs.
- That electricity will then have to be transported in at additional cost to Missourians.
- Electricity is going to cost people of Missouri more than it will...
- "When the residents of this state import electricity, it's going to cost more.
- When the residents of this state import electricity, it's going to cost more.
Summary:
The House first approved the previous day’s journal by roll call vote, 112-2, and then spent time on numerous guest introductions and recognitions. Guests included former Rep. Bill E. Kidd, students and school officials from several districts, pharmacy students, community and labor representatives, Alliance for Life members, Link community partners, and the student who led the Pledge of Allegiance. A personal privilege announcement also recognized a legislator’s son’s birthday.
The main floor debate centered on House Committee Substitute for House Bills 21, 22, and 1626, the Missouri Nuclear Clean Power Act. Supporters argued the bill would remove a roadblock to small modular nuclear reactors by allowing construction work in progress (CWIP), lower long-term electricity costs, attract industry, and help Missouri meet future baseload demand, especially for data centers and other large users. Opponents said the measure would shift risk and cost overruns to ratepayers, cited past nuclear cost overruns and safety concerns, and argued Missouri voters had previously rejected such financing. After extended debate and several inquiries, the House adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bills perfected and printed.
The chamber then perfected and printed House Bill 1881, which would make xylazine a Schedule III controlled substance. The sponsor and supporters said the drug is a dangerous animal tranquilizer increasingly used in illicit fentanyl mixtures, while the bill preserves legitimate veterinary and agricultural uses. Members from both rural and urban districts supported the measure, and the House adopted an amendment clarifying penalties for knowingly starving an animal and false reporting in animal abuse cases.
Finally, the House took up House Bill 2292, which would encourage cross-reporting among agencies handling child, elder, and companion animal abuse. The sponsor said abuse in one area often correlates with abuse in the others and that the bill would use existing agencies rather than create a new department. An amendment was also offered to strengthen elder-abuse investigations by allowing post-certified investigators in the Department of Health and Senior Services to assist law enforcement and obtain records. The discussion emphasized protecting vulnerable Missourians and improving coordination among investigators and local police.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, February 25, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Tariffs, higher electric bills, cost of housing, the cost of groceries.
- And electricity costs are up 13%, and residential gas prices are up nearly 60% across the country.
- cost new electricity in is the lowest cost new electricity in the<03:02:43.439><c> United</c><03:02:43.760
- And we can do what markets are already trying to do: scale the lowest cost electricity available.
- Scale the lowest cost electricity to do.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- But one of the bigger challenges in addition to cost is cost uncertainty.
- And then after you get done with that, you've got to figure out how to make cost-effective electricity
- After you get done with that, you've got to figure out how to make cost-effective electricity from that
- , which compares to 320 megawatt electric total.
- And the modular is, again, 50 megawatt electric or less.
Committee:
Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee
Summary:
The meeting was a presentation and Q&A at Idaho National Laboratory focused on the state of nuclear energy, advanced reactors, and the lab’s role in testing, regulation, and commercialization. Speakers described INL’s broader mission beyond nuclear, including cybersecurity and critical infrastructure, but emphasized its major nuclear capabilities: the Advanced Test Reactor, TREAT, the Materials and Fuels Complex, and other test beds used to accelerate fuel and materials testing. They also highlighted the lab’s size, workforce, internship pipeline, and partnerships with DOE, DHS, DOD, and private companies.
A major topic was the federal push to speed up nuclear deployment through executive orders and regulatory reform. Speakers said DOE and the NRC are reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, streamlining environmental reviews, and working toward a goal of having three new nuclear systems achieve criticality by July 4, 2026. They discussed the difference between microreactors, small modular reactors, and traditional gigawatt-scale plants, arguing that advanced reactors can be factory-built, safer, and better suited for data centers, military bases, remote communities, industrial heat, and other nontraditional uses. They also said the U.S. is rebuilding its nuclear supply chain, including enrichment and fuel fabrication, and that states willing to host parts of the fuel cycle could see major economic benefits.
The speakers addressed questions about cost, safety, waste, and international competition. They said advanced reactors rely on passive safety features, TRISO fuel, and natural circulation, and that the industry’s challenge is often cost uncertainty rather than a precise fuel or materials limit. They argued used nuclear fuel should be viewed as a resource rather than waste if recycling becomes policy, and said microreactors should produce relatively small amounts of spent fuel. They also noted that China and Russia continue to build aggressively, with China on pace to surpass the U.S. in total nuclear generation, while U.S. projects such as Palisades, Crane Clean Energy Center, Duane Arnold, Oklo, Aalo, MARVEL, and Project Pele are moving forward under DOE and private-sector partnerships.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (03/10/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- Electric Co-op.
- and a cost shift to occur and an costs and a cost shift to occur and an undefined<00:41:05.359><c> amount
- The Electric Co-op opposed the bill due to costs.
- cost shifting the<02:01:52.880><c> Electric</c><02:01:53.679><c> Co-op</c><02:01:54.400><c> opposed</
- the bill due the Electric Co-op opposed the bill due to to to costs<02:01:57.480><c> they</c><02:01:
Committee:
House Science, Technology and Energy
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EEP/TRN/AEN/TCA Joint Info Briefing - Wed Jun 25, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- When we charge rates on these, we're charging to recover electric costs, period.
- We're just getting the electric costs paid.
- </c><00:39:39.280><c> We're</c> to recover electric costs, period.
- We're to recover electric costs, period.
- </c> costs, the electric costs paid. Yeah. costs, the electric costs paid. Yeah.
Summary:
The committees received an informational briefing from Hawaii DOT and related partners on the Navahine settlement and the department’s plan to meet its climate and transportation commitments. Speakers described the settlement as a first-of-its-kind agreement rooted in the state constitution, the public trust doctrine, and prior legislative findings and laws, including Act 131. They said the settlement is intended to formalize DOT’s work, establish milestones, and keep climate and transportation policy less dependent on changes in administration. The presentation emphasized that transportation is Hawaii’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and that the plan is aimed at meeting 2030 and 2045 clean energy goals.
DOT outlined several major implementation pieces: creation of a new Office of Energy Security and Community Outreach, formation of a youth council, and development of an emissions reduction plan that will be updated over time. The youth council reported on its membership, statewide representation, meetings, and work on charter, bylaws, and committees focused on policy and legislation, events and advocacy, and ground transportation. Youth members said they provided feedback on the energy security plan and discussed walk audits and safe routes to school. The department also described a new project-scoring tool to measure greenhouse gas impacts of every DOT project, which it said is intended to make Hawaii a national leader in evaluating transportation emissions.
A major topic was the settlement’s transportation network requirement, which speakers said compresses roughly 15 years of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit network work into five years and will require about $40 million to $50 million per year over the next five years. They said a GIS map is being developed to identify gaps and that the work will involve counties and other partners, with benefits for safety, connectivity, and emissions reduction. Other topics included clean fuel standards, electrification of ground transportation, sustainable aviation fuel, marine fuel transitions, cold ironing at ports, and the costs and availability challenges associated with those transitions. DOT also reported progress on EV charging infrastructure, including two completed sites and more planned, and said it is using a sustainability partner contract to maintain chargers and recover only electricity costs.
The briefing also highlighted carbon sequestration and fire mitigation work, including native tree planting. DOT said it has exceeded its minimum annual tree-planting commitment, with 3,000 trees planted in 2024 and 4,200 by mid-2025, and noted that the Legislature provided $15 million for fire mitigation that is being used for this work. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/26/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, and basically, initially my electricity cost I was trying to keep under $100 a month. Okay.
- Uh, now I did do some additions to my house which would cost more additional electricity.
- Uh and basically initially my electricity<00:33:37.039><c> cost</c><00:33:37.360><c> I</c><00:33:37.600
- cost I was trying to keep electricity cost I was trying to keep under<00:33:38.559><c> $100</c><00:33
- </c> would cost more additional electricity. would cost more additional electricity.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 118 May 12th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You have to absorb that cost. You have to absorb that cost.
- Uh, and that's because government doesn't absorb those costs. It always costs more downstream.
- costs.
- We fund electric buses.
- And we've been told that, well, there is a cost burden and they can't absorb that cost burden.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
November 4, 2025 - 01:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- electric utility risk from an electric utility perspective.
- The aim of reducing capital costs.
- And at that identifies the learning the facts on cost and cost reduction first, you achieve design completion
- So the cost to spread out among all rate pairs.
- And how do you deal with the cost of that?
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee Jul 15th, 2026
Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The cost of the electricity, as one person previously mentioned.
- But I believe IT should not be viewed as a cost or a cost center.
- And the answer is, in the electric industry, because fixed costs are such a huge part of the system,
- And the answer is, in the electric industry, because fixed costs are such a huge part of the system,
- Clark, just a comment on all the fixed costs for electric generation, transmission, and distribution
Summary:
The committee held its first meeting on artificial intelligence and data centers, establishing its purpose as a study and policy-development body rather than one aimed at producing many bills. Majority Leader Hogue urged members to move quickly, focus on federal and other states’ AI laws, consider possible federal preemption, child protections, and the siting and economic impacts of data centers. Committee leadership echoed that the goal is practical, balanced governance that protects North Dakota while allowing innovation to continue.
Legislative Council staff provided a background memo and NCSL presented a detailed overview of AI concepts and the current state legislative landscape. The presentations distinguished narrow AI, generative AI, agentic AI, and theoretical AGI/ASI, and summarized major state policy themes: comprehensive AI laws in states such as Utah, Colorado, Texas, California, and Illinois; targeted laws on deepfakes, chatbots, health, education, notifications, and digital likeness; and growing use of appropriations and agency inventories. Members asked about Colorado’s repeal and reenactment, Texas’s sandbox and training provisions, oversight structures, and whether AI regulation is bipartisan; presenters said most issues cut across party lines, with broad agreement on child safety and deepfakes but more division on broader regulatory approaches.
The federal update focused on executive orders, preemption, and congressional activity. NCSL described a White House framework favoring a single federal standard, a DOJ litigation task force, Commerce Department review of state laws, and possible funding conditions tied to state AI policy, though no formal state-law challenge had yet occurred. The presentation also covered a recent executive order creating a voluntary federal vetting process for advanced frontier models after safety concerns, and congressional proposals including a failed 10-year state moratorium, Senator Blackburn’s child-safety bills, the Kids Online Safety Act, a House-passed children’s digital safety package, a Senate data center moratorium proposal, and a House ratepayer/data-center bill. The committee took no formal action beyond receiving testimony and asking questions.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming
Transcript Highlights:
- These are all crucial efforts to reduce rising energy costs.
- They're thinking about fuel costs and maintenance costs.
- And the maintenance-cost benefits of electric vehicles are very clear.
- fuel costs over the life of the vehicle.
- because the revenue coming in from these electric vehicles surpasses the costs of upgrading the infrastructure
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on the impact of the Trump administration’s federal climate policy changes on Massachusetts, with a focus on threatened grants, regulatory rollbacks, and state options to continue climate work. Chair Creem and other senators emphasized that Massachusetts still has a 2050 net-zero mandate and needs contingency plans for clean energy, transportation electrification, offshore wind, resilience, and financing if federal support is reduced or withdrawn.
Executive branch witnesses said Massachusetts has already experienced disruptions to more than $1 billion in climate-related federal funds, though many suspended grants were restored after litigation by the Attorney General’s office. EEA reported continued uncertainty around a $389 million Grid Innovation Program award and a FEMA dam-safety reimbursement, while MassDOT said its NEVI fast-charging program remains on track with about $50 million obligated, but a $14.4 million competitive charging grant is on hold and future unobligated NEVI funds remain uncertain. Senators also discussed EV rebates, charging infrastructure, the role of the Community Climate Bank, and whether the state can expand independent financing and support for municipalities, higher education, and nonprofits.
The Attorney General’s office described successful multi-state litigation that won a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the federal funding freeze, restoring access to many EPA, DOE, USDA, and Interior funds, while noting continued enforcement actions over FEMA manual reviews and other barriers. The office said it is also preparing to defend the endangerment finding, California vehicle-emissions waivers, offshore wind permits, and other federal climate protections. Outside advocates warned that federal tax-credit rollbacks, tariffs, and possible repeal of IRA and infrastructure funding could slow EV adoption and raise costs, while offshore wind testimony said federal permitting pauses and legal challenges are delaying projects and could leave Massachusetts far short of its 2030 offshore wind goals. Nonprofit witnesses also described canceled or delayed grants for wetland restoration and urban heat mitigation, and urged the Legislature to increase state funding, including for the environmental bond bill and municipal vulnerability preparedness work.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC/JHA Joint Public Hearing - Thu Feb 13, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Next up, Hawaiian Electric in support.
- Hawaii electric uh testifying in strong Hawaii electric uh testifying in strong support<00:13:14.760>
- </c> required contribution by Hawaii electric required contribution by Hawaii electric U<00:13:25.000
- by an electric co-op.
- by an electric co-op.
Summary:
The joint committees heard testimony on HB 982 HD1, a wildfire-related measure aimed at creating a wildfire recovery fund and a financing structure to address future catastrophic wildfire liability. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Division of Consumer Advocacy, and the Public Utilities Commission submitted comments and were available for questions. Supporters included IBW Local 1260, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Clearway Energy Group, Hawaiian Electric, Par Hawaii, and others, while Charter Communications and the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed or raised concerns. Life of the Land supported the bill but urged changes to the definition of a catastrophic wildfire and noted concerns about prudency review language. IBW Local 1260 asked to restore language from the original draft, and Charter warned the bill could impair existing contract and indemnity rights unless amended.
A major focus of the hearing was Hawaiian Electric’s position on the HD1 version. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the original bill but objected to the HD1 requirement for an additional $500 million shareholder contribution, arguing it was not feasible and could delay or prevent the fund from operating. The company said the bill would help protect customers and improve credit ratings by creating a dedicated revenue stream and a bankruptcy-remote financing structure, which it said would lower borrowing costs over time. Members questioned how the $1 billion securitization amount was chosen, whether credit rating agencies had indicated it was sufficient, and how the bill would work in bankruptcy; Hawaiian Electric said the amount was a balance among interests, not based on a specific agency directive, and that it would follow up on bankruptcy questions.
Opponents and skeptics raised concerns about liability caps, the new claims process, and unclear language on damages above the fund’s limits. The Hawaii Association for Justice argued the bill limits victims’ remedies and gives too much authority to the new entity without clear guardrails. Committee members also pressed Hawaiian Electric on comparisons to California, the feasibility of the shareholder contribution, and whether alternative capital-raising or divestiture options had been considered. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided; testimony and questioning continued with follow-up information requested from Hawaiian Electric and others.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Access should never hinge on cost.
- The overall cost also includes contracting costs of $460,000 in fiscal year 2027 to conduct a corridor
- The low-cost financing and public-private partnerships the authority provides will lower costs and risk
- The low-cost financing and public-private partnerships the authority provides will lower costs and risk
- The low-cost financing and public-private partnerships the authority provides will lower costs and risks
Bills:
HB2747
Committee:
House Appropriations
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (01/08/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- cost of electricity and done about the cost of electricity and to<01:00:00.400><c> let</c><01:00:00.720
- In fact, the electrical electrical code.
- </c> the cost. the cost.
- cost.
- c><02:26:03.280><c> and</c><02:26:03.520><c> to</c> electricity at the lowest cost and to electricity
Committee:
Senate Energy and Natural Resources