Video & Transcript Research : 'grid modernization'
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LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House Select Committee on Homeland Security May 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There's a big grid there that they've got to apply for clearance to fly that.
- Modernization of the 159th Fighter Wing remains a top operational priority as we prepare to sunset our
- We got away from static, kind of cartoonish PowerPoint displays, and we modernized our common operating
- mentioned transmission lines, and I know we’ve had conversation about those transmissions and the grid
- Are you at all engaged on any level in how we protect those grids and transmission?”
Summary:
The committee met on May 26, 2026, and first approved the minutes from the May 22, 2025 meeting. The main topic was the Northwest Louisiana earthquake cluster, with testimony from Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy staff, LSU and Tulane geoscientists, and later LSU law professor Keith Hall. Witnesses said the cause of the swarm has not been definitively identified, but induced seismicity from wastewater injection or hydraulic fracturing remains a concern. They described 50 earthquakes reported by the USGS in Red River, Bienville, DeSoto, and Natchitoches Parishes, including a magnitude 4.9 event on March 5, 2026, and explained that Louisiana’s sparse seismic network limits detection and depth/location estimates. C&E said it inspected Class II injection wells within 12 miles of the events, found no violations, now requires more frequent injection reporting, and is working with researchers and LSU on a possible state monitoring network and future policy changes.
Committee members asked about injection depths, fault locations, whether the activity could be natural, and whether Louisiana should adopt stronger monitoring or a traffic-light regulatory system like other states. The witnesses said more data is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn, but that denser monitoring can detect smaller quakes and help identify patterns. Professor Hall summarized responses in other states, including more frequent reporting, increased monitoring, injection reductions, moratoria, and traffic-light systems in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Ohio, and Illinois. Members also discussed whether operators should share more seismic and geologic data, and several said the state should avoid jumping to conclusions while still improving oversight.
The committee then heard from William Berger, a Texas geoscientist, who described using AI and operator data to model wastewater injection and seismic risk, and said broader data sharing would improve forecasting and siting decisions. He and another witness emphasized that many earthquakes arise from clusters of wells rather than a single well, and that proprietary concerns limit voluntary disclosure. The committee also received a brief update from GOSEP and the Louisiana National Guard on the Barksdale Air Force Base drone incursions. GOSEP said it logged the incident in WebEOC and shared releasable information, while State Police and the FBI said they were limited in what they could disclose. Officers said a task force has been formed, some personnel have received federal drone-mitigation training, and House Bill 940 is intended to mirror the task force MOU.
Finally, Major General Thomas Friloux and Brigadier General Jason Maffus updated the committee on the merger of GOSEP into the Louisiana Military Department. They said the merger has reduced GOSEP from seven divisions to three, brought back employees to in-person work, modernized the state’s common operating picture, and produced about $10.5 million in first-year cost avoidance through staffing and contract changes. They also noted the planned transfer of the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, ongoing hurricane preparedness, and continued coordination with parish emergency managers. No votes were taken on the substantive topics, and the meeting ended with the committee moving through its agenda items and receiving informational testimony.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider pending calendar business; to be immediately followed by a hearing to examine certain pending nominations. Apr 30th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Huge staff departures are expected from offices that spearhead advanced nuclear, grid innovation, and
- all things energy, even dabbling in the land's portfolio, the complexity of which makes the electric grid
- projects, recruit and retain the best talent, develop the most powerful analytical abilities and modernize
- we're going to have to look at all those different tools in the toolbox, making sure that we've got modernized
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:
- The first is the $389 million from the Grid Innovation Program, for which we have received a conditional
- clean energy infrastructure, green lending, energy efficiency upgrades, pollution reduction programs, grid
- clean energy infrastructure, green lending, energy efficiency upgrades, pollution reduction programs, grid
- Work on rate reform and grid modernization, and direct our utilities to deliver adequate EV programming
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.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We also believe that we need a strong, diverse energy grid here in the state with growing demands from
- We also believe that we need a strong, diverse energy grid here in the state with growing demands from
- is a common-sense approach that balances healthy native wildlife populations with a strong energy grid
- And I also want to stress the real value that coastal wind plays to our electric grid.
- While modern vehicles are manufactured with better emission controls and are cleaner overall, there are
Keywords:
SB 3074, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Water Code, permit applications, environmental permitting, administrative record, ex parte communications, legislative communications, governor, lieutenant governor, state legislators, district projects, public records, recusal, conflict of interest, substantial interest, agency transparency, environmental regulation, permit renewal
Summary:
The committee heard and laid out several natural resources and environmental bills, with testimony focused on balancing development, public health, wildlife protection, and regulatory authority. SB 3074 would allow the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to communicate in writing with TCEQ about matters before the commission, with safeguards requiring the communication to be part of the record and allowing other parties to respond; a committee substitute narrowed it to written communications about permits only, limited legislator communications to facilities in their districts, and adjusted conflict-of-interest rules. HB 3556, as substituted, would require notice to Texas Parks and Wildlife for certain very tall structures in specified coastal counties and give TPWD a limited right to seek injunctive relief if mitigation is insufficient to prevent material harm to migratory birds; supporters said it would address ignored wildlife recommendations and protect key flyways, while opponents argued the bill was too broad, singled out wind energy, and gave one agency unusually strong enforcement power. HB 49 would expand liability protections for produced-water recycling and beneficial use; supporters said it would encourage reuse of a large wastewater stream and reduce disposal pressures, while opponents warned it could shield operators from responsibility before the science and standards are mature. HB 4413 would authorize mass-balance accounting for renewable biomass feedstocks, and HB 3866 would regulate intermediate bulk container recycling facilities near homes, with a committee substitute adding a grandfather clause and making implementation contingent on funding.
The committee also heard bills affecting air and energy regulation. HB 5033 would create a trigger to end vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes to allow it; the substitute removed a Supreme Court-related trigger, and the lone public witness opposed the bill, warning it would worsen air quality and harm nonattainment areas. HB 4112 would clarify that on-site storage of high-level radioactive waste is allowed at current and future nuclear reactors and university research reactors only for waste generated at that site; the substitute clarified the language and removed an inoperative permit condition, and witnesses from environmental and nuclear groups said the clarification was needed to prevent unintended restrictions while avoiding off-site storage. HB 2440 would prohibit state agencies from using air-quality rules to ban or restrict vehicles based on energy source, including internal combustion vehicles, and no public testimony was offered. HB 4271 would require TCEQ to hold public meetings on request for composting facility authorizations; the substitute limited the requirement to future applications and was presented as a transparency measure after a denied local request and extensive public comments.
Additional bills addressed landowner protections and Railroad Commission oversight. HB 3619 would require the Railroad Commission to restore surface land after plugging or replugging operations and indemnify landowners from damages tied to authorized entry; a witness supported the bill but urged fixing a separate statutory loophole that he said allowed operators to enter unrelated tracts without notice. HB 4042 would extend Railroad Commission pipeline safety and fee provisions to propane distribution systems by removing the word “natural” from the relevant definitions. HB 4426 would set a 10-year permit term for commercial surface disposal facilities, allow renewal based on compliance history, and require renewal applications 120 days before expiration. The committee took no votes because a quorum was not initially present, and each bill was left pending after testimony and discussion.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Feb 7th, 2026 at 06:52 pm
Senate Tax, Business & Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- We've electrified the grid.
- the electric grid even more.
- The proposed legislation makes operating a recycling facility that's not tied to a major electric grid
- The proposed legislation makes operating a recycling facility that's not tied to a major electric grid
- Energy storage is critical for grid reliability and resilience.
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
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Mar 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- all heard through discussions with the President, all Britain that we are all about updating and modernizing
- The bill also enhances efficiency and and modernization by again.
- we want to look at what our technical debt is and how we can put in place a structure to start modernizing
- Separate from it is something we need to discuss because vulnerabilities are incredibly real in our grid
- We just need to modernize our own systems to make sure that we can have access to.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Feb 3rd, 2026 at 08:29 am
House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- For our existing manufacturers, this program provides a pathway to modernize and compete in the growing
- the Chamber's perspective, this bill is about leveraging incentives to attract private capital, modernize
- long-term operating costs without imposing mandates or new regulatory burdens. private capital, modernize
- fusion energy has been established, and it has the potential to expand our power capacity to meet modern
- The grid is limited.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- planning process, including enhanced transparency, stakeholder participation, and consideration of grid-enhancing
- technology. ...including enhanced transparency, stakeholder participation, and consideration of grid-enhancing
- This bill is a cognate to the bill I presented earlier, which modernizes the birth injury fund.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Science, Technology and Telecommunications Aug 26th, 2025
Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- really excited about things like drug and material design, optimization of things like the energy grid
- draw and negative impact on our water supply here in New Mexico, and similarly for the electrical grid
- one of the things specifically addressed by our contractors in this report is New Mexico's need to modernize
- with New Mexico State, Arrowhead, with utilities in southern New Mexico to provide access to a live grid
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Science, Technology and Telecommunications Aug 25th, 2025
Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- and the legislature to fund some additional finance and some of the other things that we need to modernize
- We monitor electrical grids and will discuss how we use AI to help protect and improve their design.
- Additionally, if the grids are taken down, we explore how to restart them.
- Or other types of DOE work that we do for the electrical power grids.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We also believe that we need a strong ...diverse energy grid here in the state with growing demands from
- is a common-sense approach that balances healthy native wildlife populations with a strong energy grid
- I also want to stress the real value that coastal... ...coastal wind plays to our electric grid.
- While modern vehicles are manufactured with better emission controls, there are still millions of vehicles
Bills:
SB3074, HB49, HB2440, HB3556, HB3619, HB3866, HB4042, HB4112, HB4271, HB4413, HB4426, HB5033, HB49
Keywords:
SB 3074, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Water Code, permit applications, environmental permitting, administrative record, ex parte communications, legislative communications, governor, lieutenant governor, state legislators, district projects, public records, recusal, conflict of interest, substantial interest, agency transparency, environmental regulation, permit renewal
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee May 12th, 2026
Energy, Utilities and Communications
Transcript Highlights:
- If we do nothing, we face rising energy bills, declining grid reliability, and a shrinking safety net
- A financially distressed utility can't invest in safer operations, clean energy, or grid resilience,
- If we do nothing, we face rising energy bills, declining grid reliability, and a shrinking safety net
- Hardening the grid, implementing new technologies, and stepping up maintenance and vegetation management
- A financially distressed utility can't invest in safer operations, clean energy, grid resilience, and
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.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Interim Topics Meeting, March 3, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But there's some questions then, some probably need to modernize the statute, Wyoming Statute 21-18-310
- <00:10:37.360>
the probably some need to modernize the probably some need to modernize the - Those two entities are devoted to ensuring reliability and stability of the electric grid, and they have
- and<00:20:15.400>
they <00:20:15.520>have <00:20:15.680>both the electric grid - , and they have both the electric grid, and they have both recently<00:20:16.520>
issued <00:20
Summary:
The chairman opened by explaining that the committee would hear proposed interim topics and then rank them by written submissions rather than debating them one by one. The Public Service Commission presented two topics: an educational session on small water utilities, citing maintenance needs, water-quality compliance, and difficulty accessing capital, and a review of civil penalties for pipeline safety violations because Wyoming’s statutory penalties are far below federal levels and could affect compliance and funding.
Members and outside presenters then outlined a range of additional topics. Representative Campbell proposed work on fire protection districts and EMS districts, focusing on financial stability, mill levies, and possible county authority to combine districts and levies. He also raised public records at meetings, corporate filing fees, and fraudulent corporate filings. The Community College Commission proposed updating annexation statutes so communities can join community college districts more easily, especially where current mill-levy rules create funding issues. Senator Crago supported the fraudulent corporate filings topic and noted related technology-based solutions and overlap with blockchain issues.
Other proposals included CPA “Pathways” licensing changes to address a shortage of accountants, a review of public meetings and public records laws, continuation of the electricity study with emphasis on grid reliability and large-load capacity constraints, and a broader review of the public meetings and records act. Ashley Harpstreith of the Wyoming Association of Municipalities supported extending municipal audit deadlines and described a statewide shortage of auditors and CPAs. Healthy Wyoming proposed studying health coverage options for low-income working adults, including state-sponsored or cooperative models. Representative Chestek proposed making most nonpartisan county offices elected on a nonpartisan basis. No votes or final selections were taken in the portion provided; the committee mainly heard testimony and discussed whether topics should be assigned to this committee or another one.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Ethics and Elections Jan 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- includes our defense industrial base, ports, transportation infrastructure, hospitals, and electrical grids
- Section 13 creates a new government technology modernization council to oversee state practices related
- The modernization council will oversee state practices related to AI and other new advanced technologies
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 1178, the Foreign Interference Restriction and Enforcement Act. Senator Grohl explained that the bill expands state restrictions and disclosure requirements related to foreign countries of concern and designated foreign terrorist organizations, including foreign-agent registration, gift bans for public officials, ethics training, procurement limits for IT and critical infrastructure, restrictions on sister-city/sister-state affiliations, changes to linkage institutes and in-state tuition provisions, and new criminal penalties for certain offenses committed to benefit foreign governments or terrorist organizations. Senator Polsky raised questions about higher education, election technology, federal FARA overlap, and whether the bill would affect candidates or events involving CARE; the sponsor responded that the bill focuses on foreign countries of concern, ownership/control, and gifts, and does not prohibit speaking at events. An amendment clarifying definitions, willful violations, and ethics-training content was adopted, and after supportive testimony from Kelly Curry and Robert Pierce, the committee reported CS for SB 1178 favorably.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 1622, which provides a one-time waiver of the automatic fine for a late-filed financial disclosure if the filing is made before the maximum fine accrues and the filer has not previously received such a waiver or accrued the maximum fine in prior years. Carrie Stillman of the Commission on Ethics testified that the bill supports transparency and makes the fine and appeals process more efficient, noting it was a commission recommendation. The bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee held confirmation hearings on appointments in Tabs 3 through 26. No senator requested separate votes on any appointee, no public testimony was offered, and the block of appointments was approved and recommended favorably to the full Senate.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Dec 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The modern era, and I would put that in quotations, of economic development incentives, actually dates
- The modern era, and I would put that in quotations, of economic development incentives actually dates
- But the other side of the coin, by the end of the year, data centers are projected to need 22% more grid
- But the other side of the coin, by the end of the year, data centers are projected to need 22% more grid
- Into the year, data centers are projected to need 22% more grid power than they did the year before,
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from its fourth meeting, held October 27-28 in Santa Fe, with Representative Duncan moving approval and no opposition. The chair then introduced a panel on the cost of providing medical care in New Mexico, focusing on physician shortages, rising practice costs, and access problems, especially in southern New Mexico and Las Cruces. Panelists included family physicians, a pediatrician, a cardiologist/electrophysiologist, and a community health center medical director, who described their backgrounds and practices before turning to the policy discussion.
The doctors argued that New Mexico is losing physicians because of three main pressures: medical malpractice exposure, gross receipts tax on medical services, and low Medicaid reimbursement. They said malpractice premiums are much higher than in neighboring states, punitive damages and venue shopping increase risk, and the patient compensation fund and attorney fee structure create additional costs. They also described administrative burdens from insurance billing and referrals, the high debt and long training period for physicians, and the effect of corporate medicine and private equity on practice decisions. One panelist emphasized the economic impact of each physician on jobs and local spending, while another noted that shortages force patients into emergency rooms and delay specialty care.
The panel presented a list of proposed solutions: reform punitive damages, limit venue shopping and stacking, restore lifetime medical payments from the patient compensation fund, enact apology protections, cap attorney fees, continue Medicaid funding improvements, and eliminate gross receipts tax on medical and dental services. Committee members generally agreed the presentation was thorough and useful, but several noted that some proposals fall outside this committee’s jurisdiction and would likely need to move through other committees, especially judiciary and tax. Some members supported drafting legislation or working on separate bills, while others urged caution, requested more input from hospitals and economists, and raised concerns about local government revenue impacts from GRT changes. The chair concluded by encouraging members to continue discussions offline and noted that the tax-related issue would be taken up further in the next day’s work.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/2026
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:05:01.040>
amount <00:05:01.199>of <00:05:01.360>time <00:05:01.520>modernizing - <00:05:02.080>
how a short amount of time modernizing how a short amount of time modernizing - our revalidation um this is modernizing our revalidation um this is a<00:05:19.680>
snapshot < - got them bucketed out into seven regions, and then from there the regions are divided into smaller grids
- We can hone in and create smaller grids.
Bills:
HF729
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 02/25/26
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- We're looking out 15 and 20 years ahead to help direct how the grid will evolve.
- Power, the co-ops, a number of clean energy organizations, Center for Energy and Environment, Clean Grid
- 08:58.959>
environment, <00:08:59.760>uh <00:08:59.920>clean <00:09:00.240>grid - <00:09:00.560>
alliance, and environment, uh clean grid alliance, and environment, uh clean - grid alliance, and<00:09:01.600>
was <00:09:01.839>also <00:09:02.080>in <00:09:
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- the charging infrastructure just do not exist to allow for impactful electrification with a clean grid
- it more reliable and support our growing economy, and those very same investments can be used to modernize
- And so while we can and we need to proactively plan our grid for electric vehicles, providing more options
- The use of vehicle-to-grid technology can also allow electric school buses to sell power back to the
- grid during peak demand events or even provide backup power to critical infrastructure during power outages
Summary:
The committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy heard testimony on several transportation and clean-fuel bills. Supporters of H. 3535 argued for delaying or pausing enforcement of Massachusetts’ zero-emission vehicle sales mandate, saying the current ACC2 timeline is unrealistic given low ZEV sales, limited charging infrastructure, dealer inventory concerns, and potential economic impacts on dealerships, consumers, and tax revenue. Opponents of that approach, including automakers and clean transportation advocates, said the state should stay on course with electrification and that the mandate is necessary to meet climate goals. The committee also heard support for H. 3570/S. 2326 to update vehicle emission standards for municipal and utility fleets, with municipal utility representatives saying current electric truck technology, charging access, and costs make the rules impractical for critical public services.
A major portion of the hearing focused on S. 2246, the Freedom to Move Act, which would require MassDOT and regional planning agencies to set vehicle miles traveled reduction goals and align transportation spending with climate targets. Supporters said the bill would better coordinate transportation planning, encourage transit, biking, and walking, and help Massachusetts meet emissions goals while saving money and improving public health. Some committee members raised concerns that the bill could duplicate existing transportation climate mandates and could disadvantage rural residents who must drive long distances; witnesses responded that the bill is meant to add coordination and flexibility, not impose a one-size-fits-all solution.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3448, which would set deadlines to electrify school buses and public fleets and create programs for private fleet electrification. Advocates said fleet electrification is a practical way to cut emissions, improve air quality, and save money over time, especially for schoolchildren exposed to diesel exhaust. Several witnesses also supported low-carbon fuel standard bills H. 3576 and S. 2251, arguing they would reduce fuel carbon intensity and generate revenue for charging and clean-fuel investments. Others, including a coalition opposed to private jet expansion, objected to the bills’ treatment of sustainable aviation fuel, saying it is not scalable, is expensive, and could create land-use and food-supply tradeoffs. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the hearing excerpt provided.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Apr 9th, 2025 at 01:00 pm
North Dakota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker and members of the Assembly, House Bill 1592 is a bill to modernize the Lignite Research Council
- However, given that we are now looking to study this issue and potential impacts and benefits for grid
- However, given that we are now looking to study this issue and potential impacts and benefits for grid
- nuclear energy, and I think the promise of these smaller, modular reactors to have a decentralized grid
- Representative Hendricks: Smaller modular reactors to have a decentralized grid and a cleaner environment
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then approved journal corrections and recognized visiting students from Underwood School. The chamber also handled several conference committee appointments after failing to concur with Senate amendments on House bills 1022, 1049, 1229, and 1029, and after the Senate failed to concur on House amendments to Senate bills 2010 and 2113. The House then concurred in or passed a series of amended measures, including House Bills 1481 (dental insurance loss ratio and reporting), 1511 (physician guidance on abortion law, with an emergency clause), 1562 (mandated reporter training), 1197 (correctional facilities study), 1095 (child protective services liaison work group), 1317 (barber licensing board changes), 1549 (corrections facility grants and reentry-related provisions), 1354 (appraiser evaluations), 1374 (open meeting exemption for township supervisors during on-site inspections), 1355 (abbreviated notice for administrative rulemaking), 1025 (advanced nuclear energy study), 1470 (Game and Fish fee changes), 1592 (Lignite Research Council updates), and 1375 (alcohol service/photo ID provisions). Final passage votes were recorded on each bill, with most passing comfortably and some drawing notable opposition, especially HB 1470 and HB 1549.
The House spent substantial time on Senate Bill 2011, the Highway Patrol appropriation. Members discussed shifting one-time funding from the general fund to the Electronic Motor Carrier Permit Fund, including body armor, preliminary breath tests, an emergency vehicle course, resurfacing, fleet costs, and handgun/taser replacement, while also noting a federal grant and no new FTEs. Questions focused on salary-line increases and the new-and-vacant FTE pool, with Appropriations explaining that those dollars had been moved back into agency budgets from OMB. The bill passed 84-6. The House also passed Senate Bill 2013, the Commissioner of University and School Lands appropriation, after discussion of Trust Lands operations, unclaimed property staffing, and distributions from the Common Schools Trust Fund; one member was excused for a conflict, and the bill passed 67-22. Senate Bill 2023, the Racing Commission appropriation, passed 65-25 after a brief explanation of the agency’s responsibilities and funding.
A major policy debate centered on Senate Bill 2385, which revises mobile home park regulation. Supporters said it creates receivership procedures if a license is revoked, requires clearer tenant notices, limits certain fees, and strengthens protections against eviction and utility overcharges. Two members were excused from voting due to conflicts tied to mobile home park ownership, and the bill passed 84-4. Another extended debate occurred on Senate Bill 2159, which allows the State Energy Research Center to study nuclear-related projects with approval from the Industrial Commission and consultation with the radioactive waste advisory council. Supporters said it is meant to help study advanced nuclear energy while preserving existing prohibitions on high-level radioactive waste storage; opponents raised concerns that the language could weaken prior protections and open the door to waste-related research or storage. The transcript ends during that debate, before a final vote on SB 2159 is shown.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Elise Stefanik, of New York, to be the Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations, with the rank and status of Ambassador, and the Representative of the United States of America in the Jan 21st, 2025
Foreign Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Does that include USAID's support to Ukraine's energy grid?
- As **President Putin** [unknown] continues to hammer civilians through attacks on the energy grid, USAID's
- One of those areas will be through our commission to modernize and reform the State Department that I
- They still need reform efforts and modernization, but don't have.
- As I pointed out, he is the only modern president during whose term Putin did not invade another country