Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of energy more expensive? of energy more expensive?
• </c> renewable energy fund. renewable energy fund.
• </c> with with energy prices. with with energy prices.
• </c> energy projects that can reduce energy energy projects that can reduce energy costs.<00:51:55.800
• Boiler Energy. Boiler the school? Boiler Energy. Boiler Energy? Energy? Energy? &gt;&gt; Yeah.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill establishes the nuclear energy development grant program within NEITA.
• get to work and get back to being a leader in energy in the nation.
• , and we don't want to wind up being energy poor.
• , and we don't want to wind up being energy poor.
• , and we don't want to wind up being energy poor.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:56 SJR 28 Discussion 01:44 SJR 28 Roll Call Vote 03:32 SB 179 Discussion 04:08 SB 179 Roll Call Vote 07:33, 958, all

Summary: The committee opened with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the minutes. After no special guests were recognized, members took up a joint resolution carried by Senator Nemes for Senator Adams concerning reformulated gasoline requirements in Jefferson County and parts of Oldham and Bullitt counties. The resolution would direct the Energy and Environmental Cabinet to revise the state air quality implementation plan to remove the reformulated gas mandate. Senator Nemes argued the requirement is outdated and has little practical effect given modern vehicles and fuel standards, and members voted to pass the resolution unanimously. The committee then heard Senate Bill 179 from Senator Danny Carroll, which would create a nuclear energy development grant program within the Nuclear Energy Development Authority. Carroll explained that the bill would set aside $10 million from the previously appropriated $40 million investment for grants supporting nuclear energy development in Kentucky, with grants capped at $2 million and administered entirely by NEITA rather than through Economic Development. He and several members emphasized the need for Kentucky to invest in nuclear energy to keep pace with states like Tennessee, which was cited as having invested heavily and attracting business activity around small modular reactors. Members expressed strong support for the bill, with Senator West and others praising the initiative and calling it important for Kentucky’s energy future. The committee voted the bill out favorably with an expression that it shall pass. Before adjournment, the chair encouraged members to review the other energy bills that had been heard recently and stressed the importance of moving quickly on energy policy measures. A motion was then requested to close the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• to be an energy community.
• US Department of Energy.
• And in New Mexico, we have um a lot of solar energy, we have the wind energy, potentially, we can even
• Uh, I'm talking about solar energy and wind energy.
• Also has abundant solar energy and wind energy.

Transcript Highlights:

• An enormous amount of time and energy during this legislative session is trying to address the Very real
• Relating to loans and grants awarded from the Texas Energy Fund. The Chair recognizes Ms.
• have no discussion with Chair Anderson on a proposed joint resolution introduced to form the Texas Energy
• The amendment adds energy co-ops as well to the bill. I move adoption. Ms.

Bills: SB263 , SB370 , SB663 , SB924 , SB987 , SB1939 , SB1937 , SB1598 , SB2798 , SB2801 , SB2580 , SB2569 , SB2514 , SB2064 , SB1940 , SB1621 , SB2601 , SB1379 , SB1376 , SB1372 , SB1353 , SB2216 , SB2166 , SB2148 , SB535 , SB777 , SB827 , SB1141 , SB1330 , SB1352 , SB1664 , SB1612 , SB1862 , SB1936 , SB1453 , SB1448 , SB1398 , SB2137 , SB2111 , SB53 , SB226 , SB1677 , SB1723 , SB1839 , SCR8 , SB31 , SB33 , SB3 , SB1405 , SB1948 , SB243 , SB20 , SB217 , SB264 , SB269 , SB650 , SB681 , SB528 , SB502 , SB740 , SB916 , SB995 , SB2581 , SB3031 , SB24 , SB2570 , SB1566 , SB552 , SJR1 , SB646 , SB379 , SB1171 , SB1121 , SB1120 , SB1061 , SB1036 , SB1019 , SB890 , SB11 , SB868 , SB1188 , SB1254 , SB2778 , SB2543 , SB2443 , SB1333 , SB1259 , SB1401 , SB1404 , SB2139 , SB2165 , SB2237 , SB2268 , SB1202 , SB1198 , SB1212 , SB1451 , SB1470 , SB1498 , SB965 , SB1547 , SB1667 , SB1818 , SB1902 , SB2129 , SB2078 , SB2069 , SB1737 , SB1589 , SB1318 , SB387 , SB1150 , SB1574 , SB2127 , SB3034 , SB860 , SB1278 , SB263 , SB370 , SB663 , SB924 , SB987 , SB1939 , SB1937 , SB1598 , SB2798 , SB2801 , SB2580 , SB2569 , SB2514 , SB2064 , SB1940 , SB1621 , SB2601 , SB1379 , SB1376 , SB1372 , SB1353 , SB2216 , SB2166 , SB2148 , SB535 , SB777 , SB827 , SB1141 , SB1330 , SB1352 , SB1664 , SB1612 , SB1862 , SB1936 , SB1453 , SB1448 , SB1398 , SB2137 , SB2111 , SB53 , SB226 , SB1677 , SB1723 , SB1839 , SCR5 , SCR32 , SCR8 , HB3228 , HB2802 , HB45 , HB1318 , HB5560 , HB2894 , HB4344 , HB4238 , HB2775 , HB34 , HB33 , HB 12 , HB148 , HB 130 , HB4273 , HB4850 , HB2733 , HB4783 , SB1833

Keywords: SB 263, Texas franchise tax, cost of goods sold, COGS, broadcasters, television broadcasting, radio broadcasting, media tax, broadcast license, FCC, 47 C.F.R. Part 73, 47 C.F.R. Part 74, film production, television production, tax deduction, margin tax, Texas Tax Code, depreciation, amortization, broadcast rights

Transcript Highlights:

• Fund for energy efficiency projects conducted to benefit retail electric customers.
• Again, this is an effort to broaden our commitment to energy efficiency. Why does this matter?
• It's in the Texas Energy Fund, and you're trying to open this fund up to our constituents.
• Are calling for more energy, and we have more people moving to the state.
• Davis relating to the provisions of loans and grants from the Texas Energy Fund for certain energy efficiency

Bills: HB2293 , HB2694 , HB2999 , HB3694 , HB3254 , HB4662 , HB5629 , HB5632 , HB5675 , HB5664 , HB5671 , HB5680 , HB5682 , HB5693 , HB4158 , HB5695 , HB4669 , HB5696 , HB5698 , HB5677 , HB5699 , HB5694 , HCR81 , HCR83 , HCR84 , HCR89 , HCR111 , HCR142 , HR868 , SB682 , SB1351 , SB1895 , SB1931 , SB2141 , SB3044 , SCR1 , SCR6 , SCR37 , SB458 , SB482 , SB927 , SB984 , SB651 , SB1620 , SB2124 , SB2448 , SB841 , SB843 , SB402 , SB2662 , SB2053 , SB2332 , SB2112 , SB745 , SB1247 , SB1789 , HB75 , HB5354 , HB4683 , HB4847 , HB1449 , HB3833 , HB265 , HB1845 , HB 108 , HB1960 , HB1955 , HB2512 , HB2581 , HB2803 , HB1738 , HB636 , HB2638 , HB2655 , HB871 , HB 1107 , HB1765 , HB1822 , HB3679 , HB4099 , HB3732 , HB3171 , HB3749 , HB2814 , HB3977 , HB4204 , HB4207 , HB4449 , HB1820 , HB1876 , HB1939 , HB1347 , HB2593 , HB2136 , HB2658 , HB2757 , HB2080 , HB3063 , HB3006 , HB2844 , HB3241 , HB3680 , HB3169 , HB2078 , HB2507 , HB4559 , HB3405 , HB475 , HB3463 , HB3441 , HB3520 , HB3178 , HB158 , HB2060 , HB4991 , HB1991 , HB5596 , HB2014 , HB2731 , HB2417 , HB2399 , HB2301 , HB3335 , HB3234 , HB3320 , HB4848 , HB4748 , HB4769 , HB4795 , HB2086 , HB2234 , HB4916 , HB5624 , HB4505 , HB5093 , HB5302 , HB5402 , HB5606 , HB4630 , HB4924 , HB3339 , HB3793 , HB3631 , HB4882 , HB5509 , HB5499 , HB5520 , SB1177 , SB1559 , SB746 , SB434 , SB1383 , SB1214 , SB1079 , SB3031 , SB2141 , SB2185 , SB1895 , SB1241 , SB901 , SB1883 , SB552 , HB 1249 , HJR218 , HB5623 , SB687 , SB1332 , SB458 , SB482 , SB927 , SB984 , SB651 , SB1620 , SB2124 , SB2448 , SB841 , SB843 , SB402 , SB2662 , SB2053 , SB2332 , SB2112 , SB745 , SB1247 , SB1789 , HCR76 , HCR127 , HCR9 , HCR40 , HCR118 , HR559 , HCR59 , HCR135 , HCR141 , HCR46 , HCR109 , HCR10 , SB3037

Keywords: Sweeny Hospital District, board of directors, local governance, elections, healthcare administration, Brazoria Drainage District, commissioners, vacancies, resignation, hydrogen vehicles, weight limitations, transportation, environmental impact, clean energy, deep fake, intimate depictions, consent, digital media, criminal penalties, State Board of Education

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill says the department of energy energy energy may<00:21:37.520><c> dot</c><00:21:37.760><c> dot
• </c> the Department of Energy just told you. the Department of Energy just told you.
• </c> province of the commissioner of energy. province of the commissioner of energy.
• </c> Energy. Uh here neutral on the bill. Energy. Uh here neutral on the bill.
• </c> currently allow for net metered energy. currently allow for net metered energy.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> energy, solar, wind. energy, solar, wind.
• </c> business as a a energy facility. business as a a energy facility.
• So the Department of Energy uh Energy.
• </c> produce electric energy. produce electric energy.
• . energy. energy.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And there is a thermal energy working group, a clean thermal energy working group established in the
• to our energy situation and our decarbonization efforts.
• and the distribution of geothermal energy.
• And yes, today this energy bill is also a housing bill.
• We make decisions, and we all want a clean energy future.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The energy density of a fusion reaction, a cup of water, has the same energy content if you can turn
• We will move from a world of energy scarcity, where we're always worried about where energy is going
• They have stood up at the Department of Energy a new Office of Fusion Energy to help create public-private
• They have stood up at the Department of Energy, a new office of fusion energy to help create public-private
• energy demand, ultimately a clean, sustainable, baseload energy source that is able to give us not only

Committee: House House Science & Technology Committee of Reference

Summary: The Committee on Science and Technology met with a full audience and began with brief introductions, including an intern from Arizona State University. The committee heard two presentations before taking up its only bill. The University of Arizona’s Thomas Diaz de la Rubia spoke about fusion energy, describing it as a potential clean, safe, baseload power source and arguing Arizona should build the talent, supply chains, and research infrastructure to commercialize fusion. Members asked about timelines, regulation, competition with China, and the relationship to small modular reactors; he said fusion could be commercially relevant in roughly 12 to 15 years if public and private investment continues, and that the U.S. should avoid losing manufacturing and supply chains as it did in other technologies. He also discussed the university’s broader space and national security work. XRDNA CEO Charles Ableman then presented a spatial addressing and coordination system called EVA, describing it as a way to align data about where and when physical objects exist across systems, with a security layer called a sphere of influence. He said the company is testing with space and logistics partners, uses AI provenance tools, and sees its near-term use case in space operations and interoperability. The committee then considered HB 2809, which would require state agencies handling sensitive or protected data to implement post-quantum encryption meeting or exceeding CMMC 2.0 standards, using a U.S.-based vendor and U.S.-developed or maintained components. The bill would place the master encryption key with the Auditor General and set procedures involving the Auditor General and Attorney General. Sponsor Rep. Gillette explained that the bill was simplified from a prior version after concerns that agencies would have to connect offline systems to the internet; the amendment clarified that encryption can be installed without internet connectivity and without requiring other systems to be online. He argued the measure is needed to modernize weak legacy systems and protect data after prior breaches and failed IT projects. Members generally supported the concept but raised questions about implementation, costs, vendor neutrality, and the Auditor General’s role; the Secretary of State’s office was described as neutral and still evaluating implementation. The committee adopted the Pingarelli amendment and then passed HB 2809 as amended on a 9-0 vote, with several members explaining that they supported the bill but wanted continued stakeholder input and careful attention to execution.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> iteration of the state energy strategy. iteration of the state energy strategy.
• </c><00:19:55.120><c> Um,</c> is energy efficiency. Um, is energy efficiency.
• </c> energy funded and so on and so forth. energy funded and so on and so forth.
• costs and energy supply.
• costs and energy supply.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that the intent is really these energy...
• How many megawatts of energy is out there that's being...
• The bill updates CETA to reflect what we've learned about how energy is generated and used by large energy
• This rapid growth in energy demand, particularly if it is not met by clean energy, has the potential
• to hinder our climate and clean energy goals.

Bills: SB6013 , SB6291

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: ski areas, winter sports, terminology, recreation, economic development, SB6291, on-site wastewater treatment, onsite wastewater treatment, septic system, sewage treatment, wastewater inspection, environmental health, local board of health, public health, professional engineer, land surveyor, certificate of competency, inspection standards, design review, supervised practice

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:45.640><c> wind</c> of 100% of how we generate energy wind of 100% of how we generate energy
• </c> Minnesota what we've done for XL Energy Minnesota what we've done for XL Energy which<00:04:24.560
• Each of our energy sources comes with certain risks.
• They account for a significant percentage of the energy produced for Xcel Energy, which is the state's
• produced for XL percentage of the energy produced for XL Energy<00:06:25.000><c> which</c><00:06:25.120

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> you can ask for in the energy market. you can ask for in the energy market.
• </c> for energy.
• Over the past decade, energy for energy.
• distributed energy resources. In fact, distributed energy resources.
• However, the lion's share of our energy rates are set by the energy markets.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met on April 14 and began by welcoming a new member, Representative Samban Denier, who briefly described his background as a Clarkson University environmental engineering graduate and Air Force veteran. The committee then moved into a work session on five energy-related bills, starting with Senate Bill 65 on stormwater management for solar arrays. Representative McGee presented amendment 1594H, which would exclude projects in shoreland areas from the bill’s permit-by-notification process and require the standard alteration-of-terrain permit review instead. Members asked for clarification, and McGee explained the amendment was requested by the New Hampshire Lakes Association and others to preserve the fuller review process for shoreland projects. The committee appeared satisfied with the explanation and moved on. The committee next discussed Senate Bill 230 on electric utility restructuring and investment in distributed energy resources. Members concluded that section one was unnecessary because a better definition of advanced nuclear resources had already been added to House Bill 710, and that section two would allow investment in advanced nuclear resources in a way they had already rejected in another bill due to ratepayer risk. Several members agreed the bill was redundant and supported an ITL motion. They also discussed Senate Bill 232 on net metering terms and conditions, focusing first on whether hydroelectric generators could be listed in ISO New England while also taking net metering credits. Granite State Hydropower Association representative Heidi Kroll testified that generators are subject to checks and balances, that double-dipping is not occurring, and that rules and tariffs already require participation in one market arrangement or the other. Discussion on Senate Bill 232 then shifted to section two, which would bar retroactive changes to net metering tariffs in place as of January 1, 2025. Representative McGee proposed alternative language to protect existing customer generators, group hosts, and municipal hosts from retroactive changes, while others said the language was needed to provide stability for current participants operating on thin margins. Some members supported the clearer wording; others argued the committee should not tie the hands of the PUC and DOE, noting future circumstances could require regulatory flexibility and that conflicts could be resolved in court if necessary. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the meeting provided, and the discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> bid of all energy. bid of all energy.
• </c> have some energy. have some energy.
• </c> clean energy projects. clean energy projects.
• ><c> could</c> major energy energy policies that could major energy energy policies that could negatively
• We don't make our own of our energy. We don't make our own energy. energy. energy.

Keywords: House streaming session for Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And there is a thermal energy working group, a clean thermal energy working group established in the
• to our energy situation and our decarbonization efforts.
• of geothermal energy.
• That different forms of energy are subsidized.
• And yes, today this energy bill is also a housing bill.

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fresh Energy is a Minnesota-based clean energy nonprofit, and our organization regularly participates
• Paul and an Xcel Energy customer.
• Macalester pays Xcel Energy bills.
• </c> um buying from Xcel Energy via the grid. um buying from Xcel Energy via the grid.
• </c> a clean energy future. a clean energy future.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> heading towards a severe energy deficit. heading towards a severe energy deficit.
• </c> reliable energy to American communities. reliable energy to American communities.
• </c> States and that is geothermal energy. States and that is geothermal energy.
• </c> the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act. the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act.
• </c> domestic energy production. domestic energy production.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:55.600><c> payment</c> services uh with needed energy payment services uh with needed energy
• The funds are used to make home repairs related to energy efficiency.
• efficiency uh of dwellings uh the energy efficiency uh of dwellings uh reducing<00:09:36.880><c> energy
• burden household where the a high energy burden household where the energy<00:10:16.640><c> cost</c>
• </c> make home repairs related to energy make home repairs related to energy efficiency. efficiency.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy met for a public hearing and presentation on the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). After approving the minutes, members heard from Shannon Hall of the Department for Community Based Services and Rick Baker of Community Action Kentucky, who explained that LIHEAP is a 100% federally funded block grant used in Kentucky to help low-income households pay home energy bills, prevent utility disconnects, and support weatherization and crisis assistance. Hall outlined the program’s income eligibility limits, the fact that payments go directly to vendors or utilities rather than households, and the program’s funding levels, including $43.4 million spent in federal fiscal year 2025 and an anticipated $58 million for federal fiscal year 2026. The presenters described LIHEAP’s main components: fall and spring subsidy programs, winter crisis assistance, and weatherization. They gave participation figures for recent program cycles, including tens of thousands of households served in each component, and explained that weatherization prioritizes elderly, disabled, households with children, and high-energy-burden homes. They also noted that weatherization is carried out in partnership with the Kentucky Housing Corporation and includes repairs and efficiency measures such as insulation, air sealing, and safety checks. Rick Baker described Community Action Kentucky’s role as the statewide administrator through 23 local community action agencies, emphasizing their presence in all 120 counties and their local board structure. Members praised Baker’s long service and the program’s importance for families facing high energy costs, especially in coalfield areas. One member asked for clarification on a slide reference to “Assurance 16,” but the transcript cuts off before the answer is completed. No votes or other committee actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:45.319><c> and</c> peruso and the environmental energy and peruso and the environmental energy
• </c><00:08:07.680><c> and</c><00:08:07.800><c> Energy</c><00:08:08.159><c> Efficiency</c> clean energy
• and Energy Efficiency clean energy and Energy Efficiency revolving<00:08:09.120><c> Loan</c><00:08:09.400
• </c><00:10:58.399><c> storage</c> clean energy storage clean energy storage First<00:11:00.720><c> St
• </c> on to House Bill 1022 relating to energy on to House Bill 1022 relating to energy industry<00:27

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on a series of energy, transportation, climate, and waste bills. HB 977 would provide additional funding to the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority for low-interest financing of rooftop solar and storage for underserved ratepayers; HB 1295 would require state and county agencies to use federal energy tax credits; HB 1051 concerns energy efficiency portfolio standards; HB 1019 addresses long-duration clean energy storage; HB 344 concerns EV charging infrastructure at state facilities; HB 733 would change EV parking requirements; HB 242 creates a working group on EV battery reuse and recycling; HB 1022 expands access to energy industry information reporting; HB 1017 repeals the greenhouse gas sequestration task force; HB 787 asks for a feasibility study on a Buy Clean program; and HB 751 sets composting goals. Testimony was largely supportive across the bills, with some agencies standing on written testimony or offering comments, and a few measures drawing opposition or concerns, including HB 751 from county agencies and HB 242 from Redwood Materials requesting inclusion of a specialized battery recycler on the working group. Members asked several questions, including about EV charging siting, whether bike parking and showers should be considered in EV facility planning, how often EV charging stalls are relocated to other sites, and whether Hawaiʻi has in-state capacity to prepare EV batteries for shipping and recycling. On HB 751, the committee discussed county diversion rates and Maui’s composting capacity, with the Department of Health noting Maui’s diversion decline was tied to closure of the EKO co-composting facility at Central Maui landfill and that reestablishment was planned. On HB 242, Redwood Materials explained it handles lithium-ion batteries, including work related to the Maui wildfire response, and said a full in-state recycling chain is unlikely, though local facilities can safely prepare batteries for shipment. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass all of the measures with amendments. For HB 977, the committee noted a recommended appropriation of $50 million and made technical amendments. HB 1295, HB 1051, HB 1019, HB 344, HB 733, HB 242, HB 1022, HB 1017, and HB 787 were all advanced with technical or substantive amendments, including changes to dates, appropriations, and working group membership. For HB 344, the committee accepted DAGS’s suggestion to make HSEO the expending entity and adjusted the appropriation to one year. For HB 242, the committee added a battery storage industry member, included stationary storage as a consideration, and extended the reporting date to 2027. HB 787 was advanced with a request that the Climate Commission and State Procurement Office work together on more specific amendments if the bill continues moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Up to green energy projects.
• A kilowatt of clean energy is cheaper than a kilowatt of fossil fuel energy.
• A kilowatt of clean energy is cheaper than a kilowatt of fossil fuel energy.
• A kilowatt of clean energy is cheaper than a kilowatt of fossil fuel energy.
• A KILOWATT OF CLEAN ENERGY IS CHEAPER THAN A KILOWATT OF FOSSIL FUEL ENERGY.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal, and then recognized several guest groups, including the Shenendehowa High School girls varsity cross country team and tennis champion Jolie Chichak, as well as the Downsville Central School Student Council. Senator Tedisco introduced the Shenendehowa athletes, highlighting their state and federation championships and strong academic records, and Senator Oberacker introduced the Downsville students. The chamber extended courtesies to the guests. The Senate then moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills and resolutions. Among the measures approved were a bill designating Overdose Awareness Day, a real property tax bill, a public authorities bill, several education-related bills, a private housing finance bill, a workers’ compensation bill, and a labor law bill. Some items were laid aside before later being taken up, including the cannabis bill and the environmental conservation bill. Votes were largely unanimous or near-unanimous, with a few recorded negatives on certain bills. The most extensive debate centered on Calendar 261, Senator May’s environmental conservation bill concerning renewable energy installations and transmission on state reforestation lands. Senator Walczyk and others questioned whether the bill would allow solar, wind, battery storage, tree cutting, herbicide use, and reduced environmental review, while supporters argued the bill was mainly about transmission corridors, climate goals, and preserving flexibility for DEC oversight and mitigation. After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed 42-13. The Senate also passed Calendar 353, Senator Ramos’s labor law bill addressing class action wage recovery and statutory damages. Supporters said it would clarify the law so workers can recover full wages in class actions, while opponents warned it could encourage litigation against small businesses over technical payroll errors. The bill passed 47-8. The Senate then completed the calendar and adjourned until March 4, 2026, with intervening days as legislative days.