Video & Transcript Research : 'emissions limits'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- We expect to make around 35 to 45 awards, which is within our budget limits.
- So you have a very limited photograph that's taken.
- We have limited information and reporting related to that.
- That is something that we have limited ways to control.
- We have limited ways to control that.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing at UMass Amherst on Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget, focusing on energy/environment-related transportation issues and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The chairs and members opened with thanks to UMass, university leadership, court officers, and legislative staff, and Chancellor Javier Reyes highlighted UMass Amherst’s research, workforce, sustainability, and transportation contributions, including energy research, transit operations, and partnerships with MassDOT. The hearing then moved to MassDOT and MBTA testimony on the administration’s transportation funding package, including House 2, the FY26 Fair Share supplemental, and a proposed four-year Chapter 90 authorization.
MassDOT officials described the budget as part of a broader multi-year transportation investment strategy, citing funding for operations, snow and ice removal, regional transit authorities, the MBTA, the Merit Rating Board, sustainable aviation fuel credits, micro-transit and last-mile grants, unpaved road improvements, bridge and pavement work, and housing-related transportation infrastructure. They emphasized workforce expansion, capital delivery capacity, safety improvements, and local aid, including the new lane-mile-based Chapter 90 formula intended to benefit rural communities. Officials also discussed major projects and programs such as Grant Central, culvert and unpaved road grants, work zone speed cameras, congestion hotspot fixes, the Sagamore and Bourne Bridge projects, and MBTA operating support and safety upgrades.
Testimony from the MBTA and rail/transit staff focused on improved ridership, service frequency, accessibility, and safety, including progress on the Green Line Train Protection System, reduced delays, expanded bus and commuter rail service, and the South Coast rail extension. Regional transit authorities reported increased ridership and described new fare-free, connectivity, and community transit grants. Aeronautics testimony covered airport capital work, drone and data programs, sustainable aviation fuel efforts, and workforce development in aviation maintenance. Committee members then asked questions, especially about Western Massachusetts priorities, Chapter 90 funding, bridge repairs, snow and ice costs, Cape Cod bridges, Buzzard’s Bay rail, and Compass Rail/West-East Rail. Officials said several federal rail grants were moving forward, that Sagamore Bridge procurement would begin soon, and that the administration remained committed to pursuing federal funding and multi-year transportation investments.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/10/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #25
Transcript Highlights:
- A so that the fees collected are at the emission fee level on June 30, 2025, and finally the bill limits
- A so that the fees collected are at the emission fee level on June 30, 2025.
- In the budget, I think we're limiting it to $5 million.
- It eliminates some income limits that were there and confusion on it.
- It eliminates some income limits that were there and confusion on it.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/10/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #25
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill additionally requires the director of ADEQ to maintain vehicle emission testing fees in Area
- A so that the fees collected are at the emission fee level on June 30, 2025, and finally the bill limited
- A so that the fees collected are at the emission fee level on June 30, 2025, and finally the bill limits
- We in the budget, I think, are limiting it to $5 million.
- It eliminates some income limits that were there and confusion on it.
Summary:
The meeting covered a series of fiscal year 2027 budget and budget-related bills, beginning with the general appropriations and tax package. Staff and the chair highlighted a budget built around about $1.4 billion in tax cuts, a one-time 2.5% agency reduction, major funding for state employee health insurance, corrections, flood and wildfire relief, and other supplemental appropriations. The chair repeatedly urged support for the package, emphasizing the size of the tax cut and noting that the committee’s joint vote had only three no votes out of 28 members.
Members then reviewed several smaller budget implementation bills affecting racing and gambling, capital outlay, commerce and defense innovation, corrections, environment and water policy, higher education, human services, K-12 education, county finance, tax administration, state data governance, and state office rent rates. Key provisions included extending or modifying funds and fee structures, transferring surplus or unneeded monies, creating or revising oversight boards and pilot programs, increasing K-12 funding by 2% for inflation, adjusting university retention limits, expanding SNAP and housing-related requirements, and changing tax conformity and credits. Several members asked clarifying questions about specific items such as electric vehicle charging funds, mobile home relocation payments, university funding, and the new health insurance oversight board.
The chair also explained the tax bill’s major changes, including conformity to federal tax law, a larger dependent tax credit, changes to deductions, repeal of certain tax credits, veteran property tax relief, limits on data center tax incentives, and provisions affecting manufacturing infrastructure and unemployment insurance administration. The committee discussed the Budget Stabilization Fund, debt repayment, and education rollover balances, with the chair arguing for using surpluses to pay down debt. The final item discussed was a behavioral health bill creating a home and community-based services program for adults determined to be seriously mentally ill, with a stated FY 2027 total fund appropriation of $7.8 million contingent on federal approval and matching funds. The meeting ended with a reminder that floor action would begin the next day at 10 a.m.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Energy Development and Transmission Committee Jun 2nd, 2026 at 09:00 am
Energy Development and Transmission Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Normally, the operations of the centers don't have any emissions at all, so then air quality is real
- They also have a... ...emissions are closer to ground level where people are.
- The emissions difference between them, too? That's a great question.
- They are the limiting factor. Data centers, I believe, should be eliminated.
- It's over 100 years of our current emissions. It's just too long.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- In addition, the analysis is limited to only a small part of the entire environmental review program
- In addition, the analysis is limited to only a small part of the entire environmental review program
- In addition, the analysis is limited to only a small part of the entire environmental review program
- In addition, the analysis is limited to only a small part of the entire environmental review program
- Given fluorinated polymers' extreme persistence, emissions associated with their production, use, and
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/25
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:19:28.280>
in over 100,000 tons of CO2 emissions in over 100,000 tons of CO2 emissions - Greater Minnesota where there may be more of a need for senior housing, for example, and there's limited
- One, given the limited resources in our housing budget overall, I would consider narrowing the uses to
- One, given the limited resources in our housing budget overall, I would consider narrowing the uses to
- Currently, the state housing tax credit is limited to income-restricted projects; however, the need in
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- The original legislation limited us to implementing about $1 million of projects.
- us to implementing about $1 limited us to implementing about $1 million<00:24:31.760>
of <00:24 - We're creating jobs and also reducing CO2 emissions, so it really is a win for everybody.
- <00:29:38.440>
so jobs and also reducing CO2 emissions so jobs and also reducing CO2 emissions - Paul is working to get to net zero emissions by 2030.
Keywords:
energy, economic development, funding, renewable resources, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota, air ventilation, geothermal, school financing, Minnesota Climate Innovative Finance Authority, geothermal energy, renewable energy, construction funding, Como Zoo, energy efficiency, HF2162, Minnesota, planning grants, renewable development account, clean energy, Department of Commerce
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 24, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- between the parties, and each member other than the majority and minority leaders and the minority whip limited
- 00:05:59.800>
the <00:05:59.960>minority <00:06:00.400>whip <00:06:00.840>limited - <00:06:01.199>
to leaders and the minority whip limited to leaders and the minority whip limited - China's greenhouse gas emissions exceed all of the developed nations in the world combined.
- measurable greenhouse gas emission measurable greenhouse gas emission reductions<03:49:04.640>
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- That will cause climate change through greenhouse gas emissions, through the emissions of SOx and NOx
- cloud seeding and chemical uses, and ADEQ is unaware of any approved chemical schedules or quantity limits
- cloud seeding and chemical uses, and ADEQ is unaware of any approved chemical schedules or quantity limits
- That includes through human activities like our greenhouse gas emissions that are modifying our climate
- That includes through human activities like our greenhouse gas emissions that are modifying our climate
Keywords:
cosmetics, animal testing, prohibition, manufacturers, sales regulation, state preemption, groundwater, water conservation, Arizona water resources, drought management, water quality, solar radiation management, environment, regulation, Arizona Revised Statutes, weather modification, licensing, environmental impact, public safety, cloud seeding
Summary:
The Natural Resources Committee approved the minutes from January 20 and January 27, 2026, then heard several bills related to weather modification, water policy, wildlife, cosmetics, and groundwater management. SB 1278 would ban intentional solar radiation management in Arizona and bar public entities or recipients of public funds from supporting related technology development. Supporters argued it was needed to stop harmful geoengineering, while opponents said it would block research and distract from real pollution problems. The committee voted 5-2 with one not voting to give SB 1278 a do pass recommendation.
The committee then considered SB 1279, which would regulate weather modification licenses, require ADWR and ADEQ review of chemicals, public notice, and public meetings, and—under a proposed strike-everything amendment—shift complaint enforcement to ADWR and require rulemaking. Testimony was largely in support from stakeholders and SRP, while ADEQ was neutral but warned it lacked standards, resources, and expertise to develop the required chemical limits on the bill’s timeline. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended 5-2 with one not voting.
Members next passed SB 1005, which would prohibit the sale of cosmetics developed with animal testing, with supporters citing cruelty concerns and industry alternatives; the bill received a do pass recommendation 4-2 with two not voting. SB 1202, requiring ADWR to include more detailed data in five-year groundwater supply-and-demand assessments, drew opposition from ADWR over feasibility, cost, and the risk of misleading conclusions, but still received a do pass recommendation 4-2 with two not voting. The committee also passed SB 1280, which would bar Game and Fish from using public funds to transport Mexican gray wolf pups into Arizona; wildlife advocates opposed it as harmful to recovery, while Game and Fish said it would not affect core responsibilities and was neutral. Finally, SB 1287, with a conforming amendment, was approved 5-1 with two not voting to extend certain irrigation grandfathered-right groundwater uses to subsequent active management areas. The committee then adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- If your oral testimony is different from your written testimony, the time limit for each testifier will
- This is regarding zero emission vehicles.
- This is regarding zero emission This is regarding zero emission vehicles.<00:28:09.200>
On uh for SEO HSO to analyze zero emission uh for SEO HSO to analyze zero emission vehicles<00:44:33.280- On Senate Bill 2241 relating to zero<00:44:04.160>
emission <00:44:04.560>vehicles, <00: - On Senate Bill 2241 relating to zero<00:44:04.160>
Summary:
The joint hearing covered SB 2120, which would allow certain state and county employees rehired within one year to transfer accrued vacation and sick leave and extend the break-in-service period for health benefits. Testimony was split: the Department of Human Resources explained current leave payout and pension credit rules and raised concerns about the long transfer window, while labor representatives supported the measure. During decision-making, both committees recommended passage with amendments. The amendments narrowed the bill by changing the break-in-service period to 180 days for leave beginning on or after July 1, 2026, making the benefit transfer voluntary with a 90-day notice deadline, and changing the effective date to January 1, 2077. The recommendations were adopted by vote.
The committees also heard SB 2523, an appropriation for the City and County of Honolulu Department of Information Technology to modernize the driver’s license and motor vehicle system. DIT described the current COBOL-based mainframe as decades old, said the project would use a code-share arrangement with Arizona, and estimated a $10 million, two-year conversion and rollout. Members questioned the cost, the city-state funding arrangement, and the feasibility of the project, including whether it would move to a cloud-based system. After testimony, both committees deferred the measure.
In the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs portion, SB 2032 on consumer protection for solar sales drew broad support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, the Office of Consumer Protection, the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and others. Testifiers said the bill was needed in response to misleading solar door-to-door sales and urged amendments to clarify “contractual affiliation,” exclude balcony/portable solar devices, and require disclosure of cash and financed prices. The committee then moved on to SB 2079 on vehicle titles, which had one supporter and one opponent but no testimony in person or online, and SB 2241 on zero-emission vehicles, for which the Hawaii State Energy Office submitted written support. The hearing also began discussion of SB 2579 on water-related grants, where agencies said any program would need clearer statutory standards and likely a feasibility study before implementation.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- It will lower household expenses, unlock housing production, and reduce climate emissions.
- It will lower household expenses, unlock housing production, and reduce climate emissions.
- will be the most effective transportation strategy to get really positive projects that have been limited
- The administration as well, obviously crucial for meeting our emissions goals but also for the public
- With property taxes capped and limited options to raise additional local revenues, municipalities deeply
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 4987, the administration’s transportation bond bill centered on Chapter 90 roadway funding and related capital programs. Administration officials described the bill as a roughly $5.5 billion package that would continue $300 million per year for Chapter 90 over four years, with part of the funding distributed by the traditional formula and an additional $100 million based solely on road miles to better support rural and smaller communities. They also highlighted authorizations for municipal pavement work, Shared Streets and Spaces grants, accelerated bridge and pavement repairs, MBTA rail modernization and reliability, housing-related transportation improvements, and a new DCR-focused PRISM program for parkways and related infrastructure. Officials emphasized that the bill is financed through the Commonwealth Transportation Fund and Fair Share revenues, and said it would help municipalities plan more predictably, speed project delivery, and support housing, safety, and climate goals.
Committee members and witnesses discussed the bill’s broader scope beyond traditional Chapter 90, especially the $200 million for transportation projects that support housing development and the $200 million for MBTA modernization and rail reliability. Members asked about the rationale for a four-year authorization amid fiscal uncertainty, federal funding volatility, and the status of commuter rail electrification. Administration officials responded that the capital authorization is backed by dedicated transportation revenues rather than the operating budget, and said multi-year certainty helps cities and towns make better long-term repair decisions. They also said the MBTA’s rail modernization funds would support locomotive procurements, including battery-electric and Tier 4 diesel locomotives, as part of a longer-term regional rail and electrification strategy.
Municipal officials and regional advocates strongly supported the bill. The Massachusetts Municipal Association, along with town and city officials from Sherborn, Conway, and Yarmouth, said the increased Chapter 90 funding and road-mile-based distribution are especially important for small and rural communities with limited local revenue capacity, and that multi-year funding would let them bundle projects, bid at better prices, and address backlogs more proactively. A Better City and MAPC also supported the bill but urged the committee to treat it like a traditional bond bill by adding policy provisions and considering new transportation revenue tools, such as TNC fee changes, road pricing, parking taxes, and other mechanisms. The committee took no vote during the hearing and adjourned after testimony concluded.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25 - Part 1
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We eliminated the climate cost to the world of Minnesota emissions of about $61 billion per year.
- A key piece in the 100% standard is ending emissions from the energy sector by 2040.
- A key piece in the 100% standard is ending emissions from the energy sector by 2040.
- A key piece in the 100% standard is ending emissions from the energy sector by 2040.
- <01:03:11.160>
other power sources while not limiting other power sources while not limiting
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee May 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- In order to hear as much from the public within the limits of our time, we will not permit conduct that
- CARB is the agency responsible for setting the requirements for economy-wide greenhouse gas emission
- Thank you. ...default off so that we're not, so there isn't as much emission output as it would be in
- We also have emissions reduction It's kicking in, starting at the first month of 2035, then 2040.
- We also have emissions reduction targets that the CPUC may or may not make binding as we build out our
Summary:
The committee first heard AB 1026 by Assembly Member Wilson, which would require investor-owned utilities to provide clearer front-end information and follow more consistent timelines for post-entitlement energization applications tied to housing projects. The author and supporters from the Housing Action Coalition and Mission Housing said utility delays can hold up approved housing, add costs, and create uncertainty, and they argued the bill would align utility processes with recent state efforts to streamline local permitting. PG&E and Southern California Edison opposed the bill, saying existing CPUC timelines and the ongoing energization rulemaking already address the issue, that the bill could be duplicative or premature, and that some proposed timelines were too short. The committee discussed the bill’s relationship to the CPUC’s September 2024 decision, and AB 1026 was ultimately approved on a 15-0 vote, with the consent calendar also passing.
The second half of the hearing was the committee’s annual oversight hearing on electric reliability. Representatives from the CPUC, CEC, CAISO, and DWR reviewed lessons from the 2020 and 2022 heat emergencies, emphasizing that California has since added significant resources, improved planning, and created backstop programs such as the strategic reliability reserve. They said the summer 2025 outlook is cautiously optimistic, with no expected shortfalls under traditional planning conditions and a projected surplus, though wildfire and extreme heat remain risks. The agencies also described major changes in planning and operations, including more battery storage, updated resource adequacy rules, expanded transmission planning, and reforms to the interconnection queue.
Members asked about data center load, Diablo Canyon’s future, the strategic reliability reserve, demand response, wildfire mitigation costs, affordability, and regional market expansion. Witnesses said data center demand is a major variable but can be managed through better forecasting, flexible service arrangements, and siting in areas with existing capacity; they also said firm clean resources remain valuable while planning continues around Diablo Canyon’s scheduled retirement. On affordability, they said the agencies try to balance reliability with least-cost procurement, and that new resources can lower market prices even as they require upfront investment. CAISO also highlighted the value of the Western Energy Imbalance Market and the planned day-ahead market, saying regional coordination improves both reliability and cost savings.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences May 7th, 2025
Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences
Transcript Highlights:
- 5801, which, among other provisions, creates a new sales and use tax exemption for sales of zero-emission
- Indian tribes to provide public transportation, and it directs JLARC to evaluate the number of zero-emission
- 5801, which, among other provisions, creates a new sales and use tax exemption for sales of zero-emission
- And statute limits the number of certificates that may be granted each year to five, for a total of 30
- And statute limits the number of certificates that may be granted each year to five, for a total of 30
Summary:
The Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on May 7, 2025, with quorum present. The commission approved the October 22, 2024 meeting minutes and then received its annual open government refresher from the Attorney General’s office, which reviewed key requirements under the Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act, including record retention, response deadlines, exemptions, and meeting notice rules.
Staff then provided a 2025 legislative session update, noting that the legislature passed 23 tax-preference-related bills, with several signed by the governor and others pending. Highlights included bills that extended or repealed certain preferences, added reporting requirements for newspaper and digital content exemptions, authorized JLARC to adjust its work plan when data is unavailable, and created a new exemption for zero-emission buses. The commission approved updates to the 2026 tax preference review schedule, which includes eight preferences in seven reviews, and approved unchanged testimony questions for 2025.
The commission also received the 2025 expedited preference review report covering 52 tax preferences, presented as an interactive table drawing on prior JLARC reviews and Department of Revenue studies. Staff then outlined the process for developing the next 10-year review schedule for 2027-2036, including surveying the legislature, incorporating new and repealed preferences, and considering a possible rolling 10-year schedule. No public comment was registered. The meeting ended with acknowledgments of Ron Buing’s long service on the commission and an announcement that the next meeting would be held August 6, 2025.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Because of limited resources and staffing constraints, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
- So TCEQ is limited in what they can do in this environment.
- But the bill is, as I've read through it, it doesn't appear that it limits the number of times that a
- But the tools that we have right now to respond to constituents are very limited, so we have to come
- You know, because of your discussions with TCEQ, they have limited resources when it comes...
Keywords:
environmental enforcement, legislative oversight, inspection, concrete plants, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, environmental product declaration, grant program, ready-mixed concrete, manufacturers, sustainability, concrete plant, concrete batch plant, wet batching, dry batching, central mixing, standard permit, TCEQ, environmental regulation, air quality, construction permit
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, March 27, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- food and drink and retail with limited food and drink and retail options.<00:25:40.240>
It <00 - that limit consumer choice, burden the American auto industry, and increase reliance on China.
- And I yield back. certainly against reducing emissions, we certainly against reducing emissions, we must
- consumer choice, burden the limit consumer choice, burden the American<02:08:06.560>
auto <02: - <04:14:49.840>
and deterrent due to the very limited and deterrent due to the very limited
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Mar 25th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- We are concerned that it limits the options.
- The emissions profiles of new waste-to-energy facilities exceed all EPA standards on emissions.
- We avoid 5 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
- Local anchoring limitation areas will limit anchoring to no more than 30 days within a six-month period
- That's very different than the time limits that we're talking about.
Summary:
The committee heard and acted on a long agenda of environmental and natural resources bills. It reported favorably SB 1784 on sewer collection systems, allowing municipal sewer revenues to be used for expansion; SB 1388 on vessels, which prohibits random vessel inspections without probable cause, creates a five-year safety decal, bars local fuel-type boat bans, and expands funding options for boat ramps and marinas; and SB 880, which designates the American flamingo as Florida’s state bird and the Florida scrub jay as the state songbird. SB 946, as amended, was also reported favorably; it restricts certain waste facilities and incinerators near the Everglades, with the amendment narrowing the focus to the Broward/Miami-Dade area near the C-9 impoundment project. SB 1792 on dry sandy beaches was reported favorably after amendment, creating a pilot and process to inventory beaches and explore voluntary public access or conservation arrangements with private owners. SB 866 on anchoring limitation areas was reported favorably despite opposition from cruisers and boaters who argued existing law should be used instead of new county-specific restrictions. SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands was reported favorably with amendments that removed language about the necessity of phosphate mining and clarified that landowners requesting a radiation study must pay for it. The committee also reported favorably SB 1326 on hurricane evacuation clearance times and permit allocations in the Keys, and SB 1580, after a delete-all amendment, which authorizes DEP to use public-private partnerships for coastal resiliency projects. Finally, SB 1300 on oil and gas drilling permits was introduced to require DEP to consider potential harm from accidents or blowouts to natural resources when reviewing drilling permits, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill. The committee also took up confirmations, temporarily postponing the vote on Rodney Barreto’s FWC reappointment after public criticism of his leadership, while recommending favorably the other listed appointments.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- >
maintenance emission warranty and maintenance emission warranty and maintenance provisions.< - <02:20:49.760>
Zero <02:20:50.319>emission emission airport shuttle. - Zero emission emission airport shuttle.
- gas emissions and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve<02:56:23.760>
air <02:56:24.000> - <07:53:46.080>
The limiting what Americans can buy. The limiting what Americans can buy.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (01/27/2026)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, radio frequency emissions occur from them.
- Uh radio frequency emissions radiation.
- 26:28.880>
they <01:26:29.120>are emissions. - Um, again, they are emissions.
not <01:32:46.960>associated nonionized emissions are not associated nonionized emissions
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Please understand that we do have a time limit.
- understand that we do have a time limit. understand that we do have a time limit.
- Um, so the the statute as it's limit.
- actually limited bill is actually limited um<01:13:33.280>
permitted <01:13:33.679>and - <01:20:01.280>
to advertisement, you may be limited to advertisement, you may be limited to
Bills:
HB1739, HB1741, HB2606, HB2362, HB2608, HB2294, HB2431, HB2375, HB2582, HB2585, HB2231, HB1601, HB2424, HB1956
Keywords:
transit-oriented development, zoning, land use, urban planning, density, local governance, housing, inclusionary zoning, inclusionary mandate, affordable housing, below-market-rate housing, inclusionary housing, development exaction, impact fee, housing affordability impact fee, needs assessment study, financial feasibility, rough proportionality, essential nexus, county ordinance
Summary:
The committee on Water and Land met on February 19, 2026, and the chair opened by emphasizing strict time limits and that all bills would be deferred if the agenda was not completed before the noon session. The first major measure discussed was HB 1739 HD1, which would preempt county land-use authority in transit-oriented development areas. The Department of Planning supported the bill, saying it could promote state-funded TOD and infrastructure, while the city and county’s position was raised in questioning. Unite Here Local 5 opposed the bill, arguing it would strip counties of self-determination, disrupt state-county policy collaboration, and remove a check on unrestrained development. Committee members pressed the supporters on whether the bill was really about higher density and whether it would override local zoning and sustainability concerns.
The committee then heard testimony on HB 1741 HD1, a housing bill described by supporters as reducing inclusionary housing mandates and increasing supply. Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued affordability mandates reduce overall housing production and raise market-rate prices, while a Zoom testifier said the bill would improve housing stability, health, and community outcomes for working families, kupuna, and young residents. Members asked about the bill’s needs assessment and who would conduct it, with a witness saying the counties would likely contract it out but that the bill did not clearly specify the reviewer.
HB 2668 HD1, dealing with water heating systems, drew testimony from the Hawaii State Energy Office and industry representatives. Supporters generally backed adding heat pumps to the law, but one solar-water-heater industry witness asked for amendments to remove or extend the current 15-year statutory life limit for solar water heaters and to update outdated standards and variance rules. A Kauaʻi Climate Action Coalition witness opposed the existing solar-only structure, arguing heat pump water heaters are cheaper, align with climate goals, and should be allowed without a variance. The Energy Office said the current law already allows variances in some cases, suggested adding high-efficiency heat pump water heaters to the exemption, and said the 15-year figure may be too short, with 18 years mentioned as a possible alternative. The committee also briefly moved through several other bills, including HB 2606 HD1 on off-site construction and HB 2362 HD1 on housing, with no notable testimony or action recorded in the excerpt.