Video & Transcript : 'energy equity' :
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WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Local Government Jan 13th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- the energy code through, right, we have a goal.
- energy code.
- The energy code, high level, is for energy efficiency.
- Actually, in the energy code, we do.
- , lower-carbon energy, lower emissions, so forth.
Committee:
House Local Government
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Local Government Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- about how the energy code and embodied carbon might be used to sort of relieve the stress on the energy
- energy code.
- The energy code, high level, is for energy efficiency.
- Actually, in the energy code, we do.
- That's energy efficiency.
Summary:
The committee held its first official work session with member and staff introductions, then received an update from the State Building Code Council on the current three-year code cycle and several legislatively directed code changes. Council staff said the council is moving toward CR-102 rulemaking and final adoption in the spring, with legislative mandates nearing completion on minimum dwelling unit size, emergency shelters, single-exit stairs for buildings up to six stories and 24 units, and sixplexes in the residential code. Members asked about how technical advisory groups are selected, and staff explained that the council advertises seats, reviews applications and recommendations, and approves members in public meetings, typically including firefighters, engineers, architects, and other subject-matter experts.
A major portion of the meeting focused on the single-stair and sixplex work and on how fire safety, egress, and local service levels are being considered. Council representatives said the single-stair proposal includes emergency escape and rescue openings on all levels and is intended to provide more options for safe egress while reducing building footprint and cost. They emphasized that the recommendations are still entering the public rulemaking process and that cost-benefit considerations were part of the legislative intent. Members also raised questions about whether self-rescue devices or other builder options could be codified, and council staff said such ideas are considered through the advisory process, though not all become required code provisions.
The second half of the session covered performance-based codes, prompted by a bill referred to as HB 2381. Todd Byrd explained the difference between prescriptive codes, which specify exact solutions, and performance-based codes, which set outcomes and allow designers and manufacturers more flexibility in how to meet them. He described the bill as a narrow proposal for low-rise residential buildings up to 24 units and under the high-rise threshold, with third-party or state certification and local jurisdiction approval still required. He cited international examples, especially Japan and Sweden, where performance-based approaches supported innovation and prefabrication, and said such systems can lower costs while maintaining safety. Members discussed seismic safety, builder participation, embodied carbon, and energy-code interactions, and council staff said the proposal could help align material, energy, and design optimization without changing the existing energy code. The committee took no vote and adjourned after the informational presentation and discussion.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Jan 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to Thursday's Environment and Energy Committee Week 3.
- So basically, you'd use hydro energy, and they put a carbon intensity on the energy because of the rules
- So basically, you'd use hydro energy, and they put a carbon intensity on the energy because of the rules
- Sky Energy signed in other today.
- Sky Energy doesn't yet have one, but... ...the facility in Moses Lake, because Sky Energy doesn't yet
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 2436, a technical fix to Washington’s oil tanker escort tug requirements in Puget Sound waters. The bill would require escort tugs to have either horsepower equal to 5% of the tanker’s deadweight tonnage or 3,000 horsepower, whichever is greater. Rep. Lekanoff and the Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners said the change aligns statute with existing rules and industry practice and supports protection of the Salish Sea and southern resident killer whales. No opposition was raised, and the hearing was closed without action at that point.
The committee then heard House Bill 2322, which changes Clean Fuels Program rules and tax incentives for alternative jet fuel. Supporters, including Rep. Dent, Sky Energy, 12, and the City of Moses Lake, said the bill would provide certainty for large-scale sustainable aviation fuel investment by changing the trigger for tax incentives and clarifying that certain renewable electricity, including hydro, can count as zero carbon. Ecology opposed the bill’s treatment of electricity accounting, saying it would weaken incentives for new renewable generation and could reduce the clean fuels program’s emissions benefits. U.S. Oil asked for additional clarification or changes to allow Pierce County participation or define “blender.” No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing.
In executive session, the committee passed several bills. Substitute House Bill 2343, dealing with discharge permits for publicly owned animal facilities, passed 21-0. Proposed second substitute House Bill 1420, creating a textile and apparel coordinating organization for a needs assessment, passed 12-9. House Bill 2426, allowing Pollution Control Hearings Board appeals to be heard by a single member or alternative panel by agreement, passed 19-2. Substitute House Bill 2271, expanding post-consumer recycled content requirements for certain plastic products, passed 12-9. Substitute House Bill 2215, adjusting Climate Commitment Act fuel supplier thresholds, passed 12-9. Substitute House Bill 2421, restricting 6PPD and certain substitutes in tires, passed 11-9 with one excused after an amendment to exempt rural eastern Washington was rejected. Action on House Bill 2301 and House Bill 2296 was deferred to a later meeting due to time constraints.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Feb 3rd, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Chevron, Permian Energy, and other petroleum companies.
- I am the Executive Director of New Energy Economy.
- The Green Amendment has never slowed down any clean energy renewable projects.
- My name is Deborah Condit, and I'm a registered lobbyist for Interwest Energy Alliance.
- PNM is making great strides toward carbon-free energy as part of our goals and requirements of the Energy
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Thu Apr 10, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> essentially requesting the state energy essentially requesting the state energy office<00:16:41.920
- We stand on our written Energy Office.
- STR 136, requesting the State Energy Office to convene a geothermal energy working group.
- And the State Energy Office in support in person.
- So, we are going to be requesting the Hawaii State Energy Office convene a nuclear energy working group
Committee:
House Energy & Environmental Protection
Summary:
The Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard a series of Senate resolutions focused largely on climate, sustainability, public health, and energy policy. Measures discussed included integrating Native Hawaiian and indigenous knowledge into climate policy (STR 93), creating a temporary working group to investigate the dangers of POS (STR 103), studying the feasibility of a green bonds program (STR 110), declaring a public health emergency related to climate change (STR 111), affirming the importance of marine ecosystems to decarbonization goals (STR 115), encouraging adoption of recommendations from the UN global plastics treaty and Rapanui summit declaration (STR 132), convening a geothermal energy working group (STR 136), affirming support for the Aloha Plus Challenge (STR 183), and encouraging insurers to pursue subrogation claims against polluters to reduce costs for residents (STR 198). Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive on most measures, with support coming from agencies such as the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaii State Energy Office, DLNR, PUC, Board of Water Supply, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Green Growth, and numerous advocacy groups and individuals. STR 111 drew both support and opposition, with supporters arguing climate change is a public health emergency and opponents disputing the underlying science and urgency. STR 136 also drew mixed testimony, including support from state agencies and one opposition submission from the Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii.
Several witnesses emphasized indigenous knowledge, climate justice, public health impacts, and the need for coordinated state action. Supporters of STR 93 said Native Hawaiian and indigenous knowledge has sustained communities for generations and should be woven into Hawaii’s future climate decision-making. Supporters of STR 111 described climate change as a threat multiplier affecting heat illness, mental health, displacement, wildfire impacts, and food insecurity, while opponents argued the resolution overstated the issue. Testimony on STR 183 highlighted the Aloha Plus Challenge as a statewide sustainability framework with regional influence across the Pacific, including Guam, and stressed its role in tracking progress toward 2030 goals. On STR 198, supporters argued that polluters should help pay for climate-related costs borne by residents and insurers.
After testimony concluded, the committee moved into decision-making and adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass STR 93, SD1 unamended by roll call vote, with the chair, vice chair, Rep. Kahaloa, and Rep. Kush voting aye and Rep. Quinnland excused. The transcript then begins the committee’s action on STR 103, SD1, with the chair again recommending passage as is, but the remainder of the vote is cut off in the provided record.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Natural Resources & Energy (2-26-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- This state doesn't really have a long-term energy policy, and part of the long-term energy policy has
- It will consume 400 megawatts of energy at this point in time.
- Now we are having to talk about importing energy. So with that, Mr.
- It will consume 400 megawatts of energy at this point in time.
- Now we are having to talk about importing energy.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Attendance Roll Call 01:45
SB 245 Discussion 02:20
SB 245 Roll Call Vote 04:12
SB 112 Discussion 05:25
SB 8 Discussion 25:20, 958, all
Summary:
The Natural Resources Committee first approved the minutes from the prior meeting and then took up Senate Bill 245, which would give the legislature more authority to review appointments to the Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission and clarify language about commissioners serving before confirmation. The sponsor said the bill was meant to allow a deeper background review and prevent unconfirmed appointees from voting on budget matters. The bill was adopted with a sub and title amendment, and Senator Boswell explained his yes vote as a way to ensure timely and proper confirmation votes in the future.
The committee then discussed Senate Bill 112, concerning fishing on privately owned lakes and ponds. Senator Boswell argued that landowners should be able to fish on their own property without a license and should control fish harvest on private waters, while still requiring permission for others to fish. Commissioner Rich Storm opposed the proposal, saying landowners already may fish on their property, warning that the bill could reduce fishing-license revenue and federal grant support, and noting the department’s work stocking fish, maintaining access, and funding conservation programs. Senator Webb said he was exploring possible compromise language, and other members raised concerns about pay lakes, youth access, and potential abuse of exemptions. Boswell ultimately withdrew the bill voluntarily, and the committee agreed not to vote on it that day.
Finally, the committee heard a discussion-only presentation on Senate Bill 8, focused on long-term energy policy and the role of the Public Service Commission. The sponsor said Kentucky needs a broader energy strategy to address growing demand from new industries such as large data centers, grid capacity limits, and the need for expertise and possibly different pay scales to recruit qualified staff. Members responded positively to the discussion, noting the importance of the PSC and the need for continued work on the issue, but no vote was taken.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 111 May 4th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Eligible energy resources mean recycled energy, renewable energy resources, and renewable energy storage
- Eligible energy resources mean recycled energy, renewable energy resources, and renewable energy storage
- Eligible energy resources mean recycled energy, renewable energy resources, and renewable energy storage
- ><c> recycled</c> Eligible energy resources mean recycled Eligible energy resources mean recycled energy
- ><c> and</c> energy, renewable energy resources, and energy, renewable energy resources, and renewable
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:01:14.160><c> generation</c> because we had some energy generation because we had some energy
- </c> is helping us get to more energy is helping us get to more energy produced<01:13:56.480><c> in</
- </c><01:14:00.320><c> down</c> pulling planned energy generation down pulling planned energy generation
- </c> to reduce energy prices. to reduce energy prices.
- . energy. energy.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It's critical to maintain Texas energy leadership.
- It's not just what's happening in that energy sector.
- Half of the permanent school fund revenue comes from energy production.
- Energy production leader of the free world.
- One of the things that, uh, energy impacted areas, particularly the Permian.
Committee:
House Appropriations
Keywords:
emergency preparedness, flood-prone communities, Texas Rural Emergency Preparedness Fund, disaster relief, funding, youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting, child neglect, mandatory reporting, background check, criminal history check, sex offender registry, CPR training, first aid
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And a lot of times the terms are complex and that can actually result in them losing their home equity
Committee:
House Financial Institutions
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present and heard Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 834, sponsored by Senator Sandy Crawford. Crawford described the bill as the Mortgage Modification Act, intended to modernize loan modifications by preserving lien priority while allowing changes such as interest rate adjustments and term extensions. She said the measure is consumer-friendly because it can help borrowers avoid foreclosure and reduce the need for new title work and appraisals. She also explained a Senate floor amendment adding the Missouri Residential Sale Leaseback Protection Act, which would provide consumer protections for homeowners entering sale-leaseback transactions, including time to seek advice and safeguards against predatory practices.
A committee member thanked Crawford for the mortgage modification provisions and noted the practical benefits for consumers seeking lower rates. In support testimony, David Kent of the Missouri Bankers Association said the bill was very consumer-friendly and supported the mortgage modification section, while being neutral to generally supportive of the leaseback provisions. Heath Clarkston of the Missouri Mortgage Bankers Association agreed, saying the bill made sense and that the amendment did not appear problematic for the mortgage industry.
No one testified in opposition or for informational purposes. After closing testimony, the chair announced that the hearing was complete and adjourned the meeting.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And a lot of times the terms are complex, and that can actually result in them losing their home equity
Committee:
House Financial Institutions
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 2/13/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:06:32.880><c> and</c> it's for personal use of of energy and it's for personal use of of energy
- </c><00:22:50.360><c> infrastructure</c> and new energy infrastructure and new energy infrastructure
- </c><00:23:24.520><c> future</c> as we move toward a new energy future as we move toward a new energy
- </c><00:45:56.160><c> permitting</c> year's clean energy permitting year's clean energy permitting efficiency
- Representative Hollins: No. uh energy that could be Exempted from uh energy that could be Exempted from
Committee:
House Energy Finance and Policy
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- -year state energy strategy to include new technology, small-scale nuclear energy, renewable energy,
- and fuel diversity, removing references to the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy Board, having
- ><c> fuel</c><03:38:32.760><c> diversity</c> renewable energy and fuel diversity renewable energy and
- </c> removing references to the Energy removing references to the Energy Efficiency<03:38:36.160><c>
- Energy is an energy source that does not release pollutants or greenhouse gases during use.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So there is the Amador energy project.
- battery energy storage system.
- energy space.
- We are working with the solar energy storage industry to continue We are working with the solar energy
- It's a time displacement of energy.
Committee:
Senate Business & Commerce
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened to discuss critical infrastructure and supply chain integrity, particularly focusing on Texas's power grid and associated vulnerabilities. The meeting highlighted Texas's recent ranking as 10th in electricity affordability, emphasizing the state's commitment to maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid. New committee members introduced themselves, and the agenda included testimony from ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission regarding the implementation of the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act, which aims to mitigate risks posed by foreign entities to the power grid.
Chad Sealy from ERCOT presented updates on the attestation process for market participants, revealing that over 1,500 entities had submitted attestations regarding their corporate structures and affiliations with designated foreign countries. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the current vetting process, particularly regarding indirect relationships with foreign adversaries. Testimonies from the PUC and the Attorney General's office underscored the challenges of enforcing compliance and the need for improved legislative measures to enhance oversight and security.
The committee also heard from experts, including Dr. Emma Stewart from Idaho National Laboratory, who discussed the evolving threats to the grid from foreign adversaries and the importance of securing communication systems. Recommendations included prioritizing inspections of critical components and enhancing collaboration with national laboratories to address vulnerabilities. The discussion concluded with an acknowledgment of the balance needed between ensuring grid security and maintaining affordability for consumers.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Natural Resources, Energy and Water: HB 2262, HB 2265, HB 2268, HB 2270, HB 2278, HB 2279.
- Energy and Water: HB 2426. Health and Human Services: HB 2439, public co-parned ...
- Natural Resources, Energy and Water and Appropriations: HB 2520, contraceptment caution.
- Natural Resources, Energy and Water: HB 2542.
- Natural Resources, Energy and Water and Appropriations: HB 2651, blue envelope program.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 04/01/25
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- c><00:10:48.360><c> centered</c><00:10:49.399><c> industry</c><00:10:50.399><c> finally</c> scale Equity
- centered industry finally scale Equity centered industry finally we<00:10:50.880><c> support</c><00:
- ><c> social</c> towards qualifying individuals as social towards qualifying individuals as social Equity
- applicants—an important step toward, uh, making our equity commitments meaningful in practice.
- This is very important for small and equity businesses in Minnesota.
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
250th Anniversary Celebration of the American Revolution Jun 21st, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- So this is like this is the equity.
- So this is like, this is the equity caliber, full-scale budget, not the smaller indie theater budget,
Summary:
The commission meeting opened with a roll call that established a quorum, allowing the group to proceed officially. Co-chair remarks highlighted recent successful Henry Knox Trail commemorations in Great Barrington, Alford, and Springfield, with praise for the organizers and participants. The meeting then focused on Massachusetts 250 and America 250 planning, including statewide events tied to the Revolution’s 250th anniversary.
Sheila from the Office of Travel and Tourism outlined several America 250 initiatives: selecting an item for the national time capsule, organizing a July 8 nationwide reading of the Declaration of Independence, encouraging a July 5 “America’s potluck,” and considering a “heritage tractor” tribute from Kansas as a model for Massachusetts participation. Members discussed who should decide the time capsule contents, with suggestions that Secretary Galvin and the commission help set criteria, and there was interest in creating a separate Massachusetts-only time capsule as a backup. The commission also discussed whether Governor Healey should formally endorse the potluck effort, and members expressed support for distributing a graphic for the Declaration reading.
Revolution 250 and related organizers gave updates on upcoming commemorations: Worcester was moved to a larger venue due to strong attendance, Framingham will include living history portrayals of Patriots of Color, Cambridge and Roxbury programs are being planned, and Dorchester Heights/Evacuation Day events will include a Boston Public Library evening commemoration and a March 17 procession and ceremony. Sail Boston was also previewed as a major international event with dozens of ships and extensive public safety coordination. A final presentation pitched “Rebel Town,” a Boston Tea Party musical, as a potential America 250 attraction; the presenter described the show’s development, audience appeal, and need for a Boston venue and funding. No votes were taken beyond the motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Our goal is to seek reforms in the California tax system that will improve equity while providing a stable
- and fair tax base for the state and local government. ...that will improve equity while providing a
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Military and Veteran Affairs heard several veteran-focused measures, with extensive testimony in support from veterans’ organizations and individual veterans. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income calculations for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption, addressing a situation where disability benefits can disqualify veterans from tax relief. SB 1354 would prohibit military personnel from another state, territory, or district from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the Governor’s express permission, while preserving Title X activity, training, and mutual aid arrangements. SB 623 would place the Veterans Bond Act of 2026 on the ballot to authorize a $1.25 billion general obligation bond for the CalVet Home Loan Program, which supporters said is nearing depletion of bond authority and remains a critical path to homeownership for veterans and military families. SB 1407 would increase the state income tax exclusion for military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefits to the first $40,000, subject to income caps, as a retention measure to keep military retirees in California.
Supporters for the bills emphasized housing stability, affordability, retention of veterans in California, and the economic benefits of keeping military retirees and their income in the state. SB 888 and SB 623 drew broad support from veterans’ groups, county veterans service officers, and related organizations, with no opposition testimony. SB 1354 also received support from veterans’ advocates, while committee members sought clarification on training, mutual aid, and the bill’s scope, and the author agreed to work on amendments. SB 1407 drew strong support from veterans and military organizations, but also formal opposition from the California Tax Reform Association, which argued the state already provides generous veteran benefits and that the tax break would be unfair to other public servants.
The committee voted to advance all four measures. SB 888 was approved and re-referred to Revenue and Taxation; SB 1354 was approved as amended and re-referred to Public Safety; SB 623 was approved as amended, given urgency, and re-referred to Housing and Community Development; and SB 1407 was approved and re-referred to Revenue and Taxation. The consent item, SCR 143, was adopted unanimously. After the initial votes, the committee later took add-on votes to confirm passage of SB 888 and SB 1354, and the meeting adjourned.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I recognize that someone's going to be hurt here, but some kind of equity with respect to the hourly
- Some kind of equity with respect to the hourly has got to be addressed here.
Summary:
The House Revenue and Taxation Committee approved minutes from March 17, 18, 19, and 20, then took up House Bill 944, sponsored by Rep. Palmer, which would redirect $5 million from the liquor distribution formula to the Idaho State Police choice fund to help address trooper pay and recruitment problems. ISP Director Bill Gardner testified that the agency has severe staffing shortages, unfilled positions, and difficulty recruiting and retaining troopers, especially at the 5-, 10-, and 15-year marks, because its pay has fallen behind other law enforcement agencies. He explained that the bill would help but would not fully solve the problem; he said the original ongoing funding request was $12 million, and a fully sustainable long-term solution would be about $18 million. He also described a new merit-based pay structure and said he would suspend ISP’s lateral transfer program for three years if a solution is reached, to reduce concerns from sheriffs and city police about losing officers.
Committee members raised concerns that the bill would shift financial pain to counties and cities, especially rural counties that already struggle to fund local law enforcement and related services. Some members argued the Legislature should use the rainy day fund or restore prior gas-tax support instead of reallocating existing revenue, while others said the bill was a necessary step to address a real law enforcement crisis even if it was not enough. Rep. Palmer said he did not want to use the rainy day fund for ongoing salaries and asked the committee to consider a smaller, more workable solution. After debate, Rep. Cheatham moved to send House Bill 944 to General Orders as a substitute motion, and the committee approved that motion on a 12-3 roll call vote, sending the bill to General Orders rather than advancing it directly to the floor. The committee then briefly recognized its page and secretary before adjourning.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill brings equity to the sales of rental versus physical books. Andrea, Mr.
- This bill brings equity to the sales of rental versus physical books.
Committee:
House Ways & Means
Keywords:
property tax exemption, disability, veterans, widows, income limits, Arizona Revised Statutes, property tax, electronic communication, tax assessment, tax correction, real estate, agriculture, tax classification, land use, nonprofit organizations, transaction privilege tax, tax exemption, textbook rental, education, business leasing