Transcript Highlights:

• help companies that were going to carry out charters that we asked them to do, and this is in the biofuels
• 00:04:49.960> of<00:04:50.040> the<00:04:50.120> Minnesota<00:04:50.640> Biofuels
• director of the Minnesota Biofuels director of the Minnesota Biofuels Association<00:04:52.160><
• As a cellulosic biofuel, it reduces life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions by over 70% compared to gasoline
• As a cellulosic biofuel, it reduces life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions by over 70% compared to gasoline

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Your organization was often critical of biofuels, including ethanol.
• What role do you believe biofuels play in our domestic energy production?
• Amy has worked with me on so many different agriculture and biofuel-related issues.
• One of those really important markets for Nebraska's agriculture is biofuels.
• months that will have significant impacts on the biofuel market.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a letter from pork producers in support, Minnesota biofuels Association letter of support, Apex
• There's a letter from pork producers in support, Minnesota biofuels Association letter of support, Apex
• There's a letter from pork producers in support, Minnesota biofuels Association letter of support, Apex
• There's a letter from pork producers in support, Minnesota biofuels Association letter of support, Apex
• In support, Minnesota Biofuels Association letter of support, Apex letter of support, and then there

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard House File 8, which was moved for referral to the Labor and Workforce Development Committee. The bill’s author described it as a permitting and environmental review reform measure intended to maintain environmental standards while making permitting more predictable and timely for businesses, municipalities, and agricultural projects. He walked through nine sections, including limiting Wetland Conservation Act extension requests, requiring the MPCA to issue permitting efficiency reports twice a year, separating municipal and industrial permit data, allowing judicial review when the MPCA misses a 150-day two-tier permit goal, requiring quicker notice of incomplete applications, allowing separate construction and operation permits, creating a business permitting ombudsman at DEED, eliminating duplicative scoping EA requirements for projects already requiring a mandatory EIS, and adding an intent statement that the bill does not relax standards. The author and supporters emphasized that the bill is meant to reduce delays and duplication rather than weaken protections. He cited letters of support from groups including Building Trades, Mining Minnesota, pork producers, the Minnesota Biofuels Association, Apex, and the Red River Watershed, while noting that some groups opposed the bill. Testimony in support came from the Minnesota Pork Producers Association, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the Red River Watershed Management Board, and Minnesota Milk, all of whom said permitting delays and inconsistent processes add significant cost and uncertainty. They argued the bill would help farmers, watershed projects, and businesses invest and expand in Minnesota while preserving environmental standards. Supporters also provided examples of the costs of current permitting processes, including long delays for air permits, repeated extensions, and large sums spent on environmental review before projects are halted or delayed. The Red River Watershed Management Board said its projects have spent millions on permitting and review, with some projects taking years and involving many permits from state, local, and federal agencies. Minnesota Milk said the bill and amendment would let farmers and responsible governmental units sequence applications more efficiently. No vote was taken in the portion provided beyond the motion to recommend re-referral, and the committee proceeded to public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're certainly recognize that there are enormous risks of biofuels.
• We're certainly recognize that there are enormous risks of biofuels.
• However, there is no alternative to biofuels right now for aviation.
• We're certainly recognize that there are enormous risks of biofuels.
• We're certainly recognize that there are enormous risks of biofuels.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered three measures. SB 1602 would appropriate funds to DLNR for monitoring wells for the Koho aquifer system; DLNR and HHFDC supported it, and written testimony from several organizations and individuals was also in support. Members asked whether monitoring wells are a statewide function rather than a county function, and staff confirmed they are done statewide. The second bill was an administration measure clarifying that criminal water pollution enforcement remains with the Department of Health rather than DLNR. The Attorney General’s office said it was a cleanup clarification and that DOH has stronger enforcement powers and better testing capability; DOH and DLNR supported it, and there was no opposition noted. The final and most heavily debated measure was SB 1074 on environmental impact statements. The bill would let previously authorized or permitted commercial activities continue for up to one year while an agency determines whether environmental review applies after a challenge, and would allow permit renewals during that review. DLNR said it stood on written comments and suggested aligning the bill with similar House language. Supporters, including several ocean tourism and Maui business representatives, argued the bill would provide certainty and keep families and small operators working while environmental review is completed, especially in the wake of the Lahaina fires and ongoing business losses. Some supporters said the measure should be narrowed with a sunset or limited to recently renewed permits. Opponents, including the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, Earthjustice, the Sierra Club, and other environmental advocates, argued the bill was overly broad and could weaken HEPA/NEPA-style environmental review, especially for fisheries and other commercial activities. They said the bill could be used as a “Trojan horse” to avoid review and that DLNR could resolve the underlying disputes more quickly through settlement or existing exemption processes. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill from Senator Koopeck about biofuels and a presentation on wood waste issues.
• Bill from Senator Koopeck about biofuels and a presentation on wood waste issues.
• To your amendment, Senator Kupec. homegrown biofuels, supporting our local homegrown biofuels, supporting
• It does offer uh supporter of biofuels.
• Things like biofuels, composts, exist.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , you know, what the carbon emissions are of those biofuels.
• So, so for biofuels are more of a, more like an offset than they are, it's not clean energy, but it's
• , you know, what the carbon emissions are of those biofuels.
• So, so for biofuels are more of a, more like an offset than they are, it's not clean energy, but it's
• It's not working now because we already using biofuels, but only to some extent, but not in massive.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Transportation heard several bills, beginning with SB 2010, which would authorize impoundment of motor vehicles for certain alleged or committed traffic violations. The Department of Transportation supported the bill, while the Department of the Attorney General asked for clarification in section 4 on who could seek remedies and what remedies would be available. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, citing unclear officer-initiated impound criteria, potential strain on judicial or administrative resources, and concerns about hardship for families and indigent owners; the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill with amendments, saying it should be limited to traffic offenses and could serve as an alternative to fines or imprisonment. The chair then recessed before moving to the next items. The committee next heard SB 2527 on commercial driver licensing, which would require state and county firefighters exempt from CDL requirements to be subject to an alcohol and substance abuse policy equivalent to or stronger than federal DOT standards. DOT, the Department of Human Resources Development, county officials, and the Hawaiʻi Firefighters Association all indicated support. SB 2697, which would prohibit driving on roadway shoulders except in limited circumstances, also drew DOT support, with the Attorney General, judiciary, and others submitting comments. SB 2812, requiring driver license applicants to be tested on the dangers larger vehicles pose to pedestrians and bicyclists, was supported by DOT but opposed by the Public Defender, who argued the excessive-speeding portion was too broad for first offenses and that the DUI-related language was unnecessary because DUI relicensing already requires re-examination. SB 291, clarifying that drivers whose licenses were revoked for certain alcohol-related offenses must undergo re-examination before relicensing, received DOT support. The committee then took up SB 3044, which would remove references to pedestrian countdown timers and the requirement that pedestrians begin crossing before the timer starts. DOT opposed the bill, but Hawaiʻi Appleseed supported it, arguing the current rule is confusing and can lead to citations even when pedestrians can safely cross. The Department of Health submitted late comments emphasizing the importance of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and physical activity, and the chair noted the split in testimony. Finally, SB 2995 proposed a zero-emissions rideshare rebate program funded by a rideshare fee and administered by DOT. Earthjustice strongly supported the bill, describing it as a fee-and-rebate structure to help rideshare drivers transition to zero-emissions vehicles. A witness for Tom Yamachika suggested that if the state wants to tax ridesharing, it should amend existing tax law instead of creating a new chapter, but the bill’s supporters said DOT was better suited to administer the rebate program and that similar models exist in California and Washington. The committee also heard SB 3153, which would authorize DOT to designate airport special district zones at airports statewide to improve security and enforcement; DOT’s airports deputy director supported the measure, saying it would clarify jurisdiction and help address trespassing and hazards, and senators asked about boundaries, mapping, and coordination with the Attorney General. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Summit has aggregated, I believe, over 50 ethanol and other biofuels facilities, kind of in the corn
• Of premium markets associated with the biofuel industry.
• Carbon pipelines help add that premium to biofuels and biofuel markets by lowering that carbon intensity
• Biofuel stakeholders have been waiting 33 months for a permit, despite the commitment from the agency
• Access to the biofuel markets supported by these Class VI wells is struggling, which would pad producers

Transcript Highlights:

• It was established in 2015 to encourage commercial-scale production of advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals
• The bioincentive program we just discussed, as well as our biofuels infrastructure financial assistance
• The bioincentive program we just discussed, as well as our biofuels infrastructure financial assistance
• The bioincentive program we just discussed, as well as our biofuels infrastructure financial assistance
• The bioincentive program we just discussed, as well as our biofuels infrastructure financial assistance

Bills: HF858, HF2577, HF2576

Keywords: bioincentive payments, agriculture, job creation, environmental compliance, financial reporting, waste handling, sewage sludge, PFAS regulation, environment, record retention, fertilizer disposal, pesticide disposal, environmental impact, safety regulations, burning prohibition, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Wood-based biofuels provide some of the lowest carbon-emission fuels due to the unique properties of
• Low-emission biofuels not only reduce our reliance on fossil fuels but also improve forest health, which
• A wood-based SAF biofuel industry is within our reach in Minnesota, but it requires long-term incentives
• Low-emission biofuels not only reduce our reliance on fossil fuels but also improve forest health, which
• And this is before we even touch on the highly significant lower carbon intensity of biofuels made from

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 1669, adopting the DE2 amendment, which was described as the bill itself. The amended bill would expand Minnesota’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit by increasing annual allocations, extending the sunset date from 2030 to 2035, adding an extra credit for lower-carbon fuels, and adding environmental and other qualifying requirements. The chair noted the amendment aligned the bill with the governor’s proposal, and the amendment was approved on a voice vote. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Commissioner Tom Peterson of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture backed the bill as a way to preserve Minnesota’s leadership in SAF, attract private investment, and keep crop and timber feedstocks processed in-state. Farmers and agricultural groups, including Minnesota Farmers Union and Minnesota Farm Bureau, said SAF could create new domestic markets for crops such as corn, soybeans, winter camelina, and pennycress while improving farm income and supporting climate-smart practices. Forestry representatives argued that wood waste and forest residue could be turned into SAF, improving forest health and reducing wildfire risk. Environmental and clean-energy groups also supported the bill, emphasizing the added guardrails. The Minnesota Environmental Partnership, Friends of the Mississippi River, and Fresh Energy said the amendments would better protect water quality, soil health, biodiversity, and climate outcomes by favoring lower-carbon SAF and limiting harmful land-use change. University of Minnesota Forever Green representatives said winter-hardy crops could scale over time, and they pointed to ongoing commercialization work and a 1 Million Acre Scaling Study. Labor and construction groups said the bill would support major infrastructure investment and create long-term jobs, with testimony citing the first Minnesota SAF facility already announced and the potential for multiple hubs statewide. No vote on final passage was taken in the portion provided, but the committee heard extensive supportive testimony and questions focused on scalability, infrastructure, and how the credit would accelerate SAF development in Minnesota.

Transcript Highlights:

• following a $90 million investment they made to a portion of their refinery so that they can receive biofuels
• Renewable Fuels Coalition's amendments that would limit the tax credits to not include imported biofuels
• <00:16:45.079> and<00:16:45.319> capital include imported biofuels and capital include
• imported biofuels and capital funding<00:16:46.800> I<00:16:46.920> think<00:16:47.079
• <00:17:13.640> production stocks or enzymes in biofuels production stocks or enzymes in biofuels

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on HB 976, a measure related to incentives for renewable fuels, including renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Supporters said the bill would help close the cost gap between renewable and conventional fuels, strengthen Hawaii’s energy security, support climate goals, and encourage local economic development. Testifiers from Pono Pacific, PAR Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiian Airlines/Alaska Airlines, the Hawaii Department of Transportation, Pacific Biodiesel, Aloha Carbon, and others described ongoing or planned projects, local feedstock development, and potential benefits for agriculture, waste diversion, and emissions reductions. Several testifiers also discussed proposed amendments. The Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition said it wanted to remove the import tax credit, eliminate the aggregate cap increase to avoid additional state funding, and revise local-production language to rely on a carbon-intensity threshold rather than location-based preferences. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised technical concerns about the bill’s administration, including prorating credits if the cap is exceeded and the feasibility of a 30-day filing window. Some supporters urged keeping solid waste, including construction and demolition debris, as eligible feedstock, while Energy Justice Network opposed that approach and also urged removing GMO-related language and waste-based feedstocks because of environmental and toxic emissions concerns. Opposition testimony focused on the bill’s cost and feasibility. Energy Justice Network and Ted Metros argued the measure could become a large subsidy for a refinery and questioned whether Hawaii has enough land and water to produce meaningful quantities of biofuel locally. Metros also criticized the refundable credit structure and said the state should not bear the cost for what he described as a benefit largely tied to tourism and imported fuel. No vote was taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the chair later noted the committee had received 13 testimonies in support, 18 in opposition, and seven comments, and then invited further discussion on cost allocation and lowering caps to broaden participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up will be Brian Werner from the Minnesota Biofuels Association. Identify yourself, sir.
• Association thank you for the biofuels Association thank you for the Unity<00:42:57.520> to<00
• The members of the Minnesota Biofuels Association have committed to greenhouse gas emission reductions
• The members of the Minnesota Biofuels Association have committed to greenhouse gas emission reductions
• The members of the Minnesota Biofuels Association have committed to greenhouse gas emission reductions

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard testimony on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and Minnesota’s efforts to build a SAF industry. Andrea Veble of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture said the Walz administration strongly supports SAF because it could benefit agriculture, forestry, clean energy, and rural economies. She highlighted the 2023 state SAF tax credit and sales tax exemption for facility construction, describing the credit as a nation-leading incentive designed to stack with federal IRA credits and attract producers and blenders to Minnesota. Jeff Davidman of Delta Airlines said aviation is difficult to decarbonize and that SAF is the airline industry’s best available tool to reach net-zero goals by 2050. He explained that SAF is a certified drop-in fuel that can be blended with conventional jet fuel and used in existing aircraft and infrastructure, and he cited growing global demand and limited supply. He said Minnesota has many potential feedstocks, including used cooking oil, corn, soybeans, and camelina, and praised the state’s SAF tax credit and the Minnesota SAF Hub as important steps toward making Minnesota a leader in the sector. Peter Fros of Greater MSP described the Minnesota SAF Hub as a public-private partnership aimed at building an industrial-scale SAF value chain in Minnesota. He said the state has key advantages, including airport demand, corporate partners, research institutions, and agricultural inputs, and estimated that three SAF biorefineries could create tens of thousands of jobs and significant emissions reductions. He also said the Hub is working on blending infrastructure, private demand commitments, a winter camelina expansion study, and efforts to secure additional refineries before 2030. Members raised questions about how sustainability is measured, and Fros said the Hub relies on the federal GREET model but wants a clearer, transparent, and standardized national method that also accounts for issues like water quality and biodiversity. Amanda Bellik of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association said corn-based ethanol is a strong fit for SAF production through the alcohol-to-jet pathway because it is abundant, affordable, and supported by existing infrastructure. She said SAF development could create a new value-added market for corn without requiring new acres, but emphasized the need for significant capital investment, stable tax policy, and efficient permitting. She also said the group has worked with a consultant on third-party sustainability assessments of corn production practices to help fill data gaps and support the carbon-intensity requirements tied to SAF incentives.

Transcript Highlights:

• have to be imported, because there's not the land or water available in the state to be growing biofuels
• have to be imported, because there's not the land or water available in the state to be growing biofuels
• have to be imported, because there's not the land or water available in the state to be growing biofuels
• c><00:19:14.760> to<00:19:14.880> be<00:19:15.039> growing<00:19:15.520> biofuels
• in the state to be growing biofuels in the state to be growing biofuels anyway<00:19:16.919>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water and Land met on March 21, 2025, and considered several resolutions related to water resources, coastal management, and energy planning. On SCR 42/SR 27, which urged DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife to prioritize restoration and protection of additional wetlands and anchialine ponds, DLNR supported the measure and suggested a technical correction changing a reference from the Division of Agriculture to the Division of Aquatic Resources. Testimony from Hā‘ena Reef and Ocean Coalition, Maui Ocean Center, and individuals was in support. The committee recommended passage with technical and non-substantive amendments. The committee also heard SCR 54/SR 36, which would create a desalination planning task force to study whether large-scale desalination for potable water is feasible. DLNR and CWRM said the proposal was a large undertaking and raised capacity concerns, noting the Board of Water Supply was already moving forward with its own desalination planning. BWS testified in support, saying its project was still in planning and design, with construction not expected until late 2027 or 2028, and that the project would produce about 1.7 million gallons per day to supplement Ewa’s water supply. Members discussed whether the task force might duplicate existing work and noted the measure focused on consumption rather than other desalination uses. The committee ultimately recommended passage with technical and non-substantive amendments. For SCR 59/SR 43, which asked DLNR, the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, and the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission to work together on maintaining the Kihei ramp, DLNR reported ongoing collaboration and listed prior improvements including paving, washdown work, dredging, and a retaining wall. The committee recommended passage with technical and non-substantive amendments. On SCR 106/SR 87, which requested a study of which energy sector could be most quickly and cost-effectively decarbonized through public investment in combustion-free alternatives, OPSD said the State Energy Office had already completed a decarbonization study under Act 238 (2022) and a follow-up alternative fuels analysis, and suggested the resolution duplicated existing work. Energy Justice Network testified in support, arguing the proposal would build on prior studies by focusing on non-combustion options such as wind, solar, and storage. Despite support from several organizations and individuals, the committee deferred the measure indefinitely. The committee also passed SR 18 as is, passed SC 51/SR 33 as is, deferred SC 47, and passed SC 76/SR 59 with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would that also apply to biofuel plants? I'm going to actually, Mr.
• The remnants of it will be going to a biofuel plant.
• And to my knowledge, it was never fired up and never provided any biofuel.
• So the biofuel facility that was built next to Fort Baird, I don't know if it's called a nursing home
• And the idea was that the biofuel from the forest would be used there to heat the facility.

Bills: HB253, HB153, HB255, HB287, HB371, SB151, HB8, SB177

Keywords: distance learning, virtual instruction, public education, student enrollment, school funding, education standards, pandemic education response, low-carbon construction, construction materials, rebate, environmental product declaration, EPD, embodied carbon, carbon intensity, greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonization, industrial incentives, clean manufacturing, cement, concrete

Transcript Highlights:

• there’s more corn that’s able to be produced or there’s more soybeans that can be produced for our biofuels
• So opportunities like SAF, or more biofuels being created in the state, are only going to increase the
• So opportunities like SAF, or more biofuels being created in the state, are only going to increase the
• So opportunities like SAF, or more biofuels being created in the state, are only going to increase the
• They have the biofuel refineries. They have the feed lots. They have the poultry operations.

Keywords: Reuploaded to restore full meeting, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum and adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 28, which would create a framework for the $5 million in agricultural economic development funding included in the 2024 budget. Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell testified that the bill is intended to support agriculture-focused economic development, especially processing and further processing projects, by giving the Department of Agriculture tools to identify opportunities, convene partners, and offer incentives. He emphasized the role of the new economic development division in the department and said the effort is meant to complement, not replace, the work of the state Economic Development Cabinet. Shell and several senators described the bill as a rural development tool aimed at helping smaller communities attract projects that fit their scale. He cited examples such as poultry processing, grain and elevator operations, milling, and specialty crop ventures, arguing that local processing can create jobs, strengthen markets for farmers, and keep more value in Kentucky. Senators discussed the need for return-on-investment metrics and clawback provisions for unsuccessful projects, and Shell said the framework includes those concepts. He also said the department is working on opportunities in sustainable aviation fuel, biofuels, and other markets that could bring more acres into production. Members also raised questions about small-farm innovation, raw milk, and direct-to-consumer opportunities. Shell said raw milk testing and related consumer protection issues are more closely tied to the University of Kentucky and the department’s consumer/environmental protection functions than to the bill’s economic development focus, but he said the department can help expand small-farm programs such as Kentucky Proud, Buy Local, KOAP, CAP, food-as-medicine efforts, LFPA, and farm-to-school initiatives. The discussion also turned to beef processing and feedlot development, with Shell saying Kentucky wants a beef processor but first needs to prove it can feed cattle at scale; he said changing conditions in western states could create an opening for Kentucky if it can build the necessary supply chain.

Transcript Highlights:

• It has a robust supply of feedstocks, a strong history of developing a biofuel sector in ethanol and
• And this is before we even talk about the significantly lower carbon intensity of biofuels made from
• <00:22:00.480> made<00:22:00.720> from carbon intensity of biofuels made from carbon
• A<00:34:48.480> wood-based<00:34:49.120> SAF<00:34:49.520> biofuel<00:34:50.000>
• industry<00:34:50.480> is A wood-based SAF biofuel industry is A wood-based SAF biofuel

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By converting biomass to a useful product such as biofuels, biochar, and low-carbon energy, we can...
• By converting biomass to a useful product such as biofuels, biochar, and low-carbon energy, we can not
• the lead speaker: Valley Improvement Projects, Green America, Sorry that list went 350, Humboldt Biofuel

Summary: The Assembly Natural Resources Committee met with some initial delay while waiting for quorum, then approved the consent calendar items SB 234, SB 484, and SB 839. The committee heard several bills focused on wildfire mitigation, biomass use, climate resilience, and geologic hazard mapping. Members and witnesses repeatedly emphasized the need to balance climate, air quality, public health, and land management goals, with testimony both supporting and opposing biomass-related proposals. SB 88 (Caballero) would direct state agencies to support beneficial uses of forest and agricultural biomass, including biochar and low-carbon energy. Supporters argued it would reduce open burning, improve air quality, and create rural economic opportunities; opponents, including environmental groups, argued woody biomass energy is costly, polluting, and harmful to forests and communities. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. SB 653 (Cortese) defining environmentally sensitive vegetation management also passed, with supporters describing it as a voluntary framework to align wildfire fuel reduction with biodiversity and habitat restoration; no opposition was heard, and a member requested to be added as a coauthor. The committee also approved SCR 50 (Stern), which urges state climate agencies to define maladaptation and develop criteria for reviewing climate-related policies and investments, and SB 567 (Limón), a pilot program to study converting idle oil wells into gravity energy storage wells. SB 567 drew support from the sponsor and labor/local government witnesses, while the Water Replenishment District opposed unless amended, citing groundwater protection concerns in key basins and asking for additional safeguards. Finally, SB 831 (Limón) passed, clarifying the scope of geologic hazards to include conditions tied to climate change and natural disasters such as post-fire debris flows, subsidence, and coastal erosion. All measures were reported out of committee, with several absent-member votes later added to complete the roll.

Transcript Highlights:

• explore and demonstrate innovative ways to meet the needs of their customers through the use of biofuels
• explore and demonstrate innovative ways to meet the needs of their customers through the use of biofuels
• explore and demonstrate innovative ways to meet the needs of their customers through the use of biofuels
• explore and demonstrate innovative ways to meet the needs of their customers through the use of biofuels
• explore and demonstrate innovative ways to meet the needs of their customers through the use of biofuels

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, you know, there's a growing appetite for more biofuels.
• <00:21:23.880> Um,<00:21:24.080> using<00:21:24.400> agricultural more biofuels
• Um, using agricultural more biofuels.
• You might want to plan on that additional use that might be a product of biofuels. Thank you.
• <00:25:05.120> Any product of biofuels. Thank you. Any product of biofuels. Thank you.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard multiple governor’s messages for confirmation to the Agribusiness Development Corporation board and one appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. For GM 606, David Ige Hinazumi was supported by ADC and DBEDT, with testimony highlighting his private-sector experience, technology background, and ability to help with risk management and finances. He told senators he had attended board meetings since 2018, saw ADC as a state business arm for agriculture, and supported expanding land, facilities, and even aquaculture if resources allowed. Senators asked about ADC’s role relative to the Department of Agriculture, and he said the department’s strength is research/regulatory work while ADC should focus on business development, support, and facilities for farmers and aquaculture businesses. For GM 607, Jason Watts was strongly supported by ADC leadership, DBEDT, and many agricultural and community groups, with one opposing testimony from Hawaii Farm Bureau. Supporters praised his governance, accountability, transparency, and frequent communication with the agency. In questioning, Watts said ADC’s top priority should be increasing land holdings, and he discussed ADC’s role in water systems, including preserving agricultural water sources and inventorying systems statewide. He also said ADC could potentially help small farmers comply with environmental permitting through a broader, regional approach if authorized by the Legislature. The committee also heard from Joshua Uyehara for GM 682, who was supported by ADC, county officials, and farm groups. He said his priorities would be accelerating ADC projects, expanding capacity, and possibly using ADC as a center of expertise for water systems and for helping farmers with environmental requirements; he also said biofuel crops and food production can be complementary, though food should be prioritized when water is constrained. The committee then considered GM 513, Tracy Lester Smith’s appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. The stadium authority and DBEDT supported her, citing her experience in NASCAR, boxing, and Bellator MMA as useful for marketing, attracting events, and commercializing the stadium. Smith said she was eager to serve and would bring experience from both the landlord and tenant perspectives, helping the board think about venue operations, sponsorships, and event attraction. Senators asked about improving public perception and execution, and she emphasized accountability, timelines, and building a venue that can draw major sports and entertainment events. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the executive director of the Minnesota Biofuels Association.
• c> Minnesota the executive director of the Minnesota the executive director of the Minnesota biofuels
• credit, combined with key permitting reform, will strengthen Minnesota's competitive edge in the biofuel
• c><01:08:08.440> industry<01:08:09.119> while<01:08:09.279> expanding in the biofuel
• the seventh largest producer of biofuels the seventh largest producer of biofuels in<01:08:20.600

Bills: HF1126, HF967, HF1066, HF1669, HF926

Keywords: property tax, Indian Tribe, tax exemption, Minnesota, public charity, property tax exemption, Minnesota statutes, unorganized territory, federally recognized, soil conservation, water conservation, local government aid, environmental funding, Minnesota legislation, tax credits, sustainable aviation fuel, environmental policy, corporate franchise, Minnesota taxation, tobacco

Transcript Highlights:

• In Minnesota, we have a strong history of biofuel production, which makes Minnesota a logical place to
• In Minnesota, we have a strong history of biofuel production, which makes Minnesota a logical place to
• In Minnesota, we have a strong history of biofuel production, which makes Minnesota a logical place to
• We've been a leader in biofuels in the past.
• Brian Werner, the executive director of the Minnesota Biofuels Association.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all