Transcript Highlights:

• We’re not extracting any of our own resource here. So we are at a financial disadvantage.
• We know right now that with lithium batteries, they go on fire.
• There's a difference between lithium-ion and lithium batteries, so I just want to be sure we're making
• And, you know, at least in my area, the battery storage facilities that are coming on are not lithium-ion
• They're lithium. Different.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications considered a large agenda focused mainly on energy affordability, the CLCPA, utility rates, and renewable energy siting. Senator Mattera and other Republican members argued that the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act has driven up utility bills, harmed reliability, and imposed costs on ratepayers, while Democratic members pushed back that rising costs are also driven by natural gas markets, infrastructure costs, and broader economic factors. Several bills sought to repeal or pause CLCPA-related policies, create a CLCPA task force, impose studies or moratoriums on new energy taxes and fees, and increase transparency around utility surcharges and state energy spending. Supporters framed these measures as ratepayer relief and accountability; opponents said some proposals would undermine clean-energy policy and existing consumer-benefit programs. The committee defeated S.1167, which would have repealed the All Electric Building Act, and S.1173, which would have created a CLCPA task force. It also failed S.5250, a bill to study CLCPA costs and impose a moratorium on new energy taxes, fees, or regulations, and S.7075, which would have prohibited the system benefits charge on utility bills. Several other bills advanced, including S.1236A on virtual access and electronic filing for Public Service Commission proceedings, S.1552 establishing reduced residential rates for low-income electric and natural gas customers, S.2484 directing a study of replacement timeframes for battery storage and renewable facilities, S.2638 on carbon allowance auction proceeds, S.3247 on electric vehicle charging stations, S.3553 requiring utilities to post promotional and educational materials on their websites, S.4571A creating a floating solar incentive education program, S.5518 shifting Public Service Commission funding to legislative appropriation, and S.6412A requiring itemized ratepayer disclosure of surcharges. S.9251, on labor-related legal costs, was referred to the Labor Committee. S.7710, which would have restricted energy storage systems near schools and homes in New York City, failed after concerns and support were debated. The committee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• You'll, if you've heard that before, PUREX is an extraction process using solvent extraction.
• So you're using a solvent extraction. So you're using a... A process using solvent extraction.
• If you're looking at lithium brine collection, we're looking at brine concentration, direct lithium extraction
• If you're looking at lithium brine collection, we're looking at brine concentration, direct lithium extraction
• it and will continue to extract it with great means being able to do that.

Summary: The meeting opened with remarks about the value of public engagement and the quality of questions from the group, followed by a series of technical presentations from Idaho National Laboratory staff. Joe Renovitz described recent nuclear regulatory changes tied to presidential executive orders, including NRC Part 53 for advanced reactors, the forthcoming Part 57 for very small reactors, and DOE updates to reactor authorization standards. He emphasized efforts to align DOE and NRC processes, use risk-informed and performance-based licensing, support reactor deployment for AI/data centers and national security, and use AI to speed communications and crosswalks between DOE and NRC requirements. In response to questions, he said there was no plan to merge agencies, but rather to improve coordination and public outreach through groups like GAIN and NEI. David Tolman then discussed the nuclear fuel cycle, including uranium mining, conversion, enrichment, fuel fabrication, spent fuel storage, transportation, disposal, and reprocessing. He explained high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), why it is needed for advanced reactors, and DOE’s HALEU Availability Program and related investments in enrichment, transportation, deconversion, and supply chain development. He also covered spent fuel management, the possibility of centralized storage or a fuel-cycle campus, the Center for Used Fuel Research, and ongoing work on high-burnup cask testing and reprocessing technologies. Tolman described aqueous, pyrochemical, and fluoride-volatility reprocessing approaches, noting the advantages and waste characteristics of each, and said several companies are working with INL on these technologies. Ashley Shields presented INL’s AI and nuclear work, focusing on the Genesis initiative and the Prometheus effort to use AI to design, license, build, and operate reactors with far less human intervention. She described INL’s broad use of generative AI tools, the need to manage large volumes of legacy technical data, and applications in reactor design, materials discovery, autonomous laboratories, and digital twins. Shields said AI is being used to reduce the enormous documentation burden in nuclear licensing and to support autonomous or remotely operated reactor demonstrations, while stressing that humans remain in supervisory roles. In discussion, she addressed data security, model access, and the continued need for software engineers. The session then recessed briefly and resumed with Mitch Kerman beginning a presentation on critical minerals and materials.

Transcript Highlights:

• 09:49.480> need<00:09:49.600> to<00:09:49.720> be<00:09:50.279> fixed lithium
• batteries that need to be fixed lithium batteries that need to be fixed the<00:09:51.399> current
• ><00:15:52.240> attributed<00:15:52.759> to<00:15:52.959> a<00:15:53.040> lithium
• 2023 which was attributed to a lithium 2023 which was attributed to a lithium battery<00:15:53.800
• Working in a MRF is already one of the most dangerous jobs in the country, and lithium batteries are

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• plastics, toxic chemicals, and lithium plastics, toxic chemicals, and lithium iron<00:08:54.080>
• The lithium ion batteries ecosystems.
• 158 fires total, with 44 being lithium 158 fires total, with 44 being lithium battery<00:09:56.959
• And last but not least, there's a lithium ion battery inside.
• a lithium ion battery inside. a lithium ion battery inside.

Bills: HB1924, HB2121, HB1928, HB1979, HB1650, HB1543, HB1981, HB1982

Keywords: mattress recycling, waste management, producer responsibility, environmental health, steafardship program, electronic cigarettes, disposable devices, environmental protection, plastic pollution, lithium batteries, pollution control, public health, deposit beverage container, bottle bill, container deposit law, container redemption, recycling refund, extended producer responsibility, EPR, deposit return system

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to waste, recycling, and environmental review. On HB 1924, which would establish a mattress stewardship program, the Department of Health said it stood on written testimony and offered comments, while Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and one individual supported the bill and the International Sleep Products Association opposed it. No questions were raised and the committee moved on. A large portion of the hearing focused on HB 2121, which would prohibit the sale of disposable vapes in Hawaii. The Department of Health supported the measure but suggested the bill may be better placed in a different part of state law because the cited waste-management section regulates products after consumption, while still praising the effort to remove disposable vapes from the market and environment. Testimony in strong support came from the Coalition for Tobacco Free Hawaii Youth Council, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii COPD Coalition, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, the City and County of Honolulu, and many individuals; supporters emphasized youth vaping, toxic waste, lithium battery fire risks, and environmental harm. There was at least one opposing individual and the International Sleep Products Association was listed in opposition. The committee noted there were many written testimonies and no immediate vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 1928 on the deposit beverage container recycling program. The Department of Health stood on written testimony. The Solid Waste Task Force of Hawaii Environmental Change Agents and Upstream supported the bill but urged amendments to better integrate reuse and reusables, strengthen enforcement, clarify definitions, and protect existing redemption centers. The Hawaii Food Industry Association supported the concept of a backdrop program but preferred strengthening the existing program and raised concerns about undefined fees, existing infrastructure, and future audit costs. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supported the bill, and the chair said the measure needs work and that decision-making would occur in a few days. Finally, the committee took up HB 979 on environmental review and HB 1650 on environmental assessments. For HB 979, OPSD offered amendments, HCDA supported the bill but suggested clarifying the affordable-housing definition, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative supported it, and Earthjustice was asked about the court process for environmental challenges; the chair asked about shortening the challenge period and the relationship between environmental court, the intermediate court of appeals, and the Supreme Court. For HB 1650, OPSD and the State Historic Preservation Division stood on written testimony, OHA asked to retain historic sites, and several groups and individuals testified in support or opposition. Opponents argued that removing Wiki special district and historic sites from Chapter 343 trigger language would weaken environmental review and risk impacts to iwi kūpuna and historic resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vapes are hazardous waste because they contain nicotine or cannabis, lithium batteries, and electronic
• It unlocks the future of lithium production for domestic production and direct lithium extraction. the
• Without a healthy and growing geothermal sector, California's vision for Lithium Valley and for energy
• has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia, we're now seeing the proliferation of concentrated extracts
• The poppy plant was just a plant. till it's extracts were isolated and concentrated into morphine, codeine

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just outside of San Diego County, in East and Imperial, we have the Salton Sea and the largest lithium
• So continue to invest in that value chain around not just extracting the lithium, but also producing
• Just outside of San Diego County, East and Imperial, we have the Salton Sea and the largest lithium deposit
• So continue to invest in that value chain around not just extracting the lithium, but also producing

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact held an informational hearing in San Diego focused on “Making Sense of California’s Economy: Real Cost Pressures and Household Impacts Facing San Diego.” Chair Salas and Assemblymember Darshana Patel opened by emphasizing affordability, housing, and the importance of bringing state policy discussions into the community. The first panel featured leaders from Cal State San Marcos and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, who described the region’s innovation ecosystem, the university’s role in social mobility and workforce development, and the importance of partnerships with K-12 schools, community colleges, military installations, and industry. They also highlighted regional strengths in life sciences, aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and venture-backed innovation, while warning that housing costs, federal research cuts, permitting delays, and small-business fragility threaten growth and talent retention. Committee members asked about collaboration among higher education institutions and what state policy changes could help. Panelists said the region’s universities are complementary rather than competitive and stressed the value of public-private partnerships, social innovation, and aligning academic programs with employer needs. On policy, they urged faster permitting, possible regulatory sandboxes, stronger research investment, support for cross-border trade and manufacturing, and more housing affordability to keep workers in the region. The second panel centered on small business and entrepreneurship, with testimony from Hydrostasis founder Dr. Debbie Chen, Amai co-founder Sven Davison, and Asian Business Association San Diego CEO Jason Pagal. Chen described building a hydration-monitoring wearable, the barriers women founders face in accessing capital, and the importance of SBDC, Stella Foundation, and university internship support. Davison described Amai’s edible cup business and how tariffs, supply-chain costs, and financing constraints forced the company to pivot manufacturing plans. Pagal presented survey data showing high relocation intent, difficulty hiring, and low confidence among businesses, and recommended expanded technical assistance, regional cost-of-living adjustments, and small-business affordability zones. During questioning, members discussed targeted procurement and local incentive models, the role of SBDC and other support networks, and how to better tailor state programs to local conditions. Public comment came from the California Southern Small Business Development Corporation, which stressed that access to affordable capital remains a major challenge and noted the volume of loan guarantee requests coming from San Diego. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with closing remarks from both members underscoring the need to use local testimony to shape future state policy and support California’s economy, families, and small businesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the same time, batteries contain valuable materials that we'd like to extract and toxins that we do
• > is Given that lithium-ion battery is expected to increase sixfold by 2030, it is crucial for
• Your regular alkaline batteries, sure, but these lithium batteries you should not put in.
• I know that whatever the valuable parts are, they are extracted and resold.
• extracted and resold. extracted and resold.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Vapes are hazardous waste because they contain nicotine or cannabis, lithium batteries, and electronic
• the Fourth District, which includes the Salton Sea known geothermal resource area, also known as Lithium
• It unlocks the future of lithium production for domestic production.
• It unlocks the future of lithium production and direct lithium extraction, the cleanest process known
• Without a healthy and growing geothermal sector, California's vision for Lithium Valley and for energy

Summary: The committee heard a series of environmental safety and toxic materials measures, with several bills moving forward on unanimous or near-unanimous votes to Appropriations. Early in the meeting, the consent calendar was approved, including AB 372, AB 455, AB 1096, AB 1102, and AB 754. AB 362 by Assembly Member Ramos, which would recognize tribal beneficial uses of water and strengthen consultation and protection for tribal water uses, drew strong support from tribes and environmental groups. Water agencies and local government representatives opposed unless amended, raising concerns about CEQA requirements, co-management language, and conflicts with existing water law. The bill advanced to Appropriations, with some members voting aye and others not voting or absent. AB 728 by Assembly Member Lee would require age verification for the sale of certain anti-aging skin care products to minors. The author and a youth witness described social media-driven use of adult skin products by children and alleged skin damage, while supporters argued age checks are a reasonable consumer protection. Dermatologists and retailers opposed the bill, saying it could restrict legitimate acne and other medical uses of over-the-counter products, create compliance problems, and lacked a clear scientific basis. The committee discussed possible ambiguity in the bill’s definition of anti-aging products, but the measure still passed to Appropriations. AB 532 on low-income water rate assistance, AB 773 on copper-based anti-fouling paint, AB 998 on household hazardous waste disposal of vape pens, AB 1031 on geothermal hazardous waste fees, and AB 864 on solar panel hazardous waste and recycling all received strong support and advanced to Appropriations. Supporters for AB 532 emphasized water affordability and local program authority; AB 773 supporters said conflicting state water and pesticide rules are creating confusion for harbors and cities; AB 998 was presented as a practical way to let schools and local facilities dispose of confiscated vape devices safely; AB 1031 was framed as reducing DTSC fee burdens on geothermal development in Imperial County; and AB 864 would ease recycling and reuse of end-of-life solar panels. The committee also began hearing AB 1264 on ultra-processed foods in school meals, with the author and supporters arguing it would phase out the most harmful ultra-processed foods from school meals by 2032, but the transcript cuts off before the full discussion and any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lithium batteries are a safety.
• > into lithium battery lithium-ion battery into lithium battery lithium-ion battery into the<01
• Um, basically since 2021, Koch-backed operations have invested nearly 1.9 billion into lithium extraction
• nearly 1.9 billion into lithium nearly 1.9 billion into lithium extraction<02:25:59.360> and<
• ,<02:26:06.080> 252 lithium for direct lithium mining, 252 lithium for direct lithium mining

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am testifying in regard to the lithium-ion battery proposed bill, and just to let you know that the
• We are the largest recycler of lithium-ion batteries.
• We can recover up to 95% of the critical minerals within lithium-ion batteries.
• Lithium-ion batteries can potentially ignite or explode when damaged, broken, or overheated.
• . ...single-use primary double-A, triple-A, or lithium-ion.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a heavily attended hybrid hearing focused primarily on plastics reduction bills, along with a few local and related waste-management measures. Chair Rauch and Chair Barber outlined strict testimony rules because of the large number of speakers. Before the plastics docket, the committee heard support for a local Sharon sewer-extension bill for a Sunrise Senior Living project, and the bill’s proponents said the project would help address senior housing needs and would still require MWRA and local approvals. The chairs also noted a separate local matter involving Sharon and the MWRA. A major portion of the hearing centered on the Plastics Reduction Act and related bills addressing single-use plastics, including plastic bags, polystyrene, black plastic, plastic beverage bottles, non-flushable wipes, skip-the-stuff provisions, and truth-in-labeling. Sponsors and supporters said the bills would reduce litter, microplastics, greenhouse gas emissions, and municipal waste costs, while creating statewide consistency and supporting environmental justice communities. Several speakers cited local bans already adopted by many Massachusetts cities and towns, and many urged the committee to advance comprehensive statewide action. The committee also heard testimony on a boat wrap recycling bill, a mattress recycling bill, and a bill to prohibit hotels from providing small plastic toiletries. Municipal officials and waste professionals supported extended producer responsibility for paint and labeling for non-flushable wipes, saying these measures would shift costs away from cities and towns and reduce strain on wastewater systems. The Massachusetts Municipal Association, Mayor Ruth Ann Fuller of Newton, and a Franklin County waste official all backed paint EPR and wipes labeling. Fire Chief Brian Nardelli testified for the Fire Chiefs Association in support of lithium-ion battery legislation, citing fire safety and disposal concerns. Other speakers, including environmental groups, local activists, and business representatives, supported bag and polystyrene bans, though the Retailers Association of Massachusetts urged any bag policy to be truly statewide and said any bag fee should be retained by retailers. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a lot of health problems that have been brought forward about the, uh, the lithium inside of
• Uh, also, if you look at California, there's been a couple of fires over there, these lithium battery
• We actually had, uh, a hunter in Brady had one, a smaller lithium battery, uh, in his deer blind that
• Well, the lithium from there is burning all the way into his bone.
• Lithium battery facilities have a history of explosions and thermal runaway fires which are extremely

Bills: HB 551, HB 1281, HB 1378, HB 1617, HB 2868, HB 2881, HB 3374, HB 4439, HB 4726, HB 4732, HB 4878, HB 4914, HB 4921, HB 4958, HB 5200, HB 5318, HB 5360, HB 5402, HB 5568, HB 5573, HB 5623, HJR 218

Keywords: political contributions, address privacy, Texas Ethics Commission, election transparency, campaign finance, international organizations, World Health Organization, jurisdiction, state law, enforcement, United Nations, World Economic Forum, attorney general, Texas attorney general, state sovereignty, legal enforcement, Texas Attorney General, electric energy storage, municipal regulation, county regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• current law for instance lithium current law for instance lithium batteries<01:03:50.520> are
• Lithium batteries are making it considerably more dangerous.
• Um, so, uh, gold, platinum, palladium, cobalt, lithium — these are all, um, copper. materials they get
• <01:38:40.360> these Platinum padium Cobalt uh lithium these Platinum padium Cobalt uh lithium
• These are all metals that are in our circuit boards and batteries that can be extracted and reused in

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are a lot of health problems that have been brought forward about the lithium inside of there and
• If those end up leaking, the PFOS that's believed to be inside those batteries, or the lithium, could
• Also, if you look at California, there have been a couple of fires involving these lithium batteries.
• Well, the lithium from there is burning all the way into his bone.
• We shouldn't be putting these new lithium-ion batteries in locations with the expectation that nothing

Bills: HB551, HB 1281, HB1378, HB1617, HB2868, HB2881, HB3374, HB4439, HB4726, HB4732, HB4878, HB4914, HB4921, HB4958, HB5200, HB5318, HB5360, HB5402, HB5568, HB5573, HB5623, HJR218

Keywords: political contributions, address privacy, Texas Ethics Commission, election transparency, campaign finance, international organizations, World Health Organization, jurisdiction, state law, enforcement, United Nations, World Economic Forum, attorney general, Texas attorney general, state sovereignty, legal enforcement, Texas Attorney General, electric energy storage, municipal regulation, county regulation

Bills: SB44, SB546, SB1213, SB1256, SB1287, SB1443, SB1644, SB1653, SB1716, SB1209, SB1826, SB1919, SB1930, SB1976, SB2028, SB2067, SB2072, SB2117, SB710, SB1477, SB1405

Keywords: sales tax exemption, nonprofit organizations, contractors, charitable purposes, state law, SB1213, earned credits, inmate credits, good time, sentence reduction, Department of Corrections, DOC, prison reform, corrections policy, inmate classification, class levels, rehabilitation credits, achievement credits, vocational training, educational credits

Transcript Highlights:

• It's evident that utility companies and others can use the threat of delay to extract value.
• For the benefit of the public, could you please identify the revenue source for the lithium fund?
• The revenue source is from activity and lithium extraction, the particular component of this would be
• It's a percent tax on the lithium that comes up... That's what I wanted said.
• for the impacts of the extraction.

Summary: The hearing opened with budget framing from the chair and the LAO, who said the May Revision addresses roughly a $14 billion budget problem and that the environment and transportation subcommittee’s proposals account for about $1.9 billion of the solution. The LAO urged members to focus on solutions that do not worsen out-year deficits, to preserve reserves, and to defer major policy changes that are not necessary to pass the budget, including the newly introduced water-related trailer bills. Members also raised concern about a late-dropped Olympic-related trailer bill, which the LAO likewise suggested should be deferred for fuller review. The first major item was the Delta Conveyance Project and related water quality control plan trailer bills. The administration argued the proposals would streamline permitting, water rights proceedings, judicial review, and land acquisition, and would clarify DWR’s bond authority for the project. DWR said the project is needed to protect water supply reliability against drought, earthquakes, sea level rise, and other climate-related disruptions, and that the tunnel would help move water when conditions are wet and safer for the environment. Committee members from both parties questioned the timing, the use of budget trailer bills for major policy changes, the scope of the CEQA and water-rights changes, the lack of a bond cap, cost growth, and eminent domain protections. The LAO recommended deferring both water trailer bills without prejudice. Public comment was sharply divided, with labor, water agencies, and some business groups supporting the project as climate adaptation and reliability infrastructure, while environmental, tribal, fishing, county, and community groups opposed it as an attempt to bypass public process and weaken protections. The committee then briefly heard the DMV’s Digital Experience Platform fee trailer bill, which would reinstate a $1 system improvement fee to help fund the vehicle-registration phase of the project. DMV said the fee would raise about $7 million annually and offset roughly $59 million to $60 million of project costs, while the LAO noted it would help but would not solve the Motor Vehicle Account’s broader structural gap. The hearing then moved to California High-Speed Rail, where the new CEO presented an updated plan and said the project remains a major climate and infrastructure investment. He reported a revised Merced-to-Bakersfield cost range of $34.9 billion to $38.5 billion, said the agency is trying to reduce risk through direct procurement of materials, and argued that stable annual funding is needed to avoid higher costs from delays.

Transcript Highlights:

• talking about the hazards of um, lithium talking about the hazards of um, lithium batteries<03:02
• going to be um recycled, the lithium going to be um recycled, the lithium within<03:53:59.760>
• Keen were related to lithium-ion Keen were related to lithium-ion batteries.<04:29:42.560> One
• and lithium-ion.
• So I think, to your question, this program would capture both lithium-ion batteries, lithium batteries

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But how about the salt and sea lithium fund? Can you give us an update?
• For the benefit of the public, could you please identify the revenue source for the lithium fund?
• extraction the particular the component of this would be something that would have to happen in that
• to get out there is that people know that some of the profits from this extraction are going to pay
• for the impacts of the extraction.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lithium from Australia and cobalt, which is largely sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which
• Lithium from Australia and cobalt, which is largely sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which
• , cobalt, those minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel nickel nickel nickel,<00:35:18.560> copper,<
• Lithium from Australia and cobalt, which is largely sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which
• One suggestion to extracted and reused.

Bills: HF4211, HF3426, HF4819, HF3466, HF3793, HF3339

Keywords: air pollution, lead emissions, continuous emissions monitoring system, CEMS, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, MPCA, environmental monitoring, emission compliance, air quality, public health, industrial pollution, permitted facility, residential exposure, toxic metals, emission limits, pollution control, stack monitoring, real-time emissions monitoring, natural resources, environment

Transcript Highlights:

• You got a lot of good people out there that know how to extract, and make energy for all of us.
• Energy announced the results of the most comprehensive analysis to date, quantifying the domestic lithium
• Beyer. is your plan to develop domestic sources of lithium and assure that we're not reliant on foreign
• If confirmed, would you commit that brining as a means of extraction would be included in any administrative
• certainly ask that you work with California leaders to advance brining and other opportunities in the Lithium

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also puts in place critical mineral recovery rates, which will ensure that nickel, lithium,
• Extracts and separates materials from end-of-life propulsion batteries, including metals, compounds,
• I By 2031: A. 90% of cobalt; B. 90% of nickel; and C. 50% of lithium.
• By 2035: A. 90% of cobalt; B. 90% of nickel; and C. 80% of lithium.
• The mining required for lithium, cobalt, nickel, and other rare materials is incredibly destructive.

Keywords: 981, all