Transcript Highlights:

• development is already embedded in our economy, from our national labs to aerospace and advanced energy
• The bill could be a critical tool for several industries, including advanced energy, spin-offs from the
• With the bill, ...energy, spin-offs from the national labs, and aeronautic and defense companies.
• Innovation is already a core driver of New Mexico's economy, particularly in aerospace, advanced energy
• So it's hard to judge that, whether you're talking about an advanced energy, R&D development, testing

Summary: The committee heard testimony on the committee substitute for House Bill 27, which would modernize New Mexico’s research and development tax credit. Sponsors said the bill would allow the credit to be stacked with industrial revenue bonds for qualifying facilities, exclude data centers and national laboratories, permit up to $50 million in transferable credits per year for 2026-2028, and extend the carry-forward period to seven years. Supporters from business, construction, labor, and economic development groups argued the changes would improve cash flow for startups, help attract and retain high-wage jobs, and encourage commercialization of New Mexico-developed technology in sectors such as advanced energy, aerospace, fusion, and advanced manufacturing. Several witnesses emphasized that the bill was intended to keep commercialization and capital investment in New Mexico rather than losing them to other states. Committee members raised concerns about tax policy, fiscal impact, and whether the bill would truly lead to commercialization. Questions focused on the transferability provision, the $50 million annual cap, who could buy credits, whether data centers should be excluded, how the bill interacts with IRBs and other incentives, and whether the labs could benefit. Some members supported the bill’s goals but worried it was too narrowly tailored or could create winners and losers. The sponsors and administration witnesses responded that the bill was designed to tie R&D to physical infrastructure, provide capital to early-stage companies, and protect the general fund with caps and time limits. They also said the bill would not apply to national labs and would not change existing rural-area doubling provisions. After extensive discussion and no opposition testimony, the committee did not advance the bill. Representative Cadena moved to table the committee substitute for House Bill 27, Representative Parra made the second, and the motion passed without opposition, so the bill was tabled.

Transcript Highlights:

• to create an energy-proving ground on its Rellis campus that would provide a platform for companies
• House Bill 3701 seeks to provide the same opportunity for advances in energy.
• that Texas A&M would be building and creating as far as the nuclear. energy this molten salt it does
• energy okay yes thank you yes chairman thank you mr. chairman Representative Dyson, this bill is only
• As very well outlined, you know, in our energy-proven grounds, to demonstrate new energy technologies

Bills: HB42 , HB 125 , HB 1233 , HB2853 , HB3148 , HB3326 , HB3701 , HB4066 , HB4361 , HB4762 , HB4909 , HB4912 , HB42 , HB125

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso

Transcript Highlights:

• Renewable, such as the building, like I said the other day, the building of a power plant that is energy
• Speaker, for renewable energy to help create a program for solar energy technicians. Mr.
• There are jobs in the renewable energy sector.
• In the Energy Committee, I saw two or three different analyses, Mr.
• And the Energy Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 5 as amended has been read by title and is referred to the House Energy, Environment, and
• So how are we going to ensure that this will not strain the energy cycle and the energy needs of the
• To residential use and business use, an embodied energy. And so with this, Mr.
• I know during when it was on the energy, we were talking a little bit about it. Can you tell me?
• System, clean energy, water, biosciences, aerospace, and space.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also the director of the Energy Governance and Political Economy Lab.
• Well, likewise, this bill represents kind of the future of energy.
• Well, likewise, this bill represents kind of the future of energy.
• Commission, including the Integrated Energy Policy Report and the Energy Commission study on firm power
• This is a due pass as amended to the Utilities and Energy Committee.

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills focused on environmental policy, public infrastructure, housing, and energy. AB 1812, dealing with compostable plastics and compost contamination, drew strong support from farmers, composters, counties, cities, and waste companies, while manufacturers and compostable-product companies opposed it unless amended, arguing it would undermine compostable packaging and SB 54 goals. AB 2216 to expand the Delta Conservancy’s service area also received broad support and no opposition. AB 2481, which would allow leftover glass quality incentive funds to support recycled glass used in fiberglass insulation and other products, was supported by insulation manufacturers, recyclers, and waste advocates and passed with no opposition. AB 2152, streamlining fire station construction and tying CEQA relief to project labor agreement requirements, was supported by firefighters and construction trades but opposed by contractors and wildlife groups over the PLA mandate and environmental review provisions; the committee discussed amendments and sent it forward. AB 1536, the Save Our Shores Act, aimed at offshore oil and gas safety and decommissioning, was supported by coastal and environmental groups and opposed by the petroleum industry, with members debating pipeline safety, drilling risks, and carbon intensity before advancing the bill. AB 1849, a study bill on decarbonized gaseous fuels, split supporters from hydrogen, bioenergy, and propane interests against environmental and justice groups who said it favored biomethane and hydrogen without clear definitions; the author said it was only a study measure, and it moved ahead. AB 1732, which would expand CEQA streamlining for public university and community college housing projects, was backed by students, UC representatives, housing advocates, and labor, with no opposition heard; members raised concerns about environmental impacts and evacuation planning, but the bill was approved. Several measures were taken on consent and others were held open for absent members or quorum issues, with multiple bills receiving due pass recommendations as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also the director of the Energy Governance and Political Economy Lab.
• Well, likewise, this bill represents kind of the future of energy.
• Commission, including the Integrated Energy Policy Report and the Energy Commission study on firm power
• This is a due pass, as amended, to the Utilities and Energy Committee.
• Motion is due pass as amended to the Utilities and Energy Committee. Chair voting aye.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're a 501(c)(3) that promotes renewables and energy efficiency.
• We're not growing anything there other than energy, but we don't grow any energy when the sun doesn't
• We're not growing anything there other than energy, but we don't grow any energy when the sun doesn't
• They sell that company to North Star Clean Energy out of Michigan.
• They sell that company to North Star Clean Energy out of Michigan.

Committee: House Utilities

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• source and store energy harnessed, including using battery farms.
• The fact that we're once again voting to study battery and renewable energy safely means that we don't
• School districts to safely house its own energy source and store energy harnessed, including using battery
• The fact that we're once again voting to study battery and renewable energy safely means that we don't
• The fact that we're once again voting to study battery and renewable energy safely means that we don't

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, and then took up a series of previously adopted resolutions recognizing individuals, communities, and state traditions. The chamber honored Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis posthumously after his Medal of Honor recognition, with remarks from Senator Scarcella-Spanton and others praising his sacrifice and welcoming his parents. Senators also celebrated New York maple producers and Maple Weekends, Bangladesh Independence Day and the contributions of Bangladeshi New Yorkers, York Middle/High School girls varsity volleyball for winning a state championship, Pavilion/York Air Rifle for winning the state invitational championship, and Tartan Day. These resolutions were adopted, and the sponsors opened them for co-sponsorship. The Senate then moved through the regular calendar and passed multiple bills, including measures on environmental conservation, personal property, agriculture and markets, insurance, state law, executive law, workers’ compensation, election law, correction law, public health, and parks/historic preservation. Most passed with broad support, though some drew a handful of negative votes. One bill on election law, allowing certain 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they will be 18 by the general election, prompted supportive floor debate from several senators and passed 43-17. Another bill on correction law also passed after debate. A notable controversy arose over Calendar 227, a Public Authorities Law bill related to school energy planning and electric buses. Senator Borrello challenged an amendment as nongermane, the Chair ruled against it, and the Senate voted 22-0 to sustain the ruling. The underlying bill then passed, despite criticism from senators who argued the state should repeal the electric bus mandate and instead study safer, more practical alternatives for school districts. The Senate then completed its business and adjourned until March 24 at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:40:04.240><c> codes</c><00:40:04.480><c> or</c><00:40:04.640><c> building</c> in planning energy
• codes or building in planning energy codes or building decarbonization<00:40:05.599><c> appointed</c
• /c><00:40:20.320><c> as</c><00:40:20.480><c> a</c><00:40:20.560><c> building</c><00:40:20.800><c> energy
• </c> Colorado to serve as a building energy Colorado to serve as a building energy efficiency<00:40:21.599
• President, uh, I was in the, um, Transportation and Energy Committee when we heard from the Building

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The pipeline is a joint venture between ArcLight Energy and BP, and BP is the operator of the pipeline
• This system is highly regulated, and our rates are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
• fuels, gasoline, propane, coke, and a wide variety of other transportation and non-transportation energy
• Regardless, the coordination process led by the State Department of Commerce Energy Emergency Management
• All the energy research indicates energy supply and supply chain and resilience framework...

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Their energy and laughter give my life color and their successes fill me with immeasurable pride.
• Department of Energy.
• I thank President Trump and Energy Secretary Wright for affording me the opportunity to shift course
• If confirmed, do you commit to working closely with NNSA and the Department of Energy on policies like
• Certainly, if confirmed, I will work with the NNSA Administrator and the Secretary of Energy to make

Committees: Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel , Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces

Keywords: defense industrial base, small business, workforce development, acquisition processes, national security, cybersecurity, critical minerals

Summary: The meeting of the committee revolved around critical discussions on enhancing the defense industrial base, focusing on small business engagement and the importance of streamlined processes in defense contracting. There was a significant emphasis on the need for more investment in the defense manufacturing sector, particularly in the face of competition from countries like China. Some members expressed frustration over the treatment of small businesses, citing barriers that prevent these innovative companies from effectively participating in defense contracts. The need for a workforce capable of meeting the common challenges posed by evolving technologies and geopolitical threats was also highlighted throughout the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• policy or certain responses to energy.
• policy or certain responses to energy.
• Your save Wyoming's traditional energy.
• </c> setting policy uh setting state energy setting policy uh setting state energy policy.<01:33:13.679
• ,</c> I am happy to offer opinions on energy, I am happy to offer opinions on energy, but<01:34:32.320

Bills: HB0002 , HB0022

Committee: Senate Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions

Keywords: building permits, local government, residential construction, permit timelines, code compliance, municipal officers, recall election, petition requirements, local governance, voter participation, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> tournament at the XL Energy Center? tournament at the XL Energy Center?
• </c> the Excel Energy Center Arena Complex. the Excel Energy Center Arena Complex.
• Together, the Excel Energy Center Arena, St.
• was</c><01:44:16.719><c> originally</c> The XL Energy Center was originally The XL Energy Center was
• </c> would help us address the Excel Energy would help us address the Excel Energy Center,<01:52:18.480

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It updates all of the codes except the electrical code, which we did last year, and the energy code,
• code, which had not been and the energy code, which had not been approved<00:37:38.360><c> by</c><00
• </c><00:38:13.360><c> code,</c> inclusion of the energy code, inclusion of the energy code, not<00:38
• As well as significant changes to the 2021 versus the 2018 and the 2024 energy code.
• And it seems that that is a energy.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the Democratic majority keeps kind of nibbling at the sides when it comes to the energy code issues
• And the Democratic majority keeps kind of nibbling at the sides when it comes to the energy code issues
• I think the big ones are permitting reform, Growth Management Act, energy code.
• need is you figure out a better way to make GMA work in the 21st century, you figure out a better energy
• I think the big ones are permitting reform, growth management act, energy code.

Summary: House and Senate Republican leaders held a media availability on the second day of the 60-day legislative session, reacting to Governor Ferguson’s State of the State address and outlining their priorities. They said the top issue is affordability, and argued the governor and Democratic majority are responding with more taxes, regulation, and government spending rather than restraint. They criticized the prospect of a state income tax, calling it unconstitutional, politically unpopular, and likely to expand beyond high earners over time. They also said the state should avoid raiding the rainy day fund and instead look for savings through tighter budget management, reduced middle management, and a focus on core services. The leaders also discussed public safety, immigration enforcement, child care oversight, transportation, housing, and the Climate Commitment Act. On immigration, they said law enforcement coordination is essential and criticized mixed messages from state leaders about federal enforcement and sheriffs. On child care, they said allegations of fraud in subsidy programs should be investigated through audits and oversight, and rejected the idea that looking for fraud is offensive to honest providers. They said there is some bipartisan agreement on using Climate Commitment Act revenue for the Working Families Tax Credit, transportation, and wildfire prevention, but argued the tax itself is regressive and should be redirected to better uses. On the budget, Republicans said the current deficit will not be solved by a future income tax and that the state will likely need spending cuts or savings. They said there is some limited agreement with moderate Democrats against further tax increases and against using the rainy day fund as a first step. On housing and transportation, they said the real solutions are permitting reform, changes to the Growth Management Act and energy code, and more stable transportation funding, rather than more state spending on affordable housing or piecemeal fees. No votes were taken, and the event ended as a press availability with questions from reporters.

Transcript Highlights:

• I KNOW THERE ARE DIFFERENT ENERGY GROUPS BUT WE NEED ENERGY AND I GET THAT.
• AND CUT THE COST OF THE ENERGY FOR THE ENERGY USERS INSTEAD OF MAKING IT MORE PROFITABLE FOR THE ACTUAL
• WE UNDERSTAND RENEWABLE ENERGY HAS LONGER TERM BENEFITS TO OUR SOCIETY AND SOME TO OUR LOCAL AREA.
• I WILL HAVE TO SAY THAT FLORIDA POWER AND LIGHT AND DUKE ENERGY HAVE BEEN GOOD NEIGHBORS AND THEY CONTINUE
• REFLECT THE CHARACTER AND WAY OF LIFE OF THESE COMMUNITIES, WHILE STILL RESPECTING OUR NEED TO PRODUCE ENERGY

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I move the Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee amendment be adopted. Thank you.
• I move the Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee amendment be adopted.
• I move the Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee amendment be adopted. Thank you.
• Chairman, the Committee, National Resources, Energy and Water, has now considered Mr.
• I move the Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee amendment be adopted. Thank you.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is just for planning purposes, but tomorrow at lunch, the Energy Caucus is having a meeting.
• It's a caucus where we bring in presenters three or four times a session to talk about energy issues.
• A session to talk about energy issues. No dues, no lists of who attends. We don't do any of that.
• Hopefully it's just an opportunity to learn about energy issues.
• serves as the executive director of the Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium.

Summary: The Senate convened with 31 members present, establishing a quorum, and opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The journal was approved as corrected, and the chamber moved through routine orders, including referral of Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, which supports consolidating the Soil and Water Conservation Commission into the Department of Water Resources, to Judiciary and Rules for printing. Committee reports also advanced Senate Bills 1222 and 1225, and House Bills 491 and 492 were received from the House and referred for introduction. The Senate then considered several gubernatorial appointments. By voice vote, it adopted committee reports confirming Scott Smith to the Commission of Pardons and Paroles, Megan Ronk to the Idaho Commission on Human Rights, Salvador Cruz to the Treasurer’s Investment Advisory Board, Dylan Hobson to the Commission of Pardons and Paroles, and Cynthia Fairfax to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board. Senators speaking in support emphasized each nominee’s professional experience and qualifications, particularly in corrections, finance, human rights, and health care. The chamber also adopted Senate Joint Memorial 107, which urges support for the permitting process for reopening the Delamar Mine in Owyhee County. Supporters highlighted the mine’s potential economic benefits, including jobs and tax revenue, and argued for a timely federal permitting process. During first reading, Senate Bills 1232, 1233, and 1234 were introduced and referred to Judiciary and Rules, along with House Bills 491 and 492. The Senate then moved to miscellaneous business, heard announcements, and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• HCR 2006 environmental, natural resources, energy and water.
• The Committee on Natural Resources, Energy, and Water is assigned as primary committee for House Bill
• The Committee on Natural Resources, Energy, and Water is assigned as primary committee for House Bill
• HB 2400, motor fuel tax holiday, Natural Resources, Energy and Water.
• HB 2696, commerce authority gas prices prioritization, Natural Resources, Energy and Water.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recorded attendance at 56 present, zero absent, and four excused. Members then used personal privilege to introduce guests and recognize visiting groups, including the West Valley Regional Chamber, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics Arizona, Vitalant, and veterans and military representatives. The chamber and blood donor month proclamations were read, with Representative Bliss recognizing January as National Blood Donor Month in Arizona and Vitalant’s role in supplying most of the state’s blood supply, and Representative Aguilar declaring January 22, 2026, West Valley Regional Chamber Day. The House handled a large volume of procedural business, including reports of standing committees, first reading and referral of numerous bills and resolutions, and announcements of committee meetings. The bills covered a wide range of topics such as elections, education, housing, taxes, health care, artificial intelligence, veterans, public safety, and energy. Several measures were also withdrawn and reassigned to different committees, including referrals to the Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, Government, Public Safety and Law Enforcement, and Natural Resources, Energy, and Water. Members also made brief remarks honoring guests and community causes, including a Veterans Caucus lunch announcement focused on military-family policy and a personal remembrance by Senator Cruz. No substantive floor votes on legislation were taken beyond procedural approvals and the motion to adjourn. The House recessed and later adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• We think that this analogizes well to electric vehicles and renewable energy, similar to how we do not
• Cultivated meat, when produced with renewable energy, emits up to 90...
• Cultivated meat, when produced with renewable energy, emits up to 92% fewer greenhouse gas emissions
• Start doing this now while working on everything else—energy, transport, steel, cement, etc.
• And so this is so energy intensive.

Summary: The Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation held its first informational hearing to examine the state of alternative protein research, industry growth, and policy needs in California. The chair opened by noting California’s $5 million public investment in UC research in 2022 and framed the hearing around three panels: the climate, environmental, and security potential of alternative proteins; industry scaling and commercialization; and university-led research and workforce development. Members emphasized that the committee will continue with site visits and additional hearings across the state. The first panel focused on the case for alternative proteins as a climate, land, water, biodiversity, and food-security solution. Shana Fertig of the Good Food Institute argued that plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated proteins can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water use while helping California meet its climate and conservation goals. Zane Swanson of CSIS added that alternative proteins could reduce risks tied to zoonotic disease, antimicrobial resistance, supply-chain disruption, and broader national security concerns. In questions, members discussed the role of pharmaceuticals in animal agriculture and how alternative proteins might complement, rather than replace, traditional farming by creating new markets for California crops and helping farmers diversify. The second panel featured industry leaders Ethan Brown of Beyond Meat, Myra Passick of Upside Foods, and Arye Elfenbein of Wildtype. Brown highlighted plant-based meat’s health and climate benefits, criticized misinformation campaigns against the sector, and urged better labeling, reduced subsidies for factory farming, and more plant-based food in public institutions. Passick described cultivated meat as a scalable food-production technology, said Upside Foods has already produced millions of pounds annually at its Emeryville facility, and asked for grants, low-interest loans, and possible participation in cap-and-trade or similar revenue programs. Elfenbein described cultivated seafood as a way to address overfishing, contamination, traceability problems, and the heavy import dependence of the U.S. seafood supply, while also noting conservation benefits and the need for California to remain a hub for the industry. The final panel centered on research and workforce development. UCLA’s Amy Rowat described state-funded work on technical bottlenecks such as growing fat cells and creating edible scaffolds, along with a Future Food Fellows program that trains students across science, engineering, law, and policy. UC Santa Cruz economist Galina Hale argued that alternative proteins are necessary to meet future protein demand while reducing food-system emissions, and said California must support the sector through grants, loans, procurement, and research centers to avoid losing leadership to other states and countries. The hearing ended with the chair thanking the witnesses, noting that all materials would be posted online, and saying the committee would continue building policy and budget proposals to support the sector.