Video & Transcript Research : 'solution gas'

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CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Damages from greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
  • We would also ask the Legislature to consider redirecting the gas climate credit. Thank you.
  • Brandon Ebeck, Pacific Gas and Electric: We don't have a position on the bill.
  • From gas to groceries, from... Californians are worried about today.
  • From gas to groceries, from rent to utility bills, too many families are struggling right now.
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard two bills focused on electricity affordability and utility costs. AB 745, by Assembly Member Irwin, would restructure the California Climate Credit by shifting it from lump-sum payments to direct reductions in volumetric electricity rates and moving the credit to the summer months when bills are highest. The author and UC Santa Barbara economist Dr. Kyle Meng argued this could significantly lower summer rates and better help households during extreme heat. Supporters, including UCS, NRDC, and some labor representatives, favored the concept, with some urging that the gas climate credit also be redirected. No opposition testimony was presented, and the bill passed 18-0 to the floor. The committee then considered AB 825, also presented as an affordability package aimed at reducing electric bills by addressing wildfire mitigation costs, transmission financing, permitting delays, and a review of ratepayer-funded programs. The bill would authorize securitization for undergrounding expenses, remove the first $15 billion in undergrounding capital investments from the rate base for return purposes, create a public transmission financing program using Proposition 4 funds and IBank support, revive the California Power Authority as a public sponsor, and establish a task force to review energy efficiency and demand response programs. The author and witness Matt Friedman of The Utility Reform Network said the bill could save ratepayers billions over time through lower-cost public financing and securitization. Testimony on AB 825 was mixed. Support came from several consumer and clean-energy groups, while utilities and labor raised concerns about the bill’s impact on utility financial stability, wildfire fund participation, liability, and whether the $15 billion securitization cap could discourage undergrounding. Some witnesses also objected to the task force’s potential effect on energy efficiency and demand response programs. Committee members discussed the need to balance affordability with utility creditworthiness and wildfire safety, and several asked for more analysis of market impacts and liability issues. Despite those concerns, AB 825 passed the committee 13-0 and was sent to the floor.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • That's how GA get works, right? right? That's how GA get works, right?
  • I went from relying almost entirely on gas-powered cars to using public transit.
  • I went from relying almost entirely on gas-powered cars to using public transit.
  • HB 2030 is a much-needed solution.
  • <03:00:16.479> with<03:00:16.640> with it's a real solution with with it's a real solution
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee first heard HB 2021, a transportation measure creating a framework for electric bicycle and micromobility regulation. The bill would define electric bicycle and electric micromobility device, set age and helmet rules, restrict class 3 e-bikes from sidewalks, allow limited sidewalk use for class 1 and 2 bikes, prohibit high-speed electric devices and certain nonconforming devices in specified locations, update county tax definitions, and change related terminology. Testimony was largely supportive from DOT, police, Honolulu officials, Hawaii Bicycling League, AAA Hawaii, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, and several individuals, while DCCA’s Insurance Division asked for clarity on whether insurance would be required. Committee discussion focused on safety, enforcement, and the fact that no insurance market currently exists for these e-bike classes; members also discussed the need to target bad actors rather than ordinary riders. The chair then proposed and the committee adopted amendments to HB 2021, including clarifying that road-legal, permitted, classified electric bicycles are not subject to insurance requirements at this time; allowing properly classified electric bicycles on sidewalks at 10 mph or less subject to county restrictions; barring high-speed electric devices and other nonconforming devices from public roadways; authorizing impoundment of non-road-legal or improperly registered devices; and requiring direct parental supervision for riders under 16 on class 2 or 3 e-bikes. The committee also made technical and effective-date changes. The recommendation to pass HB 2021 with amendments was adopted unanimously by the members present. The committee next took up HB 1641, a related transportation bill addressing high-speed electric devices. The chair explained that the measure would prohibit the sale, lease, rental, distribution, possession, or operation of high-speed electric devices and establish penalties, but the committee’s version would narrow the focus to devices covered by HB 2021. The amended bill would prohibit offering high-speed electric devices for lease or rent, require sellers to comply with the new regulatory framework, ban operation on bicycle lanes, highways, roadways, and streets, and set a civil penalty of $250 to $1,000 per violation. After no further questions, the committee voted to pass HB 1641 with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. The meeting then moved to HB 1709, which would transfer regulation of the Hawaii Water Carrier Act from the Public Utilities Commission to the Department of Transportation and make conforming changes with an appropriation. DOT testified in support, while the PUC and DCCA’s Consumer Advocacy Division raised concerns about preserving consumer protections and the complexity of moving the regulatory framework. Young Brothers supported the bill and said the current system is outdated, but the discussion remained ongoing; the transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1709 is shown.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota House passes HF2442, the omnibus climate and energy finance bill 5/7/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • :31.919> been greenhouse gas emissions have been greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced<00
  • chain for this green energy solution chain for this green energy solution here<00:13:38.959>
  • So let's talk about the solutions.
  • Those have other benefits on the greenhouse gas side. outside Minnesota.
  • the on the greenhouse gas side. the on the greenhouse gas side. industrial Industrial decarbonization
Keywords: 1183, house
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Now we are seeing pulsar manipulation devices at gas pumps, which criminals install to manipulate the
  • In this bill, specifically when we're talking about fuel theft, the same people that were doing gas pump
  • Gas pump skimming has evolved into basically a means to steal fuel and then resell it on the black market
  • And there is a good solution; it's called paper poll books. They work real well. I love that.
  • And that seems like it could potentially be a solution.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Criminal Justice Feb 11th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • We need to talk about the cannabis products that are sold in our gas stations at our local smoke shops
  • rethinking marijuana or whatever you want to call it or you're thinking about the products and the gas
  • , completely remiss and did not have a slide on the farm bill on the products that you see in those gas
  • If you notice when you go back to your communities where they're located in these gas stations in the
  • We need to make sure that we are looking at sensible solutions. For example, expunge humans.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee Apr 21st, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • So advanced reactors have come down as a solution to meet the next generation's demands.
  • But now there are reactors that use gas to transfer the heat.
  • Basically, it uses gas to take the heat out of it.
  • And then there's X-energy's Xe-100, again a TRISO-fueled reactor that uses gas.
  • So they might be the thing that's powering gas on our job.
Summary: The meeting was an extended briefing from Idaho National Laboratory officials on the lab’s mission, its role in nuclear energy research, and the federal push to accelerate advanced reactor deployment. Speakers described INL’s size and capabilities, including test reactors, fuel and materials facilities, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure work, and partnerships with DOE, the NRC, the Department of Defense, and private companies. They emphasized that the lab is supporting both commercial nuclear development and national security work, while also training a large intern workforce. A major theme was the current federal effort to streamline nuclear regulation and speed up licensing and demonstration. The speakers said recent executive orders and DOE/NRC coordination are reducing redundant requirements, shortening environmental review timelines, and aiming for three new nuclear systems to reach criticality by July 4, 2026. They argued that regulatory uncertainty has been a major driver of nuclear cost and that the administration’s actions, along with DOE’s pilot and demonstration programs, are intended to rebuild the domestic supply chain and industrial base. The discussion also focused on advanced reactor types, including small modular reactors, microreactors, molten salt concepts, and liquid-metal designs. Officials said these technologies are being developed for data centers, military bases, remote communities, industrial heat, hydrogen production, and other nontraditional uses. They highlighted several projects and companies, including Oklo, Aalo, Radiant, X-energy, TerraPower, Kairos, and DOE’s MARVEL and Project Pele efforts, and said some reactors are expected to reach criticality or operation in the next few years. Questions from attendees covered safety, public health impacts, materials and heat management, waste or used fuel handling, costs, and whether nuclear could remain competitive against other energy sources; the speakers responded that advanced reactors are designed with passive safety features, that used fuel should be viewed as a resource, and that cost remains highly design- and supply-chain-dependent.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Science, Technology and Energy (01/14/2025)

Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • use of regional greenhouse gas use of regional greenhouse gas initiative<01:32:23.280> funds<
  • you okay the regional greenhouse gas you okay the regional greenhouse gas initiative<01:33:07.360
  • Grimbel Strategic Solutions.
  • does directly impact gas quick followup does directly impact gas quick followup Mr<04:13:01.560>
  • gas for other purposes.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Feb 3rd, 2026 at 08:29 am

House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • New Mexico's non-oil and gas industrial sector is responsible for approximately 5 million metric tons
  • leverage both public and private construction activity to drive market transformation and greenhouse gas
  • It will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as the poverty crisis.
  • I haven't heard the same sort of issues for oil and gas.
  • We're seeing more and more portable electrical gas fire generation units in place.
Keywords: 996, all
MA
Transcript Highlights:
  • solution?
  • Is there not an industry solution?
  • I wouldn't wait for a Washington solution.
  • But in all honesty, we believe that business solutions, the legal solutions were appropriate, are far
  • When was the last time you had to pay somebody to pump gas?
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Special Commission on the future of payments and sales transactions by credit card heard extensive testimony from credit union, banking, retail, restaurant, and payments-industry representatives about proposals to limit interchange fees, especially on the tax and tip portions of transactions. Several witnesses opposed state-level restrictions, arguing they would create a patchwork of rules, burden state-chartered institutions, raise compliance complexity, and ultimately reduce resources for fraud prevention, cybersecurity, rewards, and access to credit. Others, including retail and merchant advocates, said swipe fees are a significant and growing cost for small businesses and that states should consider reforms such as limiting fees on taxes and tips, allowing surcharging, improving transparency in merchant contracts, and studying collection costs more closely. Witnesses also discussed recent legal and regulatory developments, including Illinois’s interchange-fee law, OCC and NCUA interim rules, and the ongoing Visa/Mastercard antitrust settlement. Industry representatives said the Illinois law has been delayed and is likely preempted for most transactions, while merchant advocates argued the state efforts and court rulings show that networks and banks do not set fees competitively. The proposed antitrust settlement was described by some as a meaningful but limited merchant victory, with temporary fee reductions and expanded surcharge/steering rights, while others said it still falls short of structural reform. The commission members pressed witnesses on the practical effects of fees, the cost of cash, whether merchants can pass costs through, and whether small businesses are actually seeing benefits from the current system. Members repeatedly emphasized the need for a fair middle ground that protects both small businesses and the payment system. No substantive votes or policy actions were taken beyond accepting testimony, and the meeting ended with adjournment after all scheduled witnesses had spoken.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, the solution is clear.
  • So, the solution is clear.
  • So, the solution is clear.
  • I came with solutions. out the problem. I came with solutions.
  • let's bring forward real solutions. let's bring forward real solutions.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Environment Committee Meeting - 2025-03-25

Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • They also contain other funding sources, such as gas tax allocations for motorized vehicle accounts and
  • As we look at the proposals we covered today, we want to start with gas permitting and leasing.
  • These budget items that you see here on the slide are consistent with the legislatively mandated Gas
  • Additionally, a new gas leasing program will handle the leasing for gas exploration and development,
  • There are four FTE supported by the general fund ask related to the gas leasing and permitting.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Budget Committee Jun 15th, 2026

Budget

Transcript Highlights:
  • It rejects several other proposed Medi-Cal budget solutions, provides restoration of nearly all funds
  • We know when they see gas prices that anxiety comes up.
  • And I'm glad to see that one of the budget solutions in this agreement includes a prison closure.
  • solution.
  • We appreciate progressive revenue solutions that prevent people.
Keywords: 988, house, all
Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met to consider the 2026 Budget Act, which leaders described as the compromise budget expected to move to the floor later that evening. Opening remarks emphasized that the plan balances the budget over two years, reduces the structural deficit, and builds reserves, while also protecting core programs from federal cuts. Jason Sisney outlined the legislative budget plan, saying it uses higher-than-expected revenues and reserve balances to reject some proposed reductions and fund temporary restorations and new spending in areas such as education, child care, health care, housing, homelessness, and public safety. Department of Finance representatives said the administration appreciated the two-year balanced framework and the effort to address out-year deficits, while noting the plan includes additional spending and revenue changes. Sisney also previewed floor bills including AB 109, SB 110, SB 122, and SB 125, with SB 122 described as a modification to the tax credit proposal and SB 125 as the managed care organization tax proposal. Subcommittee chairs then described the major policy choices in their areas. Health chair Addis said the budget responds to federal health care rollbacks by protecting Medi-Cal, clinics, hospitals, dental care, and other safety-net services, while also supporting reproductive care, gender-affirming care, and county health systems. Education chair Alvarez highlighted increased school funding, expanded learning, special education, teacher support, community colleges, and a change to Cal Grant eligibility for older community college students. Other chairs emphasized child care expansions, homelessness and housing funding, prison closure and criminal justice savings, wildfire mitigation, county support for Medi-Cal and CalFresh administration, and accountability measures tied to homelessness and corrections spending. Several members also raised concerns or priorities, including the impact of the MCO tax on providers, the need for more support for local journalism, transit and climate funding, biotech and R&D incentives, and continued work on Prop 98 and long-term revenue solutions. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided, but members broadly expressed support for the budget framework and the need to continue negotiations with the administration before final passage. The committee discussion repeatedly framed the budget as a response to federal policy changes and a choice to protect vulnerable Californians while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The vice chair, citing LAO warnings about future volatility and limited reserves, pressed Finance on whether the budget represented a record-sized state budget and whether revenues were also at record levels, underscoring concerns about the state’s preparedness for a downturn.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Water and Natural Resources Jun 3rd, 2025

Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • the audience, um, I note from last session there were some 2 dozen bills that impacted the oil and gas
  • That there are 6 meetings scheduled for this year and none are in oil and gas country.
  • Which is agriculture and food that everybody eats, and the oil and gas industry, which uh makes up the
  • I would also like us to take into consideration the oil and gas royalty rate changes.
  • They do have the facilities, uh, that is in the heart of the oil and gas industry, plus the water.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

EIG Public Hearing 02-05-2026

Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is a market-driven solution requiring no tax credits or public funds.
  • no<00:03:47.760> tax market-driven solution requiring no tax market-driven solution requiring
  • Plug-in solar is a wonderful solution. Let's make sure everyone can take advantage of it.
  • Plug-in solar is a wonderful solution. Let's make sure everyone can take advantage of it.
  • Plug-in solar is a wonderful solution. Let's make sure everyone can take advantage of it.
Bills: SB2671, SB2902
Summary: The Senate Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs heard two measures. SB 2671, relating to essential permitting positions, drew no oral testimony beyond written comments from the Department of the Attorney General and the Office of Planning. The chair said the bill was intended to make government more efficient and reduce red tape in the permitting process. SB 2902, relating to renewable energy, received testimony from the Division of Consumer Advocacy, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, the Public Utilities Commission, Kauai Island Cooperative, Bright Saver, and 350 Hawaii. Supporters described the bill as a way to expand access to plug-in or balcony solar, lower electricity bills, improve resilience, and broaden access for renters and apartment residents. Several testifiers urged amendments to avoid limiting the measure to condominiums, to remove condominium board approval language, and to eliminate utility or PUC registration requirements. The PUC said registration could help with safety, linemen protection, and circuit hosting-capacity concerns, and noted that improper installation or oversizing could create problems. After a brief recess, the committee voted to recommend both bills for passage with amendments and deferred each to April 19, 2042. The recommendations were adopted without objection.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

EEP Public Hearing - Thu Feb 6, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST

Energy & Environmental Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • Hawaii Gas is in support, and one individual is in support.
  • I think it's worthy to explore more solutions via commission.
  • I think it's worthy to explore more solutions via commission.
  • I think it's worthy to explore more solutions via commission.
  • 1017 relating to greenhouse gas 1017 relating to greenhouse gas sequestration<00:28:45.000> so
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on a series of energy, transportation, climate, and waste bills. HB 977 would provide additional funding to the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority for low-interest financing of rooftop solar and storage for underserved ratepayers; HB 1295 would require state and county agencies to use federal energy tax credits; HB 1051 concerns energy efficiency portfolio standards; HB 1019 addresses long-duration clean energy storage; HB 344 concerns EV charging infrastructure at state facilities; HB 733 would change EV parking requirements; HB 242 creates a working group on EV battery reuse and recycling; HB 1022 expands access to energy industry information reporting; HB 1017 repeals the greenhouse gas sequestration task force; HB 787 asks for a feasibility study on a Buy Clean program; and HB 751 sets composting goals. Testimony was largely supportive across the bills, with some agencies standing on written testimony or offering comments, and a few measures drawing opposition or concerns, including HB 751 from county agencies and HB 242 from Redwood Materials requesting inclusion of a specialized battery recycler on the working group. Members asked several questions, including about EV charging siting, whether bike parking and showers should be considered in EV facility planning, how often EV charging stalls are relocated to other sites, and whether Hawaiʻi has in-state capacity to prepare EV batteries for shipping and recycling. On HB 751, the committee discussed county diversion rates and Maui’s composting capacity, with the Department of Health noting Maui’s diversion decline was tied to closure of the EKO co-composting facility at Central Maui landfill and that reestablishment was planned. On HB 242, Redwood Materials explained it handles lithium-ion batteries, including work related to the Maui wildfire response, and said a full in-state recycling chain is unlikely, though local facilities can safely prepare batteries for shipment. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass all of the measures with amendments. For HB 977, the committee noted a recommended appropriation of $50 million and made technical amendments. HB 1295, HB 1051, HB 1019, HB 344, HB 733, HB 242, HB 1022, HB 1017, and HB 787 were all advanced with technical or substantive amendments, including changes to dates, appropriations, and working group membership. For HB 344, the committee accepted DAGS’s suggestion to make HSEO the expending entity and adjusted the appropriation to one year. For HB 242, the committee added a battery storage industry member, included stationary storage as a consideration, and extended the reporting date to 2027. HB 787 was advanced with a request that the Climate Commission and State Procurement Office work together on more specific amendments if the bill continues moving forward.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Transportation Committee Jul 14th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • SB 712 offers a practical and culturally aware solution, exempting collector cars from California's smog
  • California should be a world leader in demonstrating climate solutions and preventing older polluting
  • Thank you. unless a net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and an air quality benefit can be shown
  • California should be a world leader in demonstrating climate solutions and preventing older polluting
  • We share the goals, but we just need a workable solution. Thank you.
Summary: The committee first took up SB 712, which would expand California’s smog-check exemption for classic vehicles by adding model years 1976 through 1986 in phases, with a sunset in 2032. The author and supporters, including lowrider advocates and the Specialty Equipment Market Association, argued the bill would preserve car culture, support a small class of rarely driven collector vehicles, and reduce burdens on owners who struggle to find equipment for older smog tests. Opponents, including air district officials, the American Lung Association, and other environmental groups, warned the bill would weaken an important emissions-control program and increase pollution. After discussion, the committee adopted the motion to do pass as amended to Appropriations on a roll call vote of 10-0, with the roll held open for additional votes. The committee then heard SB 800, which requires Caltrans, working with local governments, to assess mitigation measures for suicide prevention on locally owned overpasses crossing state highways. The bill was presented as a response to recent tragedies in Rancho Cucamonga and was supported by local officials, health organizations, and suicide-prevention advocates, who said the measure would help identify high-risk locations and lead to life-saving interventions. There was no registered opposition. The committee members expressed support, and SB 800 was passed to Appropriations on a unanimous roll call vote, with the roll held open. Next, the committee considered SB 30, which would prohibit California public entities from selling, donating, or transferring decommissioned diesel locomotives and railroad equipment with Tier 1 or older engines unless the engine is removed, while allowing Tier 2 and newer transfers under certain conditions. The author and supporters framed the bill as a climate and public-health measure to prevent older, dirtier locomotives from continuing to pollute elsewhere, while transit agencies opposed it, arguing it could limit useful transfers of equipment that still supports passenger service and could be better handled through case-by-case air-quality review. After debate, the committee voted 6-4 to pass SB 30 as amended to Appropriations, with the roll held open for later additions. The committee also heard SB 791, which replaces the flat dealer document processing charge cap with a 1% fee capped at $350, along with new disclosure requirements. Dealers and industry groups supported the bill as a way to recover costs and improve transparency, while consumer advocates opposed it as an unjustified increase that would burden buyers. The committee approved SB 791 on a 8-? roll call vote and held the roll open. The meeting then moved on to SB 34, a port-air-quality bill presented by Senator Richardson, but the transcript ends during testimony and debate on that measure.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Finance Aug 19th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • that we always talk about in terms of the state moving away from reliance on sole things like oil and gas
  • I'm not an expert in gray water for cooling solutions, but I'd say there's work being done on it.
  • So in every piece of our business today, there's an AI solution that we believe, or a technology solution
  • Natural gas turbines out there that we can even supply the need for it when we finally decide we need
  • The most convenient solution is San Jeronimo-Santa Teresa. It is logical.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Indian Affairs Sep 25th, 2025

House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • The gas station across the street, the golf course, you can't go.
  • To continue the traditions, many solutions need to be considered.
  • Those who are reliant on oil and gas for their livelihoods.
  • Traditional knowledge as a climate solution.
  • Let's come up with some solutions.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Then it goes to the terminal storage, and then finally to the trucks and the gas stations.
  • Then it goes to the terminal storage, and then finally to the trucks and the gas stations.
  • So in other words, the MGS for major brand gas stations is more than double the unbranded gas stations
  • People can't afford to put gas in their car, and it's definitely affecting affordability.
  • It could mitigate gas price shortages and gas price spikes.
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held its annual oversight hearing on the transportation fuels sector, focused on California’s fuel transition, the announced refinery closures by Phillips 66 and Valero, and the potential effects on supply, prices, and the broader fuel system. Committee leadership said the state needs a system-wide transition plan rather than a piecemeal approach, and state witnesses from CARB, the CEC, and DPMO described the fuel market as a complex, interconnected ecosystem involving crude production, refining, storage, imports, and delivery. They emphasized that declining gasoline demand from EV adoption is occurring alongside shrinking in-state refining capacity, which could increase volatility and price spikes if not managed carefully. CARB Chair Liane Randolph reviewed the state’s climate and air-quality programs, including AB 32, SB 32, the 2022 scoping plan, the low-carbon fuel standard, and vehicle emissions rules. She said these policies have reduced emissions substantially but that California still faces major ozone and PM2.5 problems, especially in disadvantaged communities. Randolph also said federal actions challenging California waivers could complicate the state’s clean-air efforts, and she noted that while liquid fuels will still be needed in some sectors, the state must continue reducing fossil fuel dependence while protecting public health. CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda and DPMO Director Ty Milder presented data on gasoline demand, refinery throughput, crude imports, and price differentials. Gunda said the Legislature’s special-session laws gave the agencies transparency and planning tools, and that the CEC is developing a fuels transition plan while evaluating whether any regulatory tools should be used. Milder previewed DPMO findings that Californians have paid a long-running “mystery gasoline surcharge” averaging 41 cents per gallon since 2015, with higher margins concentrated in branded gasoline and among vertically integrated firms. He said the data show a concentrated market with some refiners doing well and others struggling, and that DPMO will continue investigating price behavior, competition, and supply risks. Members pressed the witnesses on whether state regulations contributed to refinery exits or higher prices, and on whether the agencies had adequately analyzed consumer costs. Witnesses said they had not yet implemented the new permissive tools from SB X1-2 and AB X2-1 because they were still assessing risks and benefits, and they stressed that refinery closures and capital decisions are driven by broader market conditions as well as regulation. No vote was taken; the hearing was informational, with the committee seeking updates and urging the agencies to develop a practical transition strategy that balances affordability, reliability, climate goals, and worker/community protections.