Transcript Highlights:

• Exposure to extreme heat can lead to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat rash, and dehydration
• We have been investigating heat illness in workers as their exposure to extreme heat increases due to
• We have been investigating heat illness and workers as their exposure to extreme heat increases due to
• Exposure to heat can cause or increase the risk of several health effects, both Exposure to heat can
• illnesses including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or heat rash can occur.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development held a lengthy hearing on June 18 focused on workers’ compensation, independent contractor and classification issues, workplace safety, warehouse worker protections, extreme temperature protections, retaliation against injured workers, and workplace bullying. Committee chairs outlined procedures for the hybrid hearing and noted that members would be leaving intermittently for floor votes. Testimony also touched on a bill to expand workers’ compensation disfigurement benefits by removing the current $15,000 cap and extending coverage beyond scars on the hands, neck, and face. A major theme was workplace safety in warehouses and in extreme heat or cold. Teamsters, warehouse workers, and labor advocates described high injury rates, strict quotas, lack of water, inadequate ventilation, frozen or missing safety equipment, and pressure to work through heat waves and snowstorms. Supporters urged favorable reports on bills protecting warehouse workers and requiring employers to adopt heat- and cold-safety plans, while the NFIB opposed the temperature bill as overly prescriptive and burdensome for small businesses. Sen. Edwards, Sen. Roche, Rep. O’Day, and others argued that the measures are needed to prevent heat illness, provide shade, water, rest breaks, training, and emergency plans, and to cover all workers regardless of immigration status. Another major subject was the “Act to Protect Injured Workers,” backed by labor groups, immigrant worker centers, legal services organizations, and individual workers. Witnesses said employers often retaliate after injuries by threatening deportation, lying about how injuries occurred, delaying care, or firing workers, and they supported stronger anti-retaliation enforcement, multilingual notices, and a rebuttable presumption of retaliation within 90 days of protected activity. The Mass AFL-CIO and immigrant advocacy groups supported the bill and opposed measures they said would weaken employee classification standards. Testimony also supported a funeral-benefits bill to raise workers’ compensation death-benefit reimbursement for burial and funeral costs, based on a family’s experience after a workplace fatality. The committee heard additional testimony on workplace bullying bills, with some witnesses urging a new legal duty for employers to prevent and respond to bullying, while others described the harms of toxic workplaces and the lack of effective remedies.

Transcript Highlights:

• During one of our heat waves, on the second day of the heat wave, one of our guests collapsed outside
• Springfield suffers from the urban heat island effect, which amplifies extreme heat.
• The Greenfield suffers from the urban heat island effect, which amplifies extreme heat.
• In the Boston area, there have been three heat emergencies this summer, with the heat index 95 degrees
• In addition to increasing risk for potentially deadly heat illness like heat stroke, extreme heat increases

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a broad set of climate, energy, and environmental justice proposals. Early testimony strongly supported the Climate Change Superfund or “Polluter Pays” bill (H.1014/S.58), which would assess the largest fossil fuel emitters for a one-time fee based on historic emissions to fund climate adaptation. Sponsors argued the bill is modeled on Superfund cleanup principles, would target only the largest multinational polluters, would not be passed on to consumers, and would direct a significant share of funds to environmental justice communities. Committee members asked about the number of companies covered, consumer impacts, and whether the bill would address other forms of environmental destruction; sponsors said it was limited to major fossil fuel companies with a Massachusetts footprint and did not cover other pollution sources. The committee also heard testimony on a fusion energy compact proposal (S.673) that would direct the administration to develop a framework for a New England regional compact to accelerate fusion research, workforce development, and supply-chain growth. Supporters from MIT and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities said fusion could become a major clean-energy and economic opportunity, but acknowledged the technology is not yet commercially viable and still has unresolved technical, cost, and waste-management questions. Members pressed on environmental impacts, siting, waste, costs, and whether the bill would create a compact or only a framework; sponsors said it would only create the framework and that the administration would need to negotiate with other states. Another major topic was a pilot program for nature-based climate solutions (H.971/S.??), backed by legislators, Boston Harbor Now, and UMass Boston’s Stone Living Lab. Witnesses said the bill would help speed permits for research and demonstration projects such as living shorelines, marsh restoration, and hybrid “green-to-gray” flood protections, while maintaining safeguards and protecting Indigenous and historic resources. Committee members asked how the proposal would interact with other permitting reforms and whether it could conflict with housing or wetland-related streamlining; supporters said it was complementary and aimed at making projects faster, more affordable, and more data-driven. The hearing also covered climate-safe buildings and climate adaptation funding bills. Supporters of H.1004/S.583 said current building codes do not adequately account for future flooding, heat, and wind, and the bill would add climate expertise to the building board, allow stretch resilience codes, expand floodplain standards, and create a retrofit program. Related testimony backed H.938/S.572, which would create a dedicated climate and community resilience fund financed by a small fee on property insurance premiums; advocates said it would provide stable long-term revenue for adaptation, especially in environmental justice communities, and help replace unreliable federal funding. One witness from CLF supported the climate-safe buildings and funding bills but opposed S.560/H.939 as too broad. The committee also heard testimony on airport air-quality legislation (H.997) calling for more monitoring and mitigation of ultra-fine particulate pollution around Logan Airport and Massport communities. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] Heat. >> [music
• Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [bell] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.
• Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Oh, [music] >> Oh, [music] above. above. above.
• [music] >> [music] [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat.
• [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened, led the pledge, established a quorum, and approved the journal from Thursday, January 22, 2026 as corrected. The meeting then moved into announcements and introductions rather than bill debate. Members welcomed the Rocky Mountain Police and Fire Chaplain and recognized First Responder Chaplaincy Day at the Capitol, with remarks emphasizing support for first responders’ physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Several members made brief announcements about upcoming or ongoing events, including a Joint Local Government and Housing Smart Committee meeting, the livestock sale at the stock show, and a Marty GR potluck planned for February 17. One member thanked the Transportation, Housing, and Local Government Committee for canceling some presentations to speed up proceedings. The House also heard a short reading from More Than Pett Coats: Remarkable Colorado Women about Sister Blandina Segale, highlighting themes of service, charity, and overcoming prejudice. The session was light and informal, with repeated references to the Broncos and a group photo in team gear. No substantive legislation was considered, and no recorded votes occurred beyond adoption of the corrected journal. The House then recessed until later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• to heat the whole place.
• to heat the whole place.
• pump or a ground source heat pump.
• If it's heated with a ground source heat pump, she said it's four times more efficient and would only
• mentioned uh we have the combined heat mentioned uh we have the combined heat and<00:43:24.240><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That use ground source heat pumps to provide heating and cooling for their buildings.
• It has enough heat in it that you can use that heat to drive an electric power plant.
• They used new technology to identify that there was even much more heat, deeper heat.
• Direct heating facility that heated the entire east side of the campus for a while.
• pumps to heat and cool buildings.

Transcript Highlights:

• to help with heating to help with heating bills<00:01:11.560> however<00:01:12.360> the
• When there are heat waves or cold snaps, demand for payday loans surges.
• When there are heat waves or cold snaps, demand for payday loans surges.
• When there are heat waves or cold snaps, demand for payday loans surges.
• Of costs for heating and cooling.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 771, as amended, was laid over for possible inclusion. The bill would create a state supplemental grant program to build on LIHEAP, with the goal of expanding energy assistance beyond the winter season to cover summer cooling needs and reduce utility shutoffs. Representative Craft said the proposal would use existing LIHEAP systems, help more eligible households, and support related services like weatherization. The committee adopted the author’s amendment, DE2, without objection. Supporters testified that energy costs remain unaffordable for many Minnesotans, especially in rural areas and among low-income households, seniors, and people using delivered fuels. Annie Levenson-Faulk of the Citizens Utility Board said only about a quarter of eligible households receive assistance, summer shutoffs are common, and cooling needs have grown significantly. Trisha Leite of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, Amanda Macky of Minnesota Valley Action Council, and Ken Schum of the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association all supported the bill, saying year-round assistance would help households, reduce disconnects, stabilize demand for aid, and ease pressure on utility rates. Michael Schmitz of the Department of Commerce said Minnesota has received about $112 million in LIHEAP funds so far this year and is awaiting additional federal money; he also noted recent funding has been lower than in prior years and inflation has reduced its value. Members discussed the scale of utility shutoffs, the increase in cooling demand, and whether the bill addresses root causes or serves as a temporary fix. Representative Weiner argued that the state should focus on keeping more money in taxpayers’ pockets and reducing the need for subsidies, while Representative Craft responded that the underlying issue is low incomes and widening wealth inequality, and that policies like the child tax credit are better ways to address poverty. The chair also asked how LIHEAP dollars flow, and Commerce said most benefits are paid directly to utilities on behalf of households rather than as direct cash payments to recipients.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Gruenhagen: Their heating bills, and I mean they're turning down the heat in below-zero weather
• But the fact is, heat pumps are not cheap, and for an existing home right now, to put in a heat pump,
• > lucky<00:39:13.760> to<00:39:13.920> pay that heat heat pump You' be lucky to
• pay that heat heat pump You' be lucky to pay for<00:39:14.240> it<00:39:14.400> before<
• <00:40:30.040> pumps implementing um air source heat pumps implementing um air source heat

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• there were 400 excess heat deaths, and because there's little to no extreme heat countermeasures that
• in their own homes and are at risk of heat-related illnesses and death.
• These conditions put these residents at risk of heat illness and heat stroke.
• Right now, heat is, you know, especially when there's heat and fire at the same exact time...
• I mean, right now, heat is, you know, especially when there's heat and fire at the same exact time, that's

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing-related bills and moved most of them forward. SB 655 (Stern) would establish a state policy that residential units should be able to maintain a safe maximum indoor temperature, with supporters citing extreme heat deaths and the need for statewide guidance. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific temperature standard and possible impacts on the electric grid, but the bill passed the committee 8-0 as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 634 (Perez), which would bar state and local governments from adopting or enforcing ordinances that punish people or organizations for providing basic survival services to unhoused people. Supporters, including people with lived experience and homelessness advocates, argued that criminalizing food, water, blankets, and outreach prolongs homelessness and harms vulnerable residents; opponents from some cities and counties warned about limits on local control. The bill passed 8-2. SB 772 (Cabaldon) would continue and expand the Infill Infrastructure Grant Program by better supporting walkability, transit, and climate-resilient infrastructure for infill housing; it passed 8-0. The committee also considered SB 838 (Dutraslo/DeRazzo), which would keep the Housing Accountability Act focused on housing by excluding transient lodging from housing streamlining protections. Supporters said some developers have used housing laws to fast-track hotel projects instead of homes, while opponents worried the bill could be too broad and limit mixed-use financing. After discussion about possible clarifying amendments, the bill passed 8-2 to Local Government. Several consent items—SB 484, SB 489, SB 686, and SB 724—also passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also results in a great deal of heat gain in many of our housing units.
• An insulated concrete shell that just holds heat and then radiates heat at night.
• to consider the heating as well.
• Also, insulation obviously will have an impact on the need to heat in the winter as well.
• , around various programmatic efforts to address heat as they exist.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , the unprocessed heat...
• And you can take the heat, the unprocessed heat, or unaugmented heat, and it could be used for chemical
• It's a heat ejection system.
• It's a heat ejection system.
• It's a heat ejection system.

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the next talk we have for decarbonization, our heating sector.
• Sector to clean heating and cooling is.
• So if I'm energizing or heating 100 units of energy with a ground source heat pump, it's four times more
• Fuel it up, and it starts heating up and it self-combusts.
• Has there been less heating necessitated because of warmer weather?

Transcript Highlights:

• Extreme heat is here and it's recognized as a public health threat, one that compels Heat is here, and
• Extreme heat can lead to a variety of illnesses, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and even heat-related
• Heat can differ depending on locations.
• The first is a heat pump-specific seasonal rate design that offers lower winter rates for heat pump customers
• Many households face a heat-or-eat dilemma.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several energy-related bills, with the main focus on H. 3534/S. 2255, which would ban or sharply restrict residential third-party electric suppliers, and on related reform proposals. Supporters included the Attorney General’s office, municipal and regional planning officials, environmental justice groups, consumer advocates, and city officials from Boston and Chelsea. They argued that the residential competitive supply market has produced higher bills, deceptive sales tactics, auto-renewals into higher rates, and disproportionate harm to low-income residents, seniors, communities of color, and people with limited English. Witnesses cited AG reports estimating hundreds of millions of dollars in overcharges over time, described door-to-door and storefront marketing abuses, and said municipal aggregation programs have saved residents money while offering more stable rates. Several supporters said the Legislature should either ban residential competitive supply or adopt strong guardrails such as ending automatic renewals, banning incentive-based commissions, and capping rates relative to basic service. Opponents or industry representatives from the Retail Energy Advancement League, Vistra, and Constellation argued that the market can provide savings, longer-term price stability, and value-added products such as renewable options and time-of-use offerings. They said Massachusetts has already improved consumer protections through DPU proceedings, that complaints are relatively few compared with the size of the market, and that a ban would eliminate consumer choice. They also defended direct sales and commissions as normal features of a retail market, while saying they would support additional protections, licensing, bonding, and stronger oversight of bad actors. Committee members pressed both sides on whether the market truly saves money, whether automatic renewals should be banned, and whether the AG’s proposed reforms would be enough. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3972, a bill to extend utility shutoff protections during extreme heat, with Rep. Mindy Domb arguing that Massachusetts should treat extreme heat like extreme cold and protect customers facing financial hardship. Rep. Barrett also testified for H. 3450, a municipal broadband/right-of-way bill, arguing that communities need easier and cheaper access to utility poles and public rights of way to build municipal broadband. In addition, Senate Majority Leader Creem testified for S. 2239, which would bar utilities from recovering ratepayer funds for lobbying, promotions, trade association dues, and similar expenses. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:48:24.440> oil motor fuel as well as home heating oil motor fuel as well as home heating
• <00:51:36.559> oil premise use facilities home heating oil premise use facilities home heating
• the answer to that um the home heating the answer to that um the home heating oil<00:57:07.280><
• He said he understands why that is. home heating oil in iences are they the home heating oil in iences
• cost to inure uh on premise heating cost to inure uh on premise heating systems<01:33:22.760>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on HB 660, which would require historic horse racing facilities to pay 10% of HHR winnings to host communities as mitigation. Representative Om said the amendment was intended to leave charities and the state whole while funding local costs tied to large gaming facilities. Supporters argued the measure would address future municipal expenses, while opponents said host towns have not reported current problems and that the bill would single out one industry. Members questioned the 10% rate, whether the proposal was retroactive, and whether it would apply to existing facilities; the sponsor said it would apply to facilities already in place or later added. The hearing was then closed without any vote recorded in the transcript. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 658-FN, which raises reimbursement caps and adjusts fees for the Oil Discharge and Disposal Cleanup Fund and the Oil Pollution Control Fund. Representative Malloy introduced the bill, and Representative Aly explained the funds as a state-backed insurance mechanism for oil spill cleanup and prevention, including replacement of leaking home heating oil tanks for low-income homeowners. Bob Scully of the Energy Marketers Association supported the bill, saying the fee structure helps fund remediation and tank replacement, though costs are ultimately passed on to consumers. Department of Environmental Services officials Robert Bishop and Jennifer Marts described the bill as extending the fee collection for 10 years, changing reporting dates, increasing the cap for low-income tank replacement, and rebalancing fees based on an actuarial review. DES testified that the actuarial study found the fund needed to remain solvent and that home heating oil releases are the largest category of new releases, with the fuel oil fee otherwise needing to rise by more than 200% to cover projected costs. The board instead proposed a smaller increase and adjusted other fees accordingly, while maintaining a reserve to cover the first days of a major coastal spill before federal funds become available. Members asked about the basis for the fee changes, the role of the actuarial review, and the statutory language governing who pays the fees. The transcript ends during this hearing, with no final committee action or vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• , the unprocessed heat, And you can take the heat; the unprocessed heat or unaugmented heat could be
• It's a fire and heat ejection system.
• It's a fire and heat ejection system.
• You're dealing with such extreme heat in all this. How do you control that extreme heat?
• You're dealing with such extreme heat in all this—how do you control that extreme heat?

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat.
• Heat. >> [music] >> Heat. >> Heat. >> Heat. [music] Heat.
• Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> I know.
• [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat.
• Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Come to order. Mr.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the February 10, 2026 journal, and received committee reports on several appointments and bills. The Finance Committee recommended confirmation of four appointments to the Advisory Committee on Governmental Accounting. It also reported Senate Bill 42 with amendments and favorable recommendation to Appropriations, while the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee recommended postponing Senate Bill 30 indefinitely. The chamber then took up a personal-privilege segment recognizing physician associates and honoring Susan G. Komen and breast cancer awareness. Senators Michaelson Jenet and Frizell spoke about the importance of breast cancer research and treatment, and Frizell shared a personal reflection on her own cancer journey. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 10, celebrating Lunar New Year 2026 and Colorado’s Asian-American communities, by a vote of 32-0. On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bill 64, concerning the Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program, by a vote of 30-2, and Senate Bill 52, concerning coal transition communities and hiring preferences, by a vote of 29-3. Senate Bill 13, concerning cohabitation as a means to commit bigamy, also passed on third reading by a vote of 27-5. In Committee of the Whole, Senate Bill 19, which would combine early childhood councils and local coordinating organizations and add accountability requirements, was amended and advanced on second reading; the committee report was then adopted 33-0, and the bill was ordered engrossed for third reading. The Senate later recessed until 11:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:06:46.400> pump be demonstrating their heat pump be demonstrating their heat pump technology
• After three years in development, Flow is on the cusp of delivering a Minnesota-made commercial heat
• This heat pump can replace standard heating and cooling systems, thereby eliminating the need for chillers
• comp pump can replace standard this heat comp pump can replace standard heating<00:09:03.279> and
• <00:10:26.360> pump and have a fully working heat pump and have a fully working heat pump

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Heat.
• [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat.
• [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat.
• Heat. [music] [music] [music] Hey, heat. Hey, heat. Heat. Heat.
• Heat. Heat. >> [music]

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal of January 16, 2026, and then moved through committee reports and floor business. The State Veterans and Military Affairs Committee reported the appointment of Robert Davis of Boulder as executive director of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and adjutant general, recommending it be placed on the consent calendar and confirmed. The chamber also considered House Joint Resolution 102, commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which was adopted by a vote of 32 ayes, 0 noes, with 3 excused. Several announcements were made about upcoming committee hearings, including SMART Act hearings for judiciary and transportation committees, as well as a blood drive and a fundraiser for the junior livestock sale. The Majority Leader announced that governor appointments would be read across the desk before adjournment and that members did not need to return later that day. The remainder of the meeting consisted of reading a long series of gubernatorial appointments to various boards and commissions, including the Colorado Coal Mine Board of Examiners, the Institute of Cannabis Research Governing Board, the Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority, College Invest, the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education, Colorado Mesa University, the Charter School Institute Board, the Private Occupational School Board, the Advisory Committee on Governmental Accounting, and the Colorado Banking Board. After the appointments were read, the Senate adopted a motion to adjourn and recessed until 9:00 a.m. on January 21, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• [music] [music] >> [music] [music] [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat.
• [music] >> [music] >> Heat. >> Heat. [music] >> Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat.
• Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat.
• Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [singing] [music] [music] >> Heat.
• [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Solar water heaters are required to handle substantially all of a home’s water heating load, defined
• as 90 to 10% of the water heating load, whereas heat pump water heaters are not.
• He said a heat pump water heater can cost and be installed for the same price as a heat pump water heater
• <00:14:48.040> water heating load whereas heat pump water heating load whereas heat pump water
• getting the sun directly into to heat getting the sun directly into to heat the<00:16:25.319>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several energy- and environment-related measures. HB 242 HD1 on electric vehicle batteries drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, SERFCO, and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation; the Energy Office suggested a broader working group covering all lithium-ion batteries, and members later adopted amendments including a date change and revised timing language. HB 751 HD2 on statewide organic waste reduction and diversion received mixed testimony, with the Department of Health opposing it over concerns about compostable food packaging and incomplete testing data; the committee nonetheless moved the bill forward with amendments removing compostable food packaging from the definition of organic waste and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. The committees also considered HB 1020 HD1 on a statewide program to characterize carbon sequestration potential and underground water resources. The Hawaiʻi State Energy Office and Ulupono supported the measure as part of a broader geothermal and energy security effort, while members raised concerns about overlapping roles between agencies and the need for a single coordinated voice. The committee ultimately amended the bill to place DBEDT in charge, with technical changes, and passed it. In a separate portion of the hearing, HB 350 HD2 on energy was heard with support from the State Energy Office, industry, and advocacy groups; opponents argued the existing solar water heater law is working and that variances already allow flexibility. The committee passed HB 350 unamended. Later, the committee heard HB 977 HD1 on energy financing, HB 1017 HD1 on the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, and HB 1406 HD1 on government procedures. HB 977 received support from the Public Utilities Commission, DCCA, and others and was advanced with technical, non-substantive amendments. HB 1017, which would repeal the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, and HB 1051, which sets energy efficiency benchmarks, were both passed unamended. HB 1406, a task force bill aimed at improving permitting and regulatory processes, was amended to add a Senate representative, include the State Energy Office, make the bill effective on approval, and note prior funding requests in the committee report; it was then adopted. Votes were recorded on each measure, with some members excused and HB 751 drawing one no vote from Senator Rhoads.

Transcript Highlights:

• . heating. heating.
• Services and the city on Clean Heat St. Services and the city on Clean Heat St.
• our existing district heating network. our existing district heating network.
• These are two of heating network.
• Wastewater heat is local. Wastewater heat is local. It's<00:41:40.200> secure.

Bills: HF4560, HF4559, HF2317, HF3179, HF4880, HF2862, HF4374

Keywords: Public Utilities Commission, PUC, energy regulation, utility regulation, electric utility, public utility, rate case, multiyear rate plan, decoupling, rate decoupling, greenhouse gas, social cost of carbon, environmental cost, resource planning, certificate of need, distributed renewable energy, interconnection, budget billing, electronic filing, contested case