Transcript Highlights:

• I the environmental council of states.
• </c> work does result in better environmental work does result in better environmental outcomes.<00:05
• This is critical to keeping our landfills safe, eliminating potential environmental risk of battery fires
• . risk. risk.
• So this is two FTEs. with the greatest risk to human health with the greatest risk to human health and

Bills: HF1587 , HF2293 , HF2218 , HF1208 , HF1482

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• That was when something is of high risk?
• And then asks that assessing um risk.
• </c><00:05:47.440><c> that</c> rather than saying uh a high risk that rather than saying uh a high risk
• ,</c><00:19:13.040><c> agricultural,</c> includes environmental, agricultural, includes environmental
• today. coalition of more than 70 environmental coalition of more than 70 environmental and<00:20:34.400

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• parenting time with a professional supervisor if either of the following applies: the matter is a high-risk
• The bill also defines high-risk case as a parenting time case that involves any of the following, as
• parenting time with a professional supervisor if either of the following applies the matter is a high risk
• The bill also defines high risk case as parenting time case that involves any of the following as outlined
• The $50,000 would go directly to the Department of Environmental Quality.

Summary: The meeting was a caucus review of a large slate of House and Senate bills, with staff giving short descriptions and members flagging a few concerns. Topics included veterans’ services and courts, child care grants, midwife medication authority, home- and community-based services funding, EMS reciprocity, prescription monitoring, electronic monitoring in care facilities, pregnancy resource center funding, mental health transportation, Access coverage for mild obstructive sleep apnea, school spending requirements, mobile home park training, local government investment pools, task order contract posting, tourism improvement areas, child welfare and kinship placement, neglect standards, family court evidence, prostate cancer cost sharing, assisted living hearings, manufactured home installer licensing, supervised parenting time, vulnerable adult trespass penalties, uranium contamination monitoring, a gas and petroleum refinery study committee, and state park fee exemptions for veterans. Several bills were described as unanimous or on consent, while others drew objections or were noted as controversial. Members raised privacy concerns about electronic monitoring in nursing homes, due process and rural capacity concerns about restricting police transport for mental health patients, opposition to pregnancy resource center appropriations, concerns about environmental review for power plant replacement, and questions about the Access sleep apnea mandate as potentially favoring vendors. Some bills were noted as having committee amendments, including changes to appropriations, eligibility criteria, reporting requirements, and definitions. No floor votes were taken in the transcript itself; instead, the chair repeatedly noted whether bills were unanimous, on consent, or had split votes in committee. The caucus also heard brief announcements about an upcoming breakfast with the CAP director, a Latino Caucus meeting, and an Affordability Award presented to Representative Volk, after which the caucus adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• An operator that receives a standard permit through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the
• I'm the Environmental Division Director for Harris County Attorney Christian. Menefee's office.
• Those risks are compounded for children, the elderly, and those suffering from illness.
• We believe that a concrete facility with this environmental impact has really no place in proximity to
• As mentioned earlier, this puts our patients at risk, also our staff. ...staff at risk, for those using

Bills: SB2082 , SB2203 , SB2351 , SB2550 , SCR48

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Minnesota Center for Environmental Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy,<00:32:02.240><c>
• </c> Um these risks extend beyond facilities. Um these risks extend beyond facilities.
• </c> tax, 70% is put into the environmental tax, 70% is put into the environmental fund,<01:19:05.040
• So, there are environmental fund.
• </c> the environmental fund. the environmental fund. Representative<01:31:55.800><c> Schultz.

Bills: HF3426 , HF3896 , HF1426 , HF3793 , HF4061 , HF4246

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and groups energy and environmental and groups energy and environmental nonprofits<00:11:16.399>
• <c> environmental</c><00:11:16.959><c> justice</c> nonprofits environmental justice nonprofits environmental
• </c><00:20:56.840><c> rating</c><00:20:57.840><c> uh</c> R risk rating uh R risk rating uh policies<00
• And you mentioned that there are potential additional lending sources that are at risk.
• And you mentioned that there are potential additional lending sources that are at risk.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• This would be one set of continued environmental improvements.
• Environmental flows, habitat restoration, and scientific monitoring.
• It would also elevate the account's future insolvency risk.
• Specifically on cap-and-invest, we submitted a letter earlier this month with 45 environmental, environmental
• Dan Seaman, on behalf of California Environmental Voters.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without intentional design, programs risk reinforcing existing inequities.
• But California is at risk of losing the fusion ecosystem.
• Economic stability, and environmental sustainability.
• Environmental Quality Committee 15-0. At Chobog: aye. Chobog: aye. Reyes.
• Do pass to Environmental Quality, 12-0. A Choboog. Do pass to Environmental Quality, 12-0.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, Perry, real quick, you mentioned risk. Is the risk factor adding contracting cost?
• Because whether it's Tamaulipas or Baja, the risk is there.
• And if we're opening one, System-wide risk assessment in Mexico.
• We are not asking to bypass environmental review. We are not asking to bypass environmental review.
• This again would eliminate a significant perceived project risk.

Committee: Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• When we add more transmission, we add substantially more wildfire risk.
• Least risk means least risk to wildfire and other environmental consequences of high-voltage transmission
• Representative Dye: Least risk to wildfire and other environmental consequences of high-voltage transmission
• Representative Dye: Least risk to wildfire and other environmental consequences of high-voltage transmission
• There's a significant environmental impact. There's a significant tax implication.

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• So we'll now shift into talking about some of the environmental aspects of these products.
• So we'll now shift into talking about some of the environmental aspects of these products.
• So how does this fit into our environmental goals here in California? We'll start with climate.
• Agriculture, and more broadly the global food system, has substantial environmental impacts.
• And monetize our greenhouse gas and other environmental benefits as a revenue stream.

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, you guys have done such a good job working between industry and the environmental needs
• So, for example, in one of my units, in my environmental permitting unit... ...which this bill affects
• Lithium-ion batteries pose a significant fire risk, and improper disposal can result in catastrophic
• We have Charlie Fritz from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
• The significant fire risk they pose is becoming increasingly common in the waste and recycling streams

Bills: SB2122 , SB2050 , HB16

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Energy and Environmental Affairs will be on the third reading desk.
• We run the risk of that.
• We run the risk of that.
• My amendment does not abandon our environmental aspirations.
• Categories are Energy and Environmental Affairs. Fiscal note is $5,812,373. Mr.

Summary: The House met in a session centered on the FY26 budget, especially the Energy and Environmental Affairs and Labor/Economic Development sections, while also taking time to recognize several championship teams and other guests. Early in the day, the chamber adopted a set of commemorative resolutions, including observances for Apraxia Awareness Day, International Celiac Awareness Day, and Jewish American Heritage Month. Members also welcomed Franklin High’s cheerleading and boys basketball champions, Winthrop boys hockey champions, St. Mary’s of Lynn girls basketball champions, Holy Trinity School students, and later Boston Celtics guard Drew Holiday and Lauren Holiday. The most contentious debate involved amendments related to Massachusetts’ climate and clean-car policies. Representative Lombardo offered amendments to delay or repeal ACC2/zero-emission vehicle requirements and to convert climate mandates into goals rather than requirements, arguing the rules were unrealistic, costly, and harmful to dealers, consumers, and the economy. Opponents said the House had already addressed the issue, and that climate and energy policy should remain under review through a public process. The House rejected Lombardo’s ACC2-related amendments, including after a ruling of the Chair was upheld by roll call, and later adopted a consolidated Energy and Environmental Affairs amendment by a wide margin. The House then adopted a consolidated Labor and Economic Development amendment and ultimately passed the FY26 budget to be engrossed. Supporters highlighted major funding for environmental protection, parks, fish and game, clean energy, food insecurity programs, agricultural support, economic development, tourism, and an immigration legal assistance fund. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for Molly McGovern, and at the end of the session adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• found in a risk assessment so that it's not good enough.
• found in a risk assessment so that it's not good enough.
• risk assessment looks for lead hazards.
• To have a risk assessment done, it's basically the same thing.
• So they needed scientific evaluation on the environmental damage.

Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• here for from Brian Bradner, the deputy secretary for land and recreation with the Department of Environmental
• A natural process is a cost effective tool that land managers use to reduce the risk of wildfire and
• These vessels are at risk of becoming derelict in criteria for at-risk vessels can be found within Florida
• Some of those at risk conditions include taking on water without an effective means to the water.
• Early environmental impacts and removal cost are at risk.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without this opportunity, students face the risk of exploitation through unofficial and under-the-table
• These alterations are made despite the unknown long-term health risks to the animals themselves.
• risks, especially when wastewater disposal is unmanaged or illicit.
• My concern is with our health and certainly our environmental health being a piece of that as well.
• There are huge, huge environmental impacts connected to what we're...

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:58.319><c> safeguards</c> good Environmental safeguards good Environmental safeguards this
• </c><00:18:54.159><c> Advocates</c> scientists youth environmental Advocates scientists youth environmental
• </c><00:38:11.440><c> to</c> outages pose enormous safety risk to outages pose enormous safety risk to
• </c> Atomic it's Minnesota environmental Atomic it's Minnesota environmental nonprofit<00:58:05.760><
• Solar panels and turbines have an environmental impact.

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• First up, we have HB 26, HD 2, relating to environmental protection.
• </c><00:05:11.360><c> impact</c> examine the environmental impact examine the environmental impact statement
• </c> Hawaii Department of Environmental Hawaii Department of Environmental Management<00:30:24.039><c
• </c> support thank you Mela environmental support thank you Mela environmental caucus<00:31:37.080><c
• Environmental Management Department Environmental Management<00:32:16.679><c> afternoon</c><00:32:17.080

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The joint hearing covered several bills focused on environmental protection and wastewater management. HB 26 HD 2, relating to environmental protection, drew support from the Department of Health, Reworld, and Energy Justice Network. Supporters said it would preserve existing standards for waste-to-energy facilities, including H-Power, even if federal EPA rules are weakened, while Energy Justice Network urged the state to go further and require stronger pollution controls on older burners at the plant. HB 734 and HB 735, both relating to wastewater systems, received broad support from state agencies, county representatives, realtors, environmental groups, and others. Testimony emphasized reducing the cost of cesspool upgrades, updating rules, and improving coordination between the Department of Health, counties, and the University of Hawaiʻi. Members raised concerns about whether some areas, such as Ewa, should be treated differently if they are not near aquifers or the ocean, but the department said the existing prioritization process already considered statewide conditions and that cesspools generally still affect water resources. On HB 735, the committee discussed the current bedroom-based limits for individual wastewater systems and whether the bill would allow more flexibility for housing configurations, with the department explaining the limits are tied to density and system capacity. HB 879, relating to cesspool conversions, was also supported by the Department of Health, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and several advocacy groups. Testimony said the bill would help low- and moderate-income homeowners in priority areas by increasing grant assistance for cesspool upgrades, but the Department of Health noted it would need three full-time positions to administer the program. Members asked for clarification on the grant amount and staffing costs, and the department indicated the grant cap should remain at $20,000 unless changed. HB 918, relating to labeling of non-flushable wipes, drew support from wastewater and industry groups, including the Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, which said similar laws have passed in other states and that the bill reflects cooperation between manufacturers and wastewater officials. The Department of Health and county officials supported the concept but said enforcement and outreach would require additional staff, and senators questioned whether the state could effectively enforce the labeling requirement without a national standard.

Transcript Highlights:

• We share the bill's environmental goals, but we do have concerns with the bill as currently drafted.
• Yes, just at the risk of breaking any antitrust laws, I won't say specifics, but generally paper bags
• Yes, just at the risk of breaking any antitrust loss.
• In my small town of Washougal, the chain grocer has already pulled plastic bags, citing environmental
• Our County Solid Waste Program strongly support the environmental goals of this bill to reduce litter

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills, beginning with SB 5965 on retail bags. Staff explained that the bill would prohibit single-use plastic and reusable film plastic carryout bags, raise the paper bag pass-through charge from 8 cents to 20 cents, exempt certain assistance-program customers from bag charges, and add manufacturer/distributor penalties. The sponsor and supporters, including environmental groups, Seattle Public Utilities, Tacoma, county solid waste representatives, and health advocates, argued the current law has led to thicker plastic bags and more plastic pollution, microplastics, and recycling contamination. Opponents from hospitality, grocery, retail, paper, and plastic bag industries said the bill would raise costs, create checkout confusion, burden food delivery and takeout operations, and amount to a de facto ban on paper bags as well; several urged waiting for more data on the current 12-cent fee. The hearing ended with a reported 1,240 non-testifiers on SB 5965, with 541 pro, 695 con, and 4 other. The committee then heard SB 6030 on plastic bags. Staff said the bill would allow film plastic and paper carryout bags if they meet recycled-content standards, keep the paper bag fee at 8 cents, reduce the plastic bag fee from 12 cents to 8 cents, and remove the minimum thickness standards for reusable film plastic bags while retaining recycled-content requirements and the SNAP exemption. No public testimony was taken on the bill, and the chair noted 208 non-testifiers, with 192 pro, 11 con, and 5 other. Finally, the committee heard SB 5975 on lead in cookware. Staff described it as a third-round update to the state’s cookware lead law, narrowing covered cookware, delaying the 10 ppm lead standard to 2030, and allowing compliance through FDA or European testing methods. Supporters, including some industry representatives, said the current law is unclear and difficult to enforce, that a workable test is still being developed, and that the bill would provide certainty and avoid unintended coverage of safe products. Opponents from Ecology, Health, environmental groups, and consumer advocates argued the bill would weaken Washington’s existing protections, create broad exemptions, and allow high-lead cookware to remain on the market; they also criticized shifting from total-content testing to leach testing. The hearing closed with 609 non-testifiers on SB 5975, with 54 pro and 552 con.

Transcript Highlights:

• 15:24.160><c> have</c><00:15:24.320><c> unresolved</c><00:15:24.959><c> safety</c><00:15:25.279><c> risks
• ,</c> build, have unresolved safety risks, build, have unresolved safety risks, worsen<00:15:26.160><
• </c> on SB 1588 and other environmental on SB 1588 and other environmental organizations,<00:19:47.280
• huge environmental concerns associated with<00:21:05.600><c> nuclear</c><00:21:06.159><c> energy,</c
• </c> adding to that the environmental adding to that the environmental concerns,<00:21:36.000><c> I</

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met on April 16, 2025, and heard three resolutions. STR 57 SD1 urged Congress to create a national reinsurance program to address insurance impacts from catastrophic natural disasters; there was no public testimony, and the committee later recommended passage without amendment. STR 198 SD1 encouraged Hawaii insurers and the Hawaii Property Insurance Association to pursue subrogation claims against polluters to reduce insurance costs for residents; again, there was no public testimony, and the committee recommended passage without amendment. The committee spent most of its hearing on STR 136 SD1/HD1, which would create a Hawaii State Energy Office nuclear energy working group to study advanced nuclear power technologies. The Public Utilities Commission and State Energy Office provided written testimony and answered questions. Testimony from 350 Hawaii, Energy Justice Network, and an individual witness opposed the measure, arguing nuclear power and small modular reactors are too expensive, unproven, slow to deploy, create unresolved safety and waste issues, and do not align with Hawaii’s renewable energy goals. Opponents also criticized the measure’s amendment process, saying it replaced the original contents without adequate public notice. During decision-making, the committee adopted the recommendation to pass STR 57 SD1 unamended and STR 198 SD1 unamended. For STR 136 SD1/HD1, the committee adopted a recommendation to pass the measure with amendments, including changing it to a one-year working group with an interim report in 2026 and a final report before the 2027 Legislature. The motion passed with one recorded no vote and some excused members, and the meeting adjourned afterward.