Transcript Highlights:

• Line 1.19 adjusts the soil and water conservation district aid appropriation for FY 2026-27.
• 00:05:04.160> soil<00:05:04.479> and<00:05:04.720> water<00:05:05.040> conservation
• adjusts the soil and water conservation adjusts the soil and water conservation district<00:05:06.240
• Dibble, the $368,000 by which the cancellation is being reduced was applied to the soil and water conservation
• <00:26:58.720> district<00:26:59.120> aid water conservation district aid water conservation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There were 11 conservation enforcement officers.
• > the Alabama Conservation Enforcement the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers<01:00:58.319>
• There were 11 conservation<01:01:09.680> enforcement<01:01:10.240> officers.
• <01:01:10.720> I<01:01:10.880> ask conservation enforcement officers.
• I ask conservation enforcement officers.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Duggan: Members, this bill is a comprehensive community-driven plan balancing conservation, economic
• represent the Reignite the Rivers Coalition, a broad-based coalition of 60+ organizations including conservation
• And on the wildlife corridor we had Tom Proctor, University of Florida PhD, Conservation Science Incorporated
• Drawing on survey data and visitation patterns during drawdowns, we conservatively estimate there would
• John's, uncovers the submerged springs, provides conservation and economic benefits for 12 counties.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Uniform Probate Code to provide procedures upon the death of a protected person, guardian, or conservator
• Protected person, guardian, or conservator.
• Representative Marian Matthews (member_13054), an act relating to probate, allowing liability waivers for conservators
• to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture for the operations and programs of Soil and Water Conservation
• Ranking Member Terrazas, House Conservative Public Affairs Committee, Ranking Member Stefani Lord (member

Transcript Highlights:

• The Plum Creek Conservation District manages 28 flood control.
• I'm John Foster with the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board.
• The Plum Creek Conservation District supports Senate Bill 43.
• John Foster, Programs Officer with the State Soil and Water Conservation Board.
• Daniel Meyer with Plum Creek Conservation District. Does this? bill affect?

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some lands, most of them, are conservation, so they'd have to get a Conservation District use permit.
• Some lands, most of them, are conservation, so they'd have to get a Conservation District use permit.
• Some lands, most of them, are conservation, so they'd have to get a Conservation District use permit.
• Some lands, most of them, are conservation, so they'd have to get a Conservation District use permit.
• Them are conservation, so they'd have to get a Conservation District use permit.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety met on March 21, 2025, and heard several resolutions related to corrections, emergency preparedness, and wildfire risk. Early items included HCR 62/HR 57 on flying the National League of Families POW/MIA flag year-round at the state Capitol, for which no one testified, and HCR 154/HR 49, which would request a comprehensive forensic audit of DCR and DAGS spending tied to planning and building a new jail to replace the Ahu Community Correctional Center. The ACLU strongly supported the audit, arguing that the state has spent millions on jail planning over many years without clear accounting, that a new jail is unnecessary and fiscally irresponsible, and that public-private partnership arrangements could reduce transparency. Committee members questioned the use of the term “forensic,” the age of some cited allegations, and whether the auditor could instead conduct another type of audit; the ACLU said it was open to other audit language and offered to help compile background materials. No vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard HCR 63, asking DCR to provide separate clinical counseling services for correctional staff, with one supporter, and HCR 23, which asks DCR to include circuit and district court facilities in planning the new Ahu Community Correctional Center and to establish a release procedure that avoids releasing detainees into residential communities or public spaces. DCR Director Johnson said the department supported the intent of HCR 23 and had discussed it with the Chief Justice and court administrator, adding that one multi-purpose courtroom could handle both district and circuit proceedings. The chair then moved on without further discussion. A major portion of the meeting focused on HCR 37, which asks HEMA to work with other agencies on outreach and preparedness for kūpuna. Testifiers from the Pearl City Neighborhood Board, AARP Hawaii, and the Hawaii Council of Community Associations supported the measure, citing the vulnerability of older adults and people with disabilities during disasters, lessons from the Lahaina fires, and the need for clear evacuation plans, siren reliability, and better coordination with care homes and condominium associations. Several speakers described local preparedness efforts and concerns about gaps in communication and implementation. The committee also discussed HCR 69/HR 62 on creating a vegetation management working group to reduce wildfire risk; the Division of Consumer Advocacy supported it, with testimony describing dangerous incidents involving vines and bamboo contacting electrical lines and causing sparking and a utility pole fire. The meeting ended with testimony and questions continuing on that topic, and no final committee action was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next item on the list was House Bill 246, directing the state conservation committee to implement
• the Conservation District Climate Resilience Grant Program and making an appropriation therefor.
• FNA directing the state conservation FNA directing the state conservation committee<00:10:53.440
• > to<00:10:53.839> implement<00:10:54.320> the<00:10:54.920> Conservation
• committee to implement the Conservation committee to implement the Conservation District<00:10:56.040

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee met on February 18 and retained several bills for possible inclusion in the budget. House Bill 97, appropriating funds to the Department of Environmental Services for wastewater infrastructure projects, was retained on a 21-0 vote. House Bill 197, which would have the state pay 7.5% of certain political subdivision employees’ retirement contributions at an estimated annual cost of $28 million to $29 million, was also retained unanimously. House Bill 246, creating the Conservation District Climate Resilience Grant Program with a small appropriation of about $50,000 per year for two years, was retained 22-0. House Bill 519, appropriating $500,000 annually to support the Waypoint Youth and Young Adult Shelter, was likewise retained 22-0. The committee then shifted to a broader budget discussion. Representative Maguire said the committee was facing a roughly $732 million gap between projected revenue and spending, based on preliminary Ways and Means figures and the governor’s budget. He noted that the governor’s plan included $81 million from the rainy day fund and $127 million from proposed slot machine revenue, while other potential obligations such as $150 million in YDC payments and prison down payments were not included. Members discussed how Ways and Means revenue estimates are based on current law, meaning proposals not yet enacted would not be counted in the official forecast. Members also asked about the relationship between the education funding committee and Finance, and were told that many education bills would likely come back to Finance after action in the other committee and on the floor. The chair and members discussed donor towns, swept funds, and the possibility of moving more information technology spending into the capital budget if appropriate. The meeting ended with agreement to let Division 2 head to education funding, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• > supervisor conservation district board supervisor conservation district board supervisor in<
• ,<00:16:10.639> ranching, commitment to conservation, ranching, commitment to conservation
• , of service, dedication to conservation, of service, dedication to conservation, and<00:16:29.040
• tariffs, not energy conservation tariffs, not energy conservation standards<01:14:35.760> that
• c><02:01:23.599> in conservation efforts were recognized in conservation efforts were recognized

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, January 9, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Plan and NCCP, or Natural Community Conservation Plan, lands.
• Plan and NCCP or Natural Community Conservation Plan lands.
• Matthew Baker with Planning Conservation.
• Isabella Bobadilla with Nature Conservancy. Isabella Bobadilla with the Nature Conservancy.
• The Bureau would be required to conserve the money. Can appoint a temporary manager?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:25:56.280> District because it's on Conservation District because it's on Conservation
• I'm Michael Kane with the Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands.
• Next up we have the Nature Conservancy. Hello, Vice Chair, members of the committee.
• I'm with The Nature Conservancy Hawaiʻi and Palmyra.
• uh The Nature Conservancy since 1982 has uh The Nature Conservancy since 1982 has helped<02:03:20.199

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1233, relating to storm management systems, which would add safety and maintenance requirements for detention and retention ponds. Supporters, including Alison Schafers of the Ki Injury Prevention Coalition and Kristen Herstead of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association, said the measure is needed because poorly maintained ponds can become hidden drowning hazards, especially for children, and argued that fencing, signage, and life-saving equipment would have minimal cost. Schafers described the death of her daughter in a detention pond and said the bill reflects recommendations in the Hawaii Water Safety Plan. Members asked about whether the issue should be handled at the county level; testifiers responded that a statewide standard is needed, though counties would likely handle permitting. No vote was taken on the bill during the excerpted discussion. The committee then heard HB 867, relating to recreational facilities, which would require accessible playgrounds. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it submitted comments and that state parks do not generally have recreational facilities affected by the bill, while most such facilities are under county jurisdiction. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability Communication Access Board, and the Disability Rights Center all supported the bill’s intent but recommended changes, including replacing the term “special needs” with “accessible,” focusing the requirement on new and renovated playgrounds, and specifying wheelchair-accessible swings. Testifiers emphasized that accessible play spaces promote inclusion for children with disabilities and benefit all children. No final action or vote was reported. The committee also took up HB 1358, relating to a public land trust working group. DLNR supported the measure and said it had provided written comments, while the Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported the bill and described longstanding problems with incomplete land inventories, self-reported revenue data, and disputed public land trust payments. OHA said an audit it funded suggests the state owes more than current payments reflect, and other supporters said the bill is needed for transparency, accountability, and a complete inventory of public trust lands, including submerged lands. Committee questions focused on how the public land trust information system is maintained, who updates it, and how revenue reporting works; DLNR said the system is older, has limited dedicated IT staffing, and relies on agency self-reporting rather than independent verification. No vote or final committee action was announced in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• up in southern Colorado, and I served on the New Mexico, on the Colorado, the real groundwater conservation
• up in southern Colorado, and I served on the New Mexico, on the Colorado, the real groundwater conservation
• Every gallon we can responsibly conserve today helps protect our aquifers and drinking water supplies
• Because I think that I used to dabble in water conservation back in the day with a paid position, which
• And, you know, always in all the analysis, it was always cheaper to conserve, of course.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the president and CEO of Irvine Ranch Conservancy.
• One of the things Irvine Ranch Conservancy does is we facilitate a working group.
• acts of fire prevention and conservation.
• Michael Jared with the Nature Conservancy.
• The Nature Conservancy does a lot of projects.

Summary: The hearing focused on California wildfire resilience, with the first panel discussing statewide funding, policy, and strategic priorities, and the second panel shifting to home hardening and defensible space. The LAO outlined the state’s wildfire risk, the large increase in resilience spending in recent years, and the fact that most funding has been one-time rather than ongoing. Testimony emphasized that wildfire risk varies greatly by region, that the state must balance response spending with prevention, and that success should be measured more carefully than by acres treated alone. Witnesses also noted the importance of local, federal, utility, and Proposition 4 funding sources, as well as the need for long-term maintenance and strategic prioritization rather than scattered projects. Cal Fire leadership and other witnesses stressed that California’s wildfire problem is not uniform: forested areas, chaparral, and wildland-urban interface communities require different strategies. In Northern California and forested watersheds, speakers emphasized fuels reduction, prescribed and cultural burning, strategic fuel breaks, watershed protection, and maintaining forest health. In Southern California, testimony focused on wind-driven fires, ember intrusion, ignition prevention along roads and power lines, and the limits of large-scale vegetation clearing. Several witnesses argued that the state should invest where it can leverage local and regional partnerships, support capacity-building programs like Regional Forest and Fire Capacity, and improve data systems to track treatment effectiveness and project outcomes. Members repeatedly pressed witnesses on how to prioritize limited funds, asking what should be done more of, less of, and first. The chair argued that protecting homes and communities through hardening and defensible space should be a major priority, especially near structures, while also acknowledging the need for broader landscape work and watershed protection. There was discussion of incentives such as insurance discounts, property tax treatment, and community certification for hardened homes, along with the need for multiple payers rather than relying on the state alone. Cal Fire reported new and expanding data tools, including treatment trackers, defensible space inspection dashboards, and a fuels treatment effectiveness program that evaluates whether nearby treatments affected wildfire behavior. No votes were taken because the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 33 amends a section of the Forest Conservation Act, creates a section called the Wildfire
• So in that case, wouldn't a lot of conservative voters drift over to the Democratic primary and try to
• Speaker and gentle lady, so that is mainly if your district is conservative or your district is very
• than I am to win my district because my district is very, very conservative.
• They're about 50-51% very conservative because most of what I find about the DTS is, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• As original stewards of the land, we support conservation efforts in the move to clean energy, but we
• As original stewards of the land, we support conservation efforts in the move to clean energy, but we
• Thank you. ...move Minnesota forward in energy conservation.
• My name is Rachel Stucky, and I'm the executive director of the Minnesota Conservative Energy Forum,
• energy Forum or minf we're conservative energy Forum or minf we're a<00:37:07.520> nonprofit<

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House File 9 was heard as a proposal to alter Minnesota energy policy by creating exemptions and “off-ramps” from the state’s 2023 clean energy requirements. The bill would expand hydroelectric power’s eligibility, end the moratorium on new nuclear plants, delay certain carbon-free energy compliance requirements for utilities that do not meet a retail rate benchmark, restrict demolition of fossil fuel plants under that same benchmark, support carbon capture and sequestration, and expand the sales tax exemption for residential natural gas and electricity used as primary heat year-round. The author moved the A1 amendment, which clarified that the carbon capture policy language does not create a state funding obligation; the committee took up the amendment with no discussion and proceeded to a vote, though the result was not stated in the transcript. The bill was then referred to the Committee on Taxes. The author and supporters argued the bill is needed to improve reliability and affordability, especially during extreme cold, and said current mandates are forcing coal retirements faster than replacement generation can be built. They cited MISO and NERC reliability concerns, Xcel’s proposed rate increases, and the need for an “all-of-the-above” energy approach that includes nuclear and hydro. Supporters also said the bill would help keep energy costs down for families and businesses and would allow Minnesota to use existing generation assets longer if rate targets are not met. Testimony from the Minnesota Rural Electric Association and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce supported the bill’s emphasis on reliability, affordability, nuclear power, hydroelectric power, and carbon capture. The Chamber said Minnesota’s electricity costs have become less competitive for businesses and argued that stable, affordable power is essential for economic growth and future technologies such as AI. The Minnesota Utility Investors also supported allowing new nuclear and all hydro power to be considered. In contrast, the Prairie Island Indian Community opposed lifting the nuclear moratorium without a viable long-term waste solution, describing its long history living near the Prairie Island nuclear plant and spent fuel storage and urging continued consultation on the issue. Xcel Energy said it supports low rates and sees nuclear as one option, but emphasized that any support for lifting the moratorium depends on full participation by the Prairie Island Indian Community and that decisions about retiring fossil plants should remain within the existing Public Utilities Commission resource planning process.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's conservation.
• Uh, we try to promote energy conservation and demand response, which is a little geeky, but essentially
• There's conservation. Uh we try to There's conservation.
• Uh we try to promote<00:14:05.880> energy<00:14:06.240> conservation<00:14:07.080> and
• <00:14:07.240> demand promote energy conservation and demand promote energy conservation and

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The interview focused on Minnesota’s clean energy policy, energy affordability, and the state’s path toward its 100% clean electricity goal. The senator said Minnesota’s clean energy reputation comes from environmental concern, job creation, and lower long-term costs, noting that wind is now the lowest-cost generation source and that solar costs have fallen sharply. He said rising electricity demand has led to some increased coal use, but argued the state can still meet its 2040 clean energy target through continued renewable buildout, permitting reform, conservation, and demand response. A major topic was data centers. The senator emphasized both concerns and benefits, saying hyperscale data centers can bring substantial construction jobs, property tax revenue, and, under the 2025 law, payments to low-income energy assistance. He cited the Pine Island Google data center as air-cooled, with no water concerns, and said it will pay $5 million annually while funding 1,600 MW of wind, solar, and battery resources at its own expense. He also said Xcel’s filing projected a $1.1 billion ratepayer savings over 10 years, while urging the public to weigh both pros and cons, especially around water use and local tax impacts. The discussion also covered nuclear power and climate costs. The senator said the Senate has passed a nuclear study three years in a row and expects it to advance, while the moratorium on new nuclear plants remains tied to the Prairie Island Indian Community and unresolved nuclear waste storage. He argued Minnesota likely cannot reach its emissions goals without nuclear in the mix, though he acknowledged current nuclear is not cost-competitive and said future advanced or small modular nuclear could change that. On affordability, he pointed to climate-driven costs such as higher homeowners insurance and storm damage, and described Senate energy omnibus provisions including conservation, plug-in solar, and renewable development account projects such as a Como Zoo clean energy project. No votes were taken in the interview itself, but the senator referenced the recently announced budget deal and said he still needed to negotiate a renewable development account agreement between the House and Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, starting off, HB 1953, establishing a two-year conservation and environmental stewardship pilot program
• where we're seeing so many impacts across the state of this flooding, the moment to invest in conservation
• ranches, academic institutions, uh forestry<00:09:55.360> businesses,<00:09:55.920> conservation
• forestry businesses, conservation forestry businesses, conservation groups,<00:09:56.959> all
• On the first measure, HB 1953, on the 2-year conservation and environmental stewardship pilot program

Bills: HB1730, HB1985, HB1749, HB1921

Keywords: cesspool, wastewater systems, public health, environmental protection, affordable upgrades, coral reefs, water quality, Hawaii legislation, cesspools, wastewater, environment, pollution, Hawaii, sustainable development, sewerage system, real estate, disclosure, environmental impact, wastewater management, housing

Summary: The committee heard several agriculture-related bills. HB 1953 would create a two-year conservation and environmental stewardship pilot program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB); testimony from Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii supported investing in conservation agriculture and farm practices that protect waterways and native species. HB 248 would establish a climate-resilient food systems grant program, with DAB explaining the types of equipment and processing investments such grants could support, such as coffee roasting, packaging, harvesting equipment, and other value-added infrastructure. HB 2246 would create a grant administration program and revolving fund to help DAB manage grants; DAB said the bill would help leverage federal, state, county, and private funding by retaining part of the indirect cost recovery to meet matching requirements. HB 2549 would create a clean plant program to produce and distribute disease-free plant material, and reforestation advocates said it would support large-scale reforestation efforts. HB 2551 would fund an area fruit fly suppression program; DAB described sterile fruit fly technology and said the program could help reduce fruit fly populations statewide. HB 2216 would authorize DAB to package and sell part of its loan portfolio to third parties, and HB 2152 would clarify liability and penalties for dog attacks on livestock, with the Hawaii Sheep and Goat Association discussing proposed language and the Hawaiian Humane Society’s suggested amendment on euthanasia procedures. Testimony was largely supportive across the measures, with DAB, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and other agriculture and conservation groups generally backing the bills. There was some discussion on funding levels and implementation details, including DAB’s estimate of about $750,000 for three clean plant stations and a question about the appropriations needed for the fruit fly suppression program. For HB 2152, the chair noted an amendment incorporating Hawaiian Humane Society language that would require surrender of a dog found to have caused livestock loss or damage for humane euthanasia within 24 hours. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass all of the measures discussed, most with technical amendments or date-defect amendments to July 1, 2050. HB 1953, HB 2548, HB 2549, HB 2551, HB 2216, and HB 2152 were all adopted unanimously by the members present, and HB 2246 also passed with technical amendments. The chair’s amendment to HB 2152 was specifically adopted to include the humane euthanasia language.

Transcript Highlights:

• And now, for the exciting Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Invasive Species Management presentation
• by Chief Conservation Officer George Wharton.
• I'm a Chief Conservation Officer for Florida Fish and Wildlife. Morning, Chair, Senators.
• I'm a Chief Conservation Officer for Florida Fish and Wildlife.
• is popular, and this year 934 participants from 30 states and Canada helped support Everglades conservation

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government convened with a quorum present and excused Senators Arrington and Pizzo. The committee first took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 1 through 4, and Senator DiCeglie moved to recommend confirmation of all appointees together. The motion passed unanimously, and the appointees were favorably recommended. The main presentation was from FWC Chief Conservation Officer George Wharton on invasive species management in Florida. He described the scale of the problem, including more than 500 non-native species reported in the state, and outlined FWC’s prevention, containment, removal, outreach, and research efforts. He highlighted risk screenings, the conditional/prohibited species framework, enforcement actions against illegal wildlife trafficking, and public programs such as the Florida Python Challenge, lionfish outreach, the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program, and the “I’ve Got One” reporting app. He also noted ongoing removal efforts for pythons, tegus, lionfish, and iguanas, and discussed new technologies and partnerships aimed at improving control efforts. Members asked follow-up questions about FWC issues beyond invasive species, including the status of special activity licenses for threatened species and giant manta rays, the upcoming bear hunt, and whether the committee could help reduce barriers to invasive species removal on federal lands. Wharton said all SAL permits for threatened species are currently suspended pending Commission review, that Florida is on track for a bear hunt this December with 172 permits issued across four subpopulations, and that bear management is based on scientific data while urban bear conflicts still require separate management. He also said federal partners are increasingly cooperative on python control, including commercialization of hides, and that drones, sentinel snakes, robotic lures, and AI-based traps may improve future invasive species removal. Senator Sharief and Senator Burton later requested to be recorded as voting affirmatively on tabs 1 through 4, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The purpose of the environmental trust fund is to protect, conserve, preserve, and enhance the state's
• , Minnesota and help protect and conserve, Minnesota and help protect and conserve, preserve<00:40
• I'm the conservation issues chair for the McCabe chapter of the Isaac Walton League.
• Based on numbers provided by the league organizers, a conservative estimate of the amount of lead is
• The curse of lead poisoning in wildlife followed me throughout my DNR wildlife conservation career.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , a nonprofit working to Conservancy, a nonprofit working to conserve<00:10:31.920> the<00:10:
• the lands and waters on which conserve the lands and waters on which life<00:10:33.360> depends
• While the Nature Conservancy is a landowner in the program, and whose payments are used toward forest
• I am the president and CEO of Wildlife Forever, and I'm here representing the conservation interests
• I am the president and CEO of Wildlife Forever, and I'm here representing the conservation interests

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first one is to stand up the Salton Sea Conservancy.
• That statute asks or mandates that we set up the Salton Sea Conservancy. by January 2026.
• Prop 4 identified up to 10 million dollars for the Salton Sea Conservancy. first proposal.
• The Salton Sea Conservancy is the new one.
• Second, on behalf of the Nature Conservancy, California Council of Land Trusts, and Trout Land Trust,

Keywords: 988, house, all