Video & Transcript Research : 'soil reduction'
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HI
Transcript Highlights:
- And also in that report in 2020 we reported that the program had shown a reduction in the redemption
- <00:12:03.680>
in <00:12:04.000>the <00:12:04.240>redemption shown uh a reduction - in the redemption shown uh a reduction in the redemption rate<00:12:05.040>
which <00:12:05.200 - Could we instead crush and use as concrete amendments to increase drainage and soil?
- Could we instead crush and use as concrete amendments to increase drainage and soil?
Summary:
The informational briefing focused on the Office of the Auditor’s recent audit of Hawaii’s deposit beverage container program and the Department of Health’s response. State Auditor Les Condo reviewed the program’s structure, noting it was created to increase recycling and reduce litter, but said prior audits have repeatedly found weak internal controls, reliance on self-reported data, and an “honor system” approach. He cited examples of underreporting and overpayment risks, including a Whole Foods settlement and secret-shopper testing at a redemption center where the program reimbursed more than what was actually paid to consumers. Condo said the special fund continues to grow, increasing by more than $12 million between FY24 and FY25, and that the 2024 audit found no meaningful progress in implementing earlier recommendations. He also noted that many prior recommendations were later codified in law, including risk-based audits and internal control requirements, and said the office will audit the program again in about a year.
Senator Fevella said the briefing was needed because he has seen little progress over the years and emphasized the program’s goals of reducing litter and promoting recycling. He noted that Hawaii has lost a glass recycler, underscoring broader challenges in the system. Department of Health Deputy Director Kathleen Hoe said the department is committed to addressing longstanding problems and said the director’s office meets with the program twice a month. Program staff outlined steps being taken to respond to the audit, including revising accounting and inspection/enforcement manuals, retaining third-party services, and implementing risk-based audits of distributors and redemption centers. They said internal control process documents from distributors were due June 30, with about 200 received and roughly 100 still outstanding, and that enforcement letters are being sent.
The department also described plans for electronic reporting to reduce manual entry and improve accuracy, as well as a broader legislative proposal for a tiered audit system. Under that proposal, larger distributors would remain subject to the current every-other-year audit requirement, middle-tier distributors would be audited every five years, and smaller distributors would be exempt. Officials said the governor had temporarily waived enforcement of the 2025 independent audit requirement because of cost concerns for smaller distributors, while the department reviews submitted audits and considers a longer-term fix. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 04/28/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Albans, as a matter of fact, that perhaps this is the soil that gave him the supreme love that we all
- FACT, THAT PERHAPS THIS IS THE SOIL THAT GAVE HIM THE SUPREME LOVE THAT WE ALL ARE SPIKE SPEAKING OF.
- We talk about the soil that was rooted, but we'll talk about the soil that John Coltrane came from.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and adopted a resolution calendar with several exceptions before taking up a series of ceremonial resolutions and bills. Members welcomed student visitors from the YWCA of White Plains’ Voices Unfiltered Policy Program, then adopted resolutions honoring Senegalese independence and the Senegalese community, MWBE Advocacy Day, John Coltrane’s 100th birthday, the Sing Sing Prison Museum, I Love My Park Day, Animal Advocacy Day, Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month, and Denim Day. Speakers emphasized cultural recognition, public service, environmental stewardship, animal welfare, rare disease awareness, and support for survivors of sexual violence; each resolution was adopted.
The chamber then moved through the regular calendar, passing a number of bills on broad roll-call votes. Among the measures approved were bills amending the Penal Law, Executive Law, Public Housing Law, Retirement and Social Security Law, Social Services Law, Environmental Conservation Law, General Municipal Law, Railroad Law, Election Law, Labor Law, and Public Service Law. Several bills passed unanimously or nearly so, while a few drew notable opposition, including a public health measure that passed 39-19 and the labor-related bill on ghost job postings that passed 39-19 after extended debate.
The most detailed floor debate centered on the Labor Law bill addressing “ghost jobs,” requiring employers with 100 or more employees to disclose whether postings are for current vacancies, expected future openings, or general resume collection, with Department of Labor enforcement and civil penalties. Supporters argued it would protect job seekers from deceptive postings; opponents said it was unnecessary, burdensome, and could invite litigation or penalties disproportionate to the problem. The Senate also debated and passed a bill expanding election-language assistance under the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act to Haitian Creole and Middle Eastern and North African communities, with supporters citing growing language-access needs and opponents raising concerns about scope and local costs. The Senate then adjourned until the next day.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- forest managers, towns, and other land stewards improve fish and wildlife habitat, water quality, and soil
- 00:11:40.560>
and wildlife habitat, water quality, and wildlife habitat, water quality, and soil - 41.839>
all <00:11:42.079>while <00:11:42.399>maintaining <00:11:42.800>a soil - health, all while maintaining a soil health, all while maintaining a vibrant<00:11:43.519>
working
Summary:
The House opened with devotional remarks from Representative Mark Higley, who read poems about maple sugaring and Groundhog Day and offered a Valentine’s Day reminder to give maple sugar candy. The chamber then recognized the first class of legislative pages for their service during the 2026 session, presented them with pins, and took photos. Several guests and groups were welcomed, including representatives from Vermont’s natural resources conservation districts, members of the St. Albinstown Fire Department for its 50th anniversary, and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Coalition, which highlighted housing, land conservation, and historic preservation work supported by the Housing and Conservation Board. The House also recognized former legislators in the gallery and several members’ birthdays.
On the legislative calendar, H.900, relating to exempting Social Security benefits from Vermont income tax, was introduced and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. HCR 164, congratulating the St. Albinstown Fire Department on 50 years of service, was read and adopted. The House also voted to relieve the Committee on Education of H.750, relating to school districts pursuing construction projects during the moratorium on state aid, and commit it to Ways and Means. Later, H.527, extending the sunset of 30 V.S.A. § 248A, passed third reading, and J.R.S. 37, supporting gender equality in Nordic combined Olympic competition and urging gender-equal new Olympic sports, was adopted in concurrence.
The House then took up H.898, concerning copper-to-fiber telecommunications network transitions and consumer protections. The committee explained that the bill requires advance written notice to customers and state agencies, reporting on backup power and E911 issues, public safety coordination, consumer education, and ongoing monitoring by the Department of Public Service. The committee reported an 8-0-1 vote, and after a question about whether the bill would affect provider-of-last-resort obligations, the House ordered the bill to third reading. The session ended with announcements about an upcoming report on Women, Work, and Wages and a motion to adjourn until the next meeting day, which was agreed to.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Small political subdivisions, such as soil and water conservation, districts or irrigation districts,
- option number one, but I'm also sensitive and I hear the fact that there are smaller, for example Soil
- though for the smaller ones and I do think in some rural areas having someone being able to serve on a soil
- Soil and Water Conservation could serve.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Working Group on Omnibus Capital Investment Bill - 06/09/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- : statewide drinking water, $6 million; capital assistance program, $6 million; Board of Water and Soil
- board<00:02:21.120>
of <00:02:21.280>water <00:02:21.520>and <00:02:21.760>soil - for the board of water and soil for the board of water and soil resources,<00:02:22.959>
local
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 1, 2025 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Or if you have very dry soil, you can mitigate the risk of flooding by keeping that soil moisture content
- are able to take carbon from the air or the water and store it in their roots, their biomass, the soil
- shellfish are able to take carbon from the air or the water and stored in their roots, their biomass, the soil
Summary:
The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee took up eight bills focused on water policy, coastal resilience, environmental regulation, beaches, wildlife funding, and carbon sequestration. HB 7001 preserved the public-record exemption for site-specific location information on endangered and threatened species before its scheduled repeal, and it was reported favorably 16-0. H.R. 661, expressing support for a “one-water” approach to the state water supply, drew discussion about whether it implied centralized control; an amendment aligning the resolution with Senate language was adopted, and the resolution passed 16-0 with a committee substitute.
The committee also advanced HB 1345 on infrastructure and resiliency, which after a strike-all amendment authorized DEP to procure coastal resiliency projects through public-private partnerships and use incentives such as revenue-sharing, expedited permitting, public engagement, and workforce training; it passed 16-0. HB 477 on weather modification was substantially amended to return to current statute and add a $10,000 fine for failing to obtain a permit; the bill drew extensive public testimony both for and against weather modification and cloud seeding, and it passed as amended with a committee substitute. HB 6043, repealing the 2018 customary-use beach statute affecting Walton County, prompted testimony about beach access, tourism losses, and private property rights; it passed 17-0.
The committee then approved CS for HB 843, making clarifying changes to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trust funds and allowing use of the non-game wildlife trust fund for law enforcement and coordination with related agencies and landowners; it passed 17-0. HB 1169 revised water management district planning, budgeting, reporting, and procurement practices, including restrictions on lobbyist funds and updated project preference rules; two amendments were adopted and the bill passed 16-0. Finally, HB 1063 created a task force to study carbon sequestration and related ecosystem services in Florida’s natural and agricultural lands and waters; after amendments removing a fiscal component and clarifying voluntary participation and property-rights protections, it passed 15-2. The meeting adjourned after all bills were reported favorably.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (02/17/2026)
Environment and Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- So the proposal here is not to add more to the soil.
- So the proposal here is not to add more to the soil.
- The proposal here is not to add more to the soil.
- So on page two, where it starts the New Hampshire soil PFAS results, could you just tell me what that
- the soil for the period of the rotation. the soil for the period of the rotation.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Floor Session 5/18/25 - Part 1
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- very local thing I want to thank both the chairs and all the conferees about is our study for our soil
- extra funds we got from the feds to try to bring down the nitrate level in our groundwater and our soil
- Now, the problem of nitrates in the soil is a will need a full court press, a lot of different programs
- Now, the problem of nitrates in<00:27:54.399>
the <00:27:54.480>soil <00:27:54.720>is - is a will need a full court in the soil is a will need a full court press,<00:27:56.559>
a <00
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/13/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul Brandt is a retired soil scientist from Brooklyn Park.
- I am a professional soil scientist.
- Our concern, the Minnesota Association of Professional Soil Scientists and the American Institute of
- 00.599>
Paul <00:03:00.840>Brandt <00:03:01.360>professional <00:03:01.800>soil - is Paul Brandt professional soil is Paul Brandt professional soil scientist<00:03:03.519>
I
CA
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm John Jasinski, executive director with the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, or BWSR as
- resources or Bowser as Water and Soil resources or Bowser as we're<01:06:16.799>
typically <01 - My name again is Andrea Fish, Assistant Director at the Board of Water and Soil Resources.
- My name again is Andrea Fish, Assistant Director at the Board of Water and Soil Resources.
- We use our Soil and Water Conservation District Network to identify landowners who might be interested
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Nov 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I work for eight soil and water conservation districts from time to time.
- believe this program is put on in collaboration with the NRCS—well, not with the NRCS, but with the Soil
- And some of those people worked for NRCS and for the Soil Conservation Districts, and they were able
- spending the legacy funds on because it is around preservation and conservation of our lands, our soil
- But in terms of the type of soil conservation, fire mitigation, recovery kind of work, those are not
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Radioactive and Hazardous Materials Jul 11th, 2025
Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And part of what we'll do is go in, and we've also actively started groundwater and soil sampling.
- Because this fallout also affected the soil.
- We have soil contamination, both petroleum and heavy metals.
- technical proposal right now this month from an NMED contractor for the removal of the contaminated soil
- Groundwater is about 16 to 20 feet, and we have contamination in the soil.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Economic and Rural Development Jul 7th, 2025
Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- experiencing the lowest snowpack this past year that we've ever had anywhere. the future on record, driest soil
- Also, for runoff, you know, super dry soil means that that water doesn't absorb into the soil; it runs
- Riparian health builds on a multi-year replanting effort since 2019 to stabilize soils and improve water
- helps prevent erosion and trenching, preserves trail integrity and nearby watercourses, and supports soil
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- And this one, Communicate with a federal counterpart on an issue that's on Massachusetts soil.
- Okay, so it's a reduction in the budget, but the program remains?
- Yeah, and the reduction is really just backing out small IT costs.
- There's no question budget reductions are coming, and what are we going to do to prepare for those reductions
- That's an incredible reduction.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held its sixth public hearing on the Governor’s H-2 budget proposal for fiscal year 2026, focused on public safety and judiciary agencies, at the Foxborough Community Center. After opening remarks and local welcomes, the committee heard first from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, led by Secretary Gina Kwan, who outlined a $1.72 billion budget, up $69.8 million from FY26. She said the proposal emphasizes core operations, readiness, and partnerships with municipalities, and highlighted work on firearms-law implementation, State Police reform, DOC reentry efforts, hate-crimes prevention, emergency response, and planning for major events including the World Cup. Members also raised concerns about DNA backlog reporting, State Police academy boxing and training standards, ICE communication, disaster relief funding, crime lab staffing, EMS placement, and diversity in public safety leadership.
Several exchanges focused on specific operational issues. Secretary Kwan and her team said the State Police are tracking the influx of forensic work from local sheriffs, that the boxing program remains suspended pending an IACP review and likely will not return in its prior form, and that EOPS has no direct communication with ICE but supports law-enforcement coordination where appropriate. On disaster preparedness, officials said the new disaster relief fund is being developed with MEMA and A&F, currently capitalized at $14 million with another $14 million expected, though members urged a more permanent funding source. On the crime lab, staff said the roughly $4.5 million increase is intended to cover core operations and a structural funding gap rather than expand services. The secretary also said EOPS is not ready to absorb OEMS from DPH at this time, though she would keep an open mind.
The committee then heard from district attorneys, led by Suffolk County DA Kevin Hayden, who said the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association is seeking a 10% increase in operating budgets, including about $16.7 million for staffing salaries, to recruit and retain prosecutors, advocates, and support staff. He said the request reflects rising workload and the need to keep the criminal justice system functioning efficiently and fairly. The hearing was recessed briefly after the district attorneys’ opening remarks, with additional testimony expected to continue afterward.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- >
in <00:13:59.600>net <00:13:59.839>tax 12-year 50% reduction in net tax 12-year - 50% reduction in net tax capacity<00:14:00.720>
for <00:14:00.959>hangers <00:14:01.760 - Um, also I know you had the unenviable task of having to look at some budget reductions, and some of
- So, if we're going to go through with this massive reduction, you're talking a 45% reduction in the first
- I'm the assistant director with the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
Keywords:
local government debt, municipal bonds, county bonds, capital improvements, public financing, bond issuance, public hearing, notice period, bond guarantee, Minnesota Public Facilities Authority, volume cap, private activity bonds, housing finance, residential rental bonds, LIHTC, low-income housing tax credits, redevelopment, courthouse financing, jail financing, law enforcement center
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Mar 4, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- It draws down carbon and, in the growing process, it bioremediates the soil.
- process it bioremediates the soil. process it bioremediates the soil.
- sequestration, soil remediation, pest resistance,<00:55:37.840>
all <00:55:38.080>the < - And some of those lands, regardless of soil quality, may be not best suited for agriculture.
- lands, regardless of soil quality, may<01:01:29.000>
be <01:01:29.200>not <01:01:29.880
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills, with most measures drawing either support or comments rather than opposition. HB 2395, relating to taking marine deposits for research, education, management, or propagation, received support from the University of Hawaii and DLNR. HB 2585, relating to agricultural tourism, drew broad support for its intent to keep agritourism secondary to farming, but agencies and farm groups raised concerns about enforcement, county authority, and the rebuttable presumption language. Testifiers included OPSD, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, Hawaii Farm Bureau, a small farm operator, and others, with some urging clearer definitions, simpler registration, and protections for bona fide farms and hosted farm stays.
HB 1728, on rainwater catchment systems, was supported in principle by DLNR, which cited drought conditions and said it deferred to counties and the Department of Health on safety and regulation. HB 1881, which would prohibit passenger ropeways on mountain lands, drew strong support from community testifiers who said it would help prevent development disguised as agritourism and protect forests and country lands. HB 1990, establishing penalties and possible foreclosure for unresolved zoning violations, received comments from the Attorney General recommending removal of AG references and more county-centered enforcement, while the Hawaii Association of Realtors warned the 30-day timeline could create problems for absent or unaware homeowners.
The committee also heard HB 1712, which would expand and make permanent certain seats on the State Building Code Council. The Plumbers and Fitters union supported the bill, but BIA Hawaii requested amendments to add “licensed contractor” language, and architects and other professionals opposed the measure, arguing that increasing the council from 12 to 15 voting members would make it less efficient and harder to reach quorum. Finally, HB 2151, relating to hempcrete, was supported by a Kauai workforce development advocate and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, who said hempcrete could support agriculture, manufacturing, and affordable housing while reducing carbon and reliance on imported materials. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/17/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- They're not going to dig their nest hole in clay soil or hardpan soil.
- They're looking for loose soil where they can nest.
- They're not going to dig their nest hole in clay soil or hardpan soil.
- They're looking for loose soil where they can nest.
- I actually studied soil science.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- control structures that are regulated by local sponsors, which are conservation districts or other soil
- The local districts and the State Soil and Water Board provide money for rehabilitation, but we're trying
Keywords:
SB 612, Texas Water Code, Section 49.2127, conservation and reclamation district, water district, reclamation district, developer fees, pipeline construction, water pipeline, sewer pipeline, associated infrastructure, subdivision infrastructure, cost recovery, fee cap, actual reasonable documented costs, engineering fees, legal fees, inspection fees, infrastructure relocation, utility connections
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- has the responsibility to enforce laws on its books against individuals who perpetrate crime on our soil
- Are they utilizing these firearms for committing crimes on Texas soil, aside from the mere purchase of
Keywords:
homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, SB 2202, firearm trafficking, gun trafficking, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, Texas-Mexico border, United Mexican States, Mexico, DPS, second-degree felony, weapons transfer, illegal firearms transfer, arms smuggling, cross-border crime