Transcript Highlights:

• In the greenhouse gas fund.
• Senator, the purpose of this program is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• The goal is to meet our 2030 greenhouse gas emissions by 40%.
• Cap and invest's goal is to reduce greenhouse emissions. It's to reduce greenhouse emissions.
• Cap and invest's primary goal is to reduce greenhouse emissions.

Summary: The joint hearing focused on CARB’s proposed April amendments to California’s cap-and-invest regulations, adopted under AB 1207 and SB 840. Committee members repeatedly framed the issue as a balance between climate ambition, affordability, leakage prevention, and the Legislature’s budget priorities. Several senators argued the proposal would weaken the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), reduce funding for transit, affordable housing, drinking water, wildfire prevention, and other programs, and potentially undermine the Legislature’s intent in last year’s reauthorization. Others emphasized that the program’s core purpose is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and that any changes should preserve the cap’s integrity and the state’s climate targets. CARB Chair Lauren Sanchez said the amendments were designed to implement legislative direction while responding to public comment and economic uncertainty. She described four main changes: increasing electric bill credits, expanding the manufacturing decarbonization incentive (MDI) to $4 billion, adding about $800 million in additional compliance support for industry, and removing post-2030 allowance allocations from the current rulemaking. CARB said the proposal would still maintain declining caps aligned with 2030 and 2045 targets, provide near-term affordability relief, and support businesses and jobs while reducing emissions. In response to questions, CARB said the MDI has guardrails, is limited to emissions-reducing projects, and would require reporting and repayment if projects do not materialize. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the amendments are significant and could affect several legislative priorities. LAO highlighted that the MDI would add allowances above the cap, creating uncertainty about environmental ambition and 2030 compliance, while also shifting more allowances to industry and fewer to the GGRF. LAO said the proposal could significantly reduce GGRF revenues and noted that, if revenues fall to CARB’s estimated level, some tiered programs could go unfunded. The Department of Finance explained that GGRF revenue estimates are updated three times a year and are difficult to predict because they depend on auction outcomes and market conditions. Senators pressed both agencies on whether the proposal would raise consumer costs, whether industry savings would be passed through, and whether the Legislature should receive updated revenue estimates before voting on the budget.

Transcript Highlights:

• Transportation, again, is the number one impact on greenhouse gases and the emitter of greenhouse gases
• In the overall bill, we do establish a greenhouse gas mitigation account.
• Greenhouse gas is the number one source of emissions.
• On greenhouse gas reduction, that was an important win.
• Greenhouse gas emissions in our country. We have. Just in the last year, 3%.

Transcript Highlights:

• The third step is calculating Greenhouse gas emissions.
• Counties support reducing greenhouse gas and reducing vehicle miles traveled.
• We in Saint Peter do support reductions in greenhouse gases.
• We in Saint Peter do support reductions in greenhouse gases.
• We in Saint Peter do support reductions in greenhouse gases.

Bills: HF4807

Keywords: overweight vehicles, aggregate mining, local ordinance restrictions, legislative audit, transportation, resource inventory, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Over the last 10 years, they have led the charge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil health
• Collectively, those programs have delivered a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 31 million metric
• The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is a flexible funding stream. It's kind of akin to tax revenue.
• One of them is if a program, for example, is supported by both LCFS and also GGRF, the Greenhouse Gas
• Digesters then encourage the production of this potent greenhouse gas.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:51:50.559><c> if</c><00:51:50.720><c> you</c> 2022 greenhouse gas inventory. if you 2022 greenhouse
• </c><00:57:20.880><c> gas</c> do we learn from our greenhouse gas do we learn from our greenhouse gas
• Uh, moving now to the greenhouse gas forecasting.
• </c><01:07:46.480><c> gas</c> a high emitter of greenhouse gas a high emitter of greenhouse gas emissions
• > uh</c><01:14:01.920><c> slide</c> greenhouse gas forecasting uh slide greenhouse gas forecasting uh

Bills: HF3556

Keywords: community solar, energy, solar power, renewable energy, Melissa Hortman, 1183, house

Bills: HB1739, HB1741, HB2606, HB2362, HB2608, HB2294, HB2431, HB2375, HB2582, HB2585, HB2231, HB1601, HB2424, HB1956

Keywords: transit-oriented development, zoning, land use, urban planning, density, local governance, housing, inclusionary zoning, inclusionary mandate, affordable housing, below-market-rate housing, inclusionary housing, development exaction, impact fee, housing affordability impact fee, needs assessment study, financial feasibility, rough proportionality, essential nexus, county ordinance

Summary: The committee on Water and Land met on February 19, 2026, and the chair opened by emphasizing strict time limits and that all bills would be deferred if the agenda was not completed before the noon session. The first major measure discussed was HB 1739 HD1, which would preempt county land-use authority in transit-oriented development areas. The Department of Planning supported the bill, saying it could promote state-funded TOD and infrastructure, while the city and county’s position was raised in questioning. Unite Here Local 5 opposed the bill, arguing it would strip counties of self-determination, disrupt state-county policy collaboration, and remove a check on unrestrained development. Committee members pressed the supporters on whether the bill was really about higher density and whether it would override local zoning and sustainability concerns. The committee then heard testimony on HB 1741 HD1, a housing bill described by supporters as reducing inclusionary housing mandates and increasing supply. Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued affordability mandates reduce overall housing production and raise market-rate prices, while a Zoom testifier said the bill would improve housing stability, health, and community outcomes for working families, kupuna, and young residents. Members asked about the bill’s needs assessment and who would conduct it, with a witness saying the counties would likely contract it out but that the bill did not clearly specify the reviewer. HB 2668 HD1, dealing with water heating systems, drew testimony from the Hawaii State Energy Office and industry representatives. Supporters generally backed adding heat pumps to the law, but one solar-water-heater industry witness asked for amendments to remove or extend the current 15-year statutory life limit for solar water heaters and to update outdated standards and variance rules. A Kauaʻi Climate Action Coalition witness opposed the existing solar-only structure, arguing heat pump water heaters are cheaper, align with climate goals, and should be allowed without a variance. The Energy Office said the current law already allows variances in some cases, suggested adding high-efficiency heat pump water heaters to the exemption, and said the 15-year figure may be too short, with 18 years mentioned as a possible alternative. The committee also briefly moved through several other bills, including HB 2606 HD1 on off-site construction and HB 2362 HD1 on housing, with no notable testimony or action recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, industrial processes contribute about 30% to global warming, as well as greenhouse gas emissions
• And cement alone is 8% of greenhouse gas emissions.
• And cement alone is 8% of greenhouse gas emissions. So those two, I wanted to give you that answer.
• And I really believe we have to lower greenhouse gases.
• And I really believe we have to lower greenhouse gases.

Bills: HB253, HB153, HB255, HB287, HB371, SB151, HB8, SB177

Keywords: distance learning, virtual instruction, public education, student enrollment, school funding, education standards, pandemic education response, low-carbon construction, construction materials, rebate, environmental product declaration, EPD, embodied carbon, carbon intensity, greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonization, industrial incentives, clean manufacturing, cement, concrete

Bills: HB253, HB153, HB255, HB287, HB371, SB151, HB8, SB177

Keywords: distance learning, virtual instruction, public education, student enrollment, school funding, education standards, pandemic education response, low-carbon construction, construction materials, rebate, environmental product declaration, EPD, embodied carbon, carbon intensity, greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonization, industrial incentives, clean manufacturing, cement, concrete

Summary: The committee first corrected its action on Senate Bill 151, noting that the earlier motion had been made incorrectly after the committee substitute was amended. Members then moved to do not pass the Senate Finance Committee substitute and do pass the same committee substitute so it could be sent to the floor. The only change identified in the substitute was an adjustment to the sunset date. A roll call vote followed, with several members voting yes and a few voting no or being excused, and the motion to report the committee substitute out with a due pass recommendation carried. After the SB 151 vote, the chair said the committee was essentially finished and expected to meet on the floor the next day, likely around noon, with a plan to come in earlier and handle a few more bills. The discussion then shifted to House Bill 2 and the broader issue of state employee compensation. One member argued that over the past several years the state had already provided substantial pay raises and benefits, citing roughly $1.3 billion in raises, about $184 million annually for health care costs, and $116 million annually for employer pension costs, for a total of about $1.6 billion over four years. That member said the state had done enough on employee compensation and that a proposed 1% increase did not make sense given competing priorities such as child care and other needs. The committee then adjourned, and there was a brief question about when the university fund bill would be heard, but no firm timing was given.

Bills: SB34, SB119, SB261, SB532, SB1035, SB1245, SB1247, SB1267, SB1442, SB1930, SB1948, SB2078, SB2112, SB2143, SB2155

Keywords: wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department, Texas A&M Forest Service, West Texas A&M University, prescribed burning, fuel loading, fuel reduction, firefighting equipment database, emergency communications, disaster preparedness, rural fire protection, asset hardening, natural resource management, emergency management, large wildfire risk, fire grant funding, fire suppression, Texas Legislature

Transcript Highlights:

• Cap-and-Trade allows the continued omissions of harmful greenhouse gases.
• End up funding the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
• Greenhouse gas reduction fund versus utility benefits and so on.
• They pay full bore, so that money comes into the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
• That's if we're going to do greenhouse gas funding for housing.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Over the last 10 years, they have led the charge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil health
• The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is a flexible funding stream. It's kind of akin to tax revenue.
• How do you measure and verify greenhouse gas emissions across the different programs?
• Digesters then encourage the production of this potent greenhouse gas.
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions are those operating in the food and ag sector.

Summary: The joint informational hearing examined how California agricultural programs have used cap-and-invest funding and what role agriculture should play in future climate investments. Committee chairs framed the issue as balancing climate goals, food production, rural economic vitality, and the fact that agriculture was not specifically funded in the recent cap-and-invest reauthorization. The first panel from CDFA and the Legislative Analyst’s Office described the state’s climate-smart agriculture portfolio, including Healthy Soils, SWEEP, the Dairy Methane Reduction Program, and Alternative Manure Management, and explained that GGRF revenues are now more constrained and may not fully support all tiered programs. LAO emphasized that agriculture is about 8% of California’s emissions, that most ag emissions are outside the cap, and that the Legislature should consider program effectiveness, the role of incentives, and GGRF priorities. CDFA testified that roughly $727 million has been invested in its flagship climate-smart ag programs, producing estimated reductions of 31 million metric tons of CO2e, 1.6 million acre-feet of water savings, and about 4,000 projects. The department said technical assistance is essential because farmers face risk when adopting new practices, and noted new Proposition 4 funding for Healthy Soils, SWEEP, and a regional farm equipment sharing program. University researchers then presented economic and methane-reduction analyses: UC Berkeley’s Dr. Hill described working landscapes as a major economic driver, while UC Davis’ Dr. Kibreab outlined dairy methane reduction pathways, including herd efficiency, digesters, alternative manure management, and emerging feed additives such as 3-NOP and seaweed, arguing that incentive-based programs have helped California move toward its methane goals. A later panel featured sharply different views on dairy digesters. Phoebe Seton argued that digesters worsen air and water quality, encourage manure liquefaction, and are an inefficient use of public funds, while CalCAN’s Brian Schobey and agricultural representatives said programs like AMP, SWEEP, Healthy Soils, FPIP, and the Farmer Program deliver measurable emissions reductions plus co-benefits such as water savings, lower energy costs, and improved air quality. Farm and industry witnesses stressed that stable, incentive-based funding helps family farms remain viable, supports co-investment, and should be treated as a partnership rather than a regulatory stick. No votes or formal actions were taken; the hearing ended with public comment and a continued call for future funding and policy discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• That greenhouse gases harm public health was scientific fact when the endangerment finding was issued
• My understanding is that there is some heat trapping that occurs from greenhouse gases.
• gas. greenhouse gas that can trap heat in the atmosphere.
• I believe there are many activities that can release greenhouse gases.
• Those activities do release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• gases that they produce that greenhouse gases that they produce that have<00:03:27.040><c> to</c><00
• So the crux of this amendment is that two years ago we passed a critical greenhouse gas vehicle travel
• gas vehicle Mouse travel greenhouse gas vehicle Mouse travel policy<00:04:09.319><c> that</c><00:04:
• So green transportation is our number one source of greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota.
• gas emissions or vehicle our greenhouse gas emissions or vehicle miles<00:05:13.880><c> traveled</c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• recommendations around consigning no-cost allowances to auction, with the proceeds to be used for greenhouse
• They must evaluate the greenhouse gas emission reduction potentials from those projects or activities
• So essentially, as you know, under the CCA, we set a firm and declining cap on greenhouse gas emissions
• It must look at technically and economically feasible measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. the
• So essentially, as you know, under the CCA, we set a firm and declining cap on greenhouse gas emissions

Summary: The committee heard several bills and took testimony on each. SB 6013 would update ski lift terminology in State Parks law to include aerial tramways, tows, and conveyors; the sponsor and Washington State Parks said it is a simple technical update and a companion to a House bill previously passed by the committee. SB 6291 would extend from two to four years the time a non-certified on-site wastewater inspector may work under supervision before becoming certified; the sponsor and local public health witnesses said the change would help retain staff because the certification exam is difficult, offered only twice a year, and often results in turnover if the deadline is missed. The committee also heard ESB 6246, which would change policy for emissions-intensive, trade-exposed facilities under the Climate Commitment Act. The bill would require Ecology to produce a new report on post-2034 allowance reductions and leakage risk, and would require EITEs to submit periodic assessments of technically and economically feasible emissions-reduction options, reviewed by a licensed engineer. Supporters said the bill is a necessary first step to plan for decarbonization while keeping industry in Washington; environmental groups urged stronger third-party verification and clearer reporting, while industry groups supported the general framework but asked for changes on leakage analysis, confidentiality, and penalties. Ecology supported the overall direction but raised concerns about implementation language and resource needs. Finally, SSB 5982 would expand Clean Energy Transformation Act coverage to include port districts that distribute electricity and certain large self-generating or affected market customers, while preserving some exemptions for pre-existing cogeneration and certain PUDs. Supporters said the bill closes loopholes so all new generation is subject to clean electricity standards, especially as ports and data centers explore behind-the-meter or fossil generation. Opponents from industrial and business groups argued the bill could sweep in facilities that were not intended to be covered and could create additional costs during a period of tight power supply. Ecology and Commerce testified that the bill would clarify CETA but noted possible effects on no-cost allowance allocations under the Climate Commitment Act. No votes or final actions were taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ecology supports lowering lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with fertilizer, which is a major
• source of greenhouse gases from agriculture.
• Assessing life cycle greenhouse gas emissions is aligned with the best practices of emissions accounting
• the definition of green fertilizer and tying performance-based incentives to the proportion of greenhouse
• Globally, fertilizer manufacturing accounts for roughly 2% of greenhouse gas emissions, on par with the

Bills: SB5919, SB5816

Keywords: fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, 904, all

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard public testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 5971, which would create a Department of Agriculture green fertilizer incentive program for low-carbon nitrogen fertilizer. Committee staff explained the bill’s background, including a 2024 work group report, and said the program would be designed by 2028 with a preliminary report due in 2027. Ecology and Agriculture supported the concept and suggested technical changes to align life-cycle emissions accounting with the Clean Fuel Standard and to set a baseline year. Testimony in support came from labor, industry, environmental, and regional economic development representatives, who said the bill could reduce emissions, stabilize fertilizer supply and prices for farmers, create jobs, and help projects qualify for federal hydrogen tax credits. The committee also heard public testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 6097, which would add federally recognized Indian tribes as eligible participants in the Conservation Futures Program; tribal, county, and land trust witnesses supported the bill as a way to improve conservation partnerships, protect culturally important lands, and remove administrative barriers. Public testimony counts were read into the record for both bills, with 317 pro and 87 con on SB 5971, and 31 pro and 822 con on SB 6097. During executive session, the committee took up three bills. It moved Senate Bill 5919, encouraging fire districts and insurers to create voluntary wildfire mitigation incentives, and Senate Bill 5816, adding juice grapes as a covered agricultural product under the Agricultural Marketing and Fair Practices Act. Both bills were reported out of committee with do pass recommendations on 10-0 votes, with Representative Nance excused. The committee deferred action on Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5838, which concerns membership on the Board of Natural Resources and includes an amendment adjusting tribal representation and nomination procedures. The chair also announced that amendments on the heard bills would need to be submitted by 6 p.m. that day and that the next committee meeting would start at 9 a.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to touch very briefly on the greenhouse to touch very briefly on the greenhouse effect<00:13:22.720
• </c> uh simply that the amount of greenhouse uh simply that the amount of greenhouse gases<00:13:44.639
• is the main greenhouse gas.
• So, we're the main greenhouse gas.
• </c><00:17:27.600><c> gases</c> uh CO2 and and and uh greenhouse gases uh CO2 and and and uh greenhouse

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance was led, and the clerk called the roll, establishing a quorum. The committee approved the prior minutes after correcting the date and changing a reference so that a draft-legislation note attributed to Representative Wlette was corrected. After that, the chair introduced a carbon presentation by Mr. Charlie Lebec and invited members and guests to move closer to view the slides. Mr. Lebec’s presentation focused on forest carbon science and forest carbon offset markets, with emphasis on how forests store, sequester, and emit carbon. He explained greenhouse gases and the relationship between atmospheric CO2 and temperature, then defined key terms such as carbon storage, sequestration, flux, sinks, and sources. He also described forest carbon pools, noting that soils contain a large share of forest carbon, and discussed how forest age affects storage and sequestration, arguing that younger forests often sequester carbon faster while older forests store more carbon overall. He also addressed how harvested wood products can continue to store carbon, responding to a question from a member about mass timber and carbon sinks. The presentation included regional comparisons showing New Hampshire’s forest density, carbon storage, and sequestration relative to other New England states, and noted that New Hampshire forests offset more than 30% of the state’s annual greenhouse gas emissions from nonforest sources, while Maine and Vermont offset even larger shares. Mr. Lebec said eastern forests are generally carbon sinks, unlike some western forests affected by wildfire, and stressed that forest management, soil protection, and forest age all influence carbon outcomes. No votes or substantive policy actions were taken beyond approving the minutes; the meeting was primarily informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:32:35.760><c> gas</c> we have to address greenhouse gas we have to address greenhouse gas emissions
• </c><01:32:39.360><c> gas</c><01:32:39.560><c> emissions</c> reduce greenhouse gas emissions reduce greenhouse
• Also, SAF has really meaningful reductions in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions.
• SAF has really meaningful reductions in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions.
• </c><01:50:13.400><c> gas</c> carbon emissions and greenhouse gas carbon emissions and greenhouse gas

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection opened its first hearing of the session and heard testimony on several energy and environmental bills. On HB 470, relating to noise and leaf blowers, the Department of Health supported the bill’s intent to reduce noise pollution but raised concerns about using decibel limits alone and suggested using dBA measurements; testimony also noted the bill would regulate future sales rather than current use, and there were three additional testimonies, two in support and one in opposition. No questions were raised before the committee moved on. The committee then heard HB 742 on transit-oriented development, which would require HCDA to prepare a programmatic EIS for Ewa, Kapalama, and West Oahu improvements. UH supported the bill, HHFDC said it was already preparing a master plan and programmatic EIS for the Ewa area, and HCDA explained that the projects are already underway or completed, including infrastructure work funded by prior appropriations. Supporters said the bill would streamline environmental review and potentially reduce costs for future housing, while HCDA emphasized the work is already in progress. On HB 340, concerning a streamlined grid-ready home interconnection process and related cost recovery, DCCA provided comments, the Attorney General suggested changing a deadline to a specific date, and the PUC said it wanted to study the matter further while still meeting the 180-day reporting requirement. Solar and clean energy groups strongly supported the bill as a way to speed interconnection and advance grid-interactive technologies, while Hawaiian Electric supported the goal of more DERs but opposed the process, saying its interconnection performance has improved and that collaboration would be preferable to legislation. Members asked about newer technologies, UL 1741, and ratepayer impacts, and the Consumer Advocate said removing the cost-recovery section would alleviate its concerns. The committee also heard HB 243, requiring PV- and EV-ready new residential construction, which the Hawaii State Energy Office described as a cost-saving no-brainer because installing these features during construction is much cheaper than retrofitting later. The hearing then shifted to HB 350, expanding the water-heater systems that can satisfy building-permit requirements to include heat pump water heaters alongside solar hot water systems. The Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray supported the concept but asked for amendments to align efficiency standards and noted the bill’s removal of a 15-year lifespan limit for solar thermal systems, and Hawaii Solar Energy Association raised questions about how heat pump performance should be measured and whether PV-plus-heat-pump combinations should qualify. Committee members asked about impacts on smaller homes and ADUs, and the discussion remained focused on technical standards and possible amendments; no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also oppose a three-year delay to transportation greenhouse gas impact assessment and the transit
• So it's not just that this bill rolls back needed climate action, including the greenhouse gas targets
• For this reason, we oppose a delay in immigration implementing reductions in greenhouse gases and VMT
• Investment in active transit is also critical in reducing greenhouse gases.
• More walkable and bikeable communities are a cost-effective way to greenhouse gases and improve health

Bills: HF2438

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• important part in providing options to opt out of traffic congestion across our state and reduce greenhouse
• Greenhouse gas reduction fund.
• How was it determined that these were the best expenditures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, or was
• So that next year we're not taking even more greenhouse gas money, not that we're even going to take
• The greenhouse gas funds will come up every time during our weekly hearings and I just wanted to get

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• greenhouse</c><00:23:26.279><c> gas</c><00:23:26.559><c> emitting</c> sources not zero greenhouse gas
• </c><00:24:45.720><c> gas</c><00:24:46.399><c> so</c> amount of uh greenhouse gas so amount of uh greenhouse
• </c> um absorbing of the three greenhouse um absorbing of the three greenhouse gases<00:31:50.760><c>
• And, you know, it seems like we want to have a tighter definition of what greenhouse gas or what greenhouse
• And, you know, it seems like we want to have a tighter definition of what greenhouse gas or what greenhouse

Keywords: 1189, house, all