Video & Transcript : 'Clean Energy Economy Minnesota' :

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 02/27/25

Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:07:53.639><c> housing</c> process payments with Minnesota housing process payments with Minnesota
  • They do not clean the snow.
  • I must notify Minnesota Housing.
  • Are we going to stay in Minnesota, or are we going to not stay in Minnesota?
  • They cleaned parks.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee Apr 14th, 2026

Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Transcript Highlights:
  • In this bill, they won't have to ask where they clean because they know exactly where to clean, what
  • My name is Andrea Ventura with Clean Water Action.
  • Andrea Ventura for Just Clean Water Action, in strong support.
  • Andrea Ventura for Just Clean Water Action, in strong support.
  • water and healthy farming economies can go hand in hand.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Water and Natural Resources Nov 17th, 2025

Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Laboratory (NREL) to implement a clean energy connector tool.
  • , clean energy, and a healthy climate.
  • up the power grid while exporting clean energy to neighboring states.
  • clean air and water and a strong economy for the long haul.
  • In this case, clean air, clean indoor air, home energy efficiency, and electrification, but it does much
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Energy Alliance, People's Clean Power Alliance, Third Act, Clean Health Now Action Fund, Climate Action
  • Dave Shukla, Long Beach Alliance for Clean Energy, support.
  • However, there's a gap in our green economy, and that's a lack of in-state manufacturing for clean energy
  • Isn't California already a clean energy leader?
  • Dave Shukla, Long Beach Alliance for Clean Energy, in support.
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility rates, wildfire safety, carbon capture, methane reduction, large energy users, low-income energy programs, and clean energy supply chains. Early items included SB 613, which would direct state agencies to prioritize reducing methane emissions from imported fossil fuels, and SB 614, which would allow California to move forward with carbon dioxide pipeline safety rules and potentially lift the state’s moratorium on new CO2 pipelines. Both bills drew support from advocates and industry-related witnesses, with no opposition registered at the time they were presented, and the committee indicated it would vote once quorum was established. After quorum was called, the committee took up SB 57, which would require the Public Utilities Commission to establish tariffs for large energy users such as data centers to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers and address stranded infrastructure costs. Supporters argued the bill would protect affordability and encourage clean energy use, while opponents, including utilities and business groups, warned it could create uncertainty and interfere with existing regulatory processes. The committee also heard SB 256 on wildfire mitigation and emergency response, including undergrounding, PSPS communication, and removal of abandoned lines; supporters emphasized the need for stronger action after recent fires, while utilities raised concerns about duplicative requirements and public disclosure of sensitive infrastructure information. Both SB 57 and SB 256 were approved on roll calls. The committee then heard SB 647, which would expand and standardize oversight of low-income energy savings programs and performance metrics, with strong support from community advocates and some neutral or “tweener” positions from utilities that sought further work on data collection and implementation. SB 787 followed, proposing a state strategy to coordinate supply chains and workforce development for clean energy industries including EVs, building decarbonization, and offshore wind; it received broad support and no opposition. The committee also considered SB 332, a study bill on utility ownership models and affordability reforms, which drew strong support from consumer and climate advocates but opposition from utilities and business groups concerned about bias, investor signals, and executive compensation provisions. The consent calendar was later approved, and several bills were reported out with votes or held open for absent members to add on.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Capital Budget Feb 24th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • energy, and climate resilience, we're deeply concerned about the...
  • To see the additional investments in housing, clean energy, and climate resilience.
  • energy grants.
  • This is a huge investment in the supply chain and in our state's economy.
  • can do in our city, as well as inject $20 million annually into Spokane's economy.
Summary: The Capital Budget Committee held a hearing on Proposed Substitute House Bill 2295, the supplemental capital budget. Staff said the proposal totals nearly $911 million, including about $400 million in bonds and $511 million from other state and federal sources, with much of the increase over the governor’s proposal coming from Climate Commitment Act (CCA) funding. Major spending areas include housing and homelessness, K-12 construction, human services facilities, and CCA-funded clean energy, decarbonization, and habitat restoration projects. The chair said the committee would not take amendments at the hearing and planned to vote out the budget on Thursday, with a technical fix striker expected. Testimony was largely supportive of the House proposal, with many witnesses asking the committee to preserve or increase specific items in final negotiations. Housing advocates urged support for the Housing Trust Fund, manufactured housing preservation, and projects such as Alliance Place, Cloverdale Cottages, Cherry Street Village, Somos, and the Thrive Center. Education and public facility witnesses backed investments in school seismic safety, small district modernization, Healthy Kids Healthy Schools, community college and university maintenance, and projects at Cascadia College, WSU, CWU, and UW. Health and human services testimony supported behavioral health, Tubman Center, HealthPoint, pregnant parenting treatment, and the Yakima Behavioral Health Hub. Natural resources, climate, and infrastructure witnesses praised funding for Flood Plains by Design, community forests, trust land transfer, salmon recovery, the Skokomish land purchase, and the Lower Columbia River dredging project. Several local governments and organizations requested additional support or Senate-level funding for specific projects, while Climate Solutions cautioned against using CCA dollars to backfill existing obligations. The committee heard no votes during the hearing, and the chair closed by saying the budget would be executed on Thursday.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session Apr 7th, 2025

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Stephen's Episcopal Church in Edina, Minnesota. Pledge of Allegiance.
  • We can't do that in Minnesota.
  • We can't do that in Minnesota.
  • We can't do that in Minnesota.
  • And we can't do it in Minnesota because we have a fiscal note back.
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York State Senate Session - 05/26/2026

New York Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Secondly, by investing in clean energy, as we discussed before, Madam President, a kilowatt of clean
  • energy.
  • If we're on a path to increase so-called clean energy, renewable energy, nuclear power, then why not
  • SO-CALLED CLEAN ENERGY, RENEWABLE ENERGY, NUCLEAR POWER, THEN WHY NOT JUST CONTINUE TO CALCULATE IN THE
  • >> Such as the Alliance for Clean Energy, New York BEST, New York Solar Energy Industries, New York Affordable
Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then moved through a series of budget-related and ceremonial items. The chamber accepted Rules and Finance Committee reports and took up several budget extender and budget implementation bills, including the main appropriations extender and later a transportation, economic development, and environmental conservation budget bill. Senators questioned the sponsor extensively about the status of the remaining budget bills, the use of messages of necessity, and the absence of joint budget conference committees. The extender bill passed 59-2, and later budget-related measures were advanced after reconsideration and amendment. A major portion of the session focused on the environmental and energy provisions in the budget bill, especially changes to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Senators debated extending emissions targets, the role of cap-and-invest, utility affordability, ratepayer impacts, and the structure of a proposed blue-ribbon commission. Supporters said the changes were needed to give the state more time to implement the law and to protect affordability, while opponents argued the bill was a political delay that would not lower energy costs and relied too heavily on subsidies and future planning. The bill also drew questions about electric vehicle rebates, thermostat control programs, emergency diesel generation for Micron, and how imported electricity and out-of-state emissions would be treated. The Senate also adopted several previously adopted resolutions honoring the 50th anniversary of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, India Independence Day, the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame, and the 50th anniversary of Interfaith Works of Central New York. Senators spoke in support of each resolution, highlighting the contributions of Black legislators, Indian-American communities, veterans, and refugee and interfaith service organizations. The Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony was specifically noted as a chamber event, and guests were recognized from the floor and gallery. In addition, the Senate restored recalled bills to the third reading calendar through reconsideration votes and amendments, including a highway law bill and another recalled bill, and then stood at ease for scheduled conferences and a Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony before resuming session. The transcript ended with discussion of a separate bill affecting automobile insurance serious-injury standards, with questions about what claims would remain available and whether the change would improve affordability.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • energy, agriculture, and beyond.
  • energy, agriculture, and beyond.
  • We have aging infrastructure, ambitious clean energy goals, and a retiring generation of skilled workers
  • We have aging infrastructure, ambitious clean energy goals, and a retiring generation of skilled workers
  • But it takes a... ...systems, and the clean energy future of the Commonwealth.
Summary: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development heard testimony on several workforce-related bills, with most of the hearing focused on ESOL and apprenticeship legislation, followed by testimony on a four-day workweek pilot and paid prenatal leave. On ESOL, witnesses including the Boston Foundation, Skillworks, MassINC, MIRA, JVS Boston, Eastern Bank, immigrant advocates, employers, and legislators supported H.2080/S.1326, arguing that Massachusetts has a large backlog of limited-English-proficiency residents waiting for classes, that ESOL is essential to economic mobility and immigrant integration, and that the state needs a coordinated, statewide strategy with more vocational and workplace-focused English instruction. Testifiers cited long waitlists, fragmented delivery across agencies, labor shortages, and examples of workplace English programs helping immigrants gain jobs, advance careers, and support businesses. Committee members asked questions about how vocational ESOL differs from standard classes, and witnesses explained that it focuses on job-specific language and workplace scenarios. The committee also heard strong support for H.2085/S.1303, which would require more use of registered apprentices on public construction projects over $1 million. Labor leaders from the Massachusetts AFL-CIO and Massachusetts Building Trades, along with electricians and apprentices, said the bill would help apprentices complete training by ensuring enough job-site hours, expand access to good union careers, and strengthen the construction workforce for housing, infrastructure, and clean energy work. Several witnesses defended existing apprenticeship ratios and electrical licensing standards, warning against deregulation and emphasizing safety. Committee members asked about project thresholds and apprenticeship ratios, and witnesses said the bill’s phased apprentice-hour requirement was intended to cover most public projects under current cost conditions. The committee then heard testimony on S.1330, a four-day workweek pilot program. Senator Dillon Fernandez and Representative Shirley Arriaga described the proposal as a response to burnout, affordability pressures, and changing workplace norms, arguing that a pilot would let Massachusetts study whether shorter workweeks improve productivity, retention, and worker well-being. Witnesses said the model could help families balance caregiving and commuting while maintaining or improving output. Finally, the committee took testimony on S.1361, establishing paid prenatal leave. Parents, health advocates, March of Dimes, and others said paid leave would help pregnant workers attend critical prenatal appointments, reduce missed care, and improve maternal and infant health outcomes. Several speakers shared personal stories about high-risk pregnancies, pregnancy loss, and the financial strain of taking unpaid time off. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and asked a limited number of questions.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/11/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Give us the resolve to act on the climate crisis, to secure clean air and water, and to defend the most
  • Economy.
  • Moms Clean Air Force, Arizona. Mountain Mamas, Northern Arizona Climate Change Alliance.
  • And they are here to advocate for clean air, clean water, a clean energy transition, and a healthy environment
  • And they are here to advocate for clean air, clean water, clean energy transition, and a healthy environment
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized several visiting groups at the Capitol, including OBGYNs and trainees for Women’s and Reproductive Health Day, environmental advocates for Environmental Day, Arizona Maha Coalition members, nurses for Arizona Nurses Day, aerospace industry representatives for Aerospace Day, and guests for International Mother Language Day and other district visitors. Several proclamations and recognitions were read, including International Mother Language Day, Arizona Aerospace Day, and a recognition of Israeli Supreme Court Justice Daphne Barak-Erez. The chamber also welcomed the Doctor of the Day and a newly appointed commissioner, and the President Pro Tem made temporary committee appointments. The main floor business was a Committee of the Whole on several SNAP-related bills. SB 1002, concerning SNAP/TANF public welfare verification, received a floor amendment from Senator Kavanagh and was advanced with a do pass recommendation. SB 1331, relating to SNAP military employment and training, also advanced do pass. SB 1333, relating to a SNAP error rate forensic audit, was amended by the Health and Human Services Committee and advanced do pass after Senator Gonzalez spoke in opposition, arguing the bill did not address the underlying federal error-rate problem and could increase state costs. SB 1334, concerning SNAP work requirement waivers and exemptions, advanced do pass despite Senator Gonzalez’s opposition, in which she argued the bill would restrict Arizona’s flexibility, especially in rural and tribal areas, and could harm older adults and people with disabilities. SB 1368, concerning SNAP purchase restrictions, was then taken up; Senator Gonzalez began speaking in opposition, but the transcript cuts off before the debate or final action on that bill is completed.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Energy and Natural Resources (10/07/2025)

Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • ><c> water</c><00:09:11.120><c> is</c> Um providing clean drinking water is Um providing clean drinking
  • </c> you're trying to protect your clean you're trying to protect your clean drinking<00:14:12.399><c
  • And we need energy and we need money to make that other places.
  • And we and we need energy and we year.
  • </c> Senate Energy and Natural Resources. Senate Energy and Natural Resources.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Capital Investment Committee 3/12/26

Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:
  • And to Minnesota State and the University of Minnesota, who will be before us, I just want to say thank
  • Any questions for Minnesota &gt;&gt; members. Any questions for Minnesota State?
  • </c> workforce for all 87 Minnesota counties. workforce for all 87 Minnesota counties.
  • Minnesota loses 160 workforce gap.
  • </c><00:45:07.839><c> So</c> University of Minnesota. Thank you. So University of Minnesota.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Energy security is something that...
  • Hi, Juanita Martinez, on behalf of World Energy.
  • This supports good-paying jobs and furthers clean energy investment in our state while advancing California's
  • I definitely have a for good jobs in California's clean future.
  • , it provides well-paying jobs to help stimulate the economy.
Summary: The subcommittee first heard an informational overview from the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GoServe), including California Volunteers, the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications, and the Youth Empowerment Commission. GoServe reported strong participation in programs such as California Service Corps, College Corps, Youth Service Corps, Climate Action Corps, and the new men’s service challenge. Testimony emphasized enrollment, retention, and completion outcomes, outreach results, and efforts to reduce administrative costs. The Department of Finance said the administration supports the programs but has already made reductions to help address the budget deficit, while the LAO said it had no new recommendations on the informational item. Committee members raised questions about program scale, demographics, and effectiveness, especially for Climate Action Corps and whether the programs are duplicative of existing volunteer opportunities. One member criticized the programs as too fragmented and costly, while others asked for more data on who is being served and whether the programs increase actual participation in state services. GoServe said it would follow up with demographic and regional impact information. The committee also discussed the men’s service challenge, which GoServe said has formed partnerships with organizations such as YMCAs and Big Brothers Big Sisters and has already attracted more than 2,000 participants. The item was informational only. The committee then heard a BOE overview and a budget request to implement SB 293, which gives wildfire-affected families additional time to claim intergenerational Prop. 13 property tax transfers. BOE requested $154,000 for guidance, public materials, and inquiry response, explaining that the work is urgent and tied to disaster relief in Los Angeles County, especially Altadena. The LAO had no concerns, and Finance had no comment. Members asked how many cases might be affected and whether more funding would be needed later; BOE said the full number is not yet known and that future requests are possible. The committee also heard BOE’s IT modernization proposal for the state-assessed property tax system, a 30-year-old mainframe replacement costing $3.2 million in 2026-27 and $3.1 million in 2027-28. BOE and Finance supported the project as necessary, while the LAO said it had no concerns but urged a high bar for new IT spending. Members generally supported modernization but cautioned about implementation risk. Finally, CDTFA presented an overview and two policy proposals. The department described administering 42 tax and fee programs, collecting $98 billion in FY 2024, and improving administrative efficiency. Members then discussed local sales tax tools and revenue-sharing agreements, with concerns raised about transparency, consultant-driven tax allocation disputes, and the impact on local communities. CDTFA and the LAO explained that local jurisdictions control how district sales tax revenues are spent and noted the Legislature could revisit the statutory cap on local add-on sales taxes. The committee then heard CDTFA’s proposal to treat all delivery network companies as marketplace facilitators so they must collect and remit sales tax on delivery-app orders. CDTFA said the change would resolve confusion, shift compliance from thousands of small restaurants to a few large platforms, and raise about $44 million annually. Several members questioned whether the proposal would effectively raise consumer costs and whether it would create a competitive advantage or disadvantage among delivery platforms. The item remained under discussion, with no vote taken in the transcript.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Ways & Means Mar 24th, 2025

Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • This resolution is a proactive measure to protect our economy, our energy industry, and the hard-working
  • positive impacts on the Texas economy.
  • They are a very energy resource-rich state, much like Texas is.
  • Its negative impacts are widely distributed across the economy just because energy is filtered throughout
  • Raising the cost of energy raises the cost of virtually everything.
Committee: House Ways & Means
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Aug 14th, 2025

Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • They could have indirect effects on our economy.
  • We're watching the effect that this new private economy is having.
  • I want to share that economic recovery seems to be heating up in our economy.
  • We can get more taxes by growing an economy. However, that philosophy doesn't apply to roads.
  • Cars being more energy efficient, we're headed for disaster.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • My country's economy is thriving,... My country's economy is thriving because we invest in people.
  • These efforts have been made to target a range of growing sectors, such as the clean economy, high-tech
  • And I will also add to that, of course, climate and clean energy and diversification of energy and energy
  • And we do this a lot in policy, whether it be on clean energy or education or health care: what do we
  • And we do this a lot in policy, whether it be on clean energy or education or health care, what do we
Summary: The inaugural meeting of the Select Committee on California and Armenia Mutual Trade, Art, and Cultural Exchange focused on strengthening California-Armenia ties through trade, investment, education, culture, and diplomacy. Chair Harabedian and Assemblymember Caloza opened by emphasizing the importance of the Armenian-American community in California and the committee’s goal of expanding opportunities for business, job creation, cultural preservation, and academic exchange. The Republic of Armenia’s ambassador and the Armenian Consul General both described Armenia as a growing strategic partner for California, highlighting recent peace and connectivity developments, Armenia’s diversification strategy, and the role of the Armenian diaspora in linking the two places. The first panel featured Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and Go-Biz trade specialist Trisha Utterback. Kounalakis reviewed the 2019 California-Armenia framework agreement and the opening of the California trade and services desk in Yerevan, noting growth in academic ties and California’s support for Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Utterback outlined Go-Biz’s trade and investment programs and reported that California-Armenia two-way trade has more than doubled since 2019, with exports rising sharply; she cited examples of California companies expanding into Armenia and Armenian businesses seeking California opportunities. Members asked about future priorities, and panelists pointed to tech, clean energy, agriculture, and continued outreach through trade and investment programs. A second panel centered on Glendale’s role as a gateway for the partnership. Mayor Ara Najarian described Glendale’s large Armenian-American population, the Armenian American Museum, sister-city relationships, and the city’s role in cultural and economic diplomacy, while also raising concerns about Artsakh, displaced Armenians, detainees, and discrimination against Armenian Americans. Vahe Kozoyan of ServiceTitan shared his company’s growth from a Glendale startup to a global firm with major operations in Armenia, and Armina Galstian of SmartGate VC and Hero House Glendale described a California-Armenia innovation corridor supporting startups, AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and neuroscience. Committee members discussed how the state can further support the partnership through investment, delegation visits, education, innovation hubs, and ensuring Armenian-owned businesses are not excluded from supplier diversity and anti-discrimination protections.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Rules Feb 13th, 2026 at 09:19 am

Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • What goals these companies pursue, financial and otherwise, will shape our economy, our energy system
  • I am here on my own behalf, although I am a member of the Board of New Energy Economy.
  • Eleanor Bravo, I'm chair of the Board of New Energy Economy.
  • This investment will help us meet the growth in demand and propel the transition to clean energy. the
  • This investment will help us meet the growth in demand and propel the transition to clean energy. ...
Bills: SM20 , SM9 , SJR6 , HB124
Committee: Senate Senate Rules
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Rules Feb 13th, 2026

House Rules & Order Of Business

Transcript Highlights:
  • What goals these companies pursue, financial and otherwise, will shape our economy, our energy system
  • I am here on my own behalf, although I am a member of the Board of New Energy Economy.
  • Eleanor Bravo, I'm chair of the Board of New Energy Economy.
  • This investment will help us meet the growth in demand and propel the transition to clean energy. the
  • This investment will help us meet the growth in demand and propel the transition to clean energy.
Bills: SM20 , SM9 , SJR6 , HB124
Summary: The committee first considered the appointment of Mary Patricia Roman to the State Investment Council. Senator Campos presented her as highly qualified, citing more than 34 years in global investing, leadership at J.P. Morgan, and prior service on the SIC investment committee. Roman described her experience with asset allocation, fiduciary responsibility, and the SIC’s vetting process. Senators asked about the council’s role in pension investments, staffing levels, and whether personal values could influence decisions. Roman said the SIC process is robust, heavily staff-driven, and insulated from individual value judgments. The committee reported broad support and voted 8-0 to advance her nomination to the full Senate. The committee then heard the reappointment of John F. Bingaman to the SIC. Senator Worth praised his leadership as SIC chair and his background in private equity, public service, and economics. Bingaman emphasized the growth of New Mexico’s sovereign wealth funds to more than $70 billion, the importance of staffing and asset allocation, and the SIC’s role as a fiduciary for New Mexicans. Senators asked about protecting the funds in a weaker market and about the Blackstone/PNM matter; Bingaman declined to comment on the memorial because he had not read it. The committee voted 9-0 to send his reappointment to the full Senate. The committee next took up Senate Memorial 20, calling for a statewide youth violence summit. Senator Lopez and an expert from the Council of State Governments said New Mexico lacks a cohesive statewide infrastructure for youth violence prevention and intervention, limited data collection, and enough evidence-based services. Supporters from the ACLU, behavioral health organizations, youth-serving nonprofits, and youth advocates backed the memorial as a way to center lived experience, community engagement, and research-based solutions. Some members raised concerns that victims’ families were not explicitly included in the planning group, but the memorial passed on a 6-3 vote. Finally, the committee debated Senate Memorial 9, which asked the Legislative Finance Committee to study whether New Mexico should invest in equity stakes in PNM and New Mexico Gas Company and requested that the PRC pause consideration of the private-equity acquisitions while the study was completed. Supporters argued the state should examine whether utility ownership value could remain in New Mexico, protect ratepayers, and diversify revenue, while opponents from PNM, Blackstone’s representatives, chambers of commerce, and utility advocates said the proposal would duplicate the PRC’s review, create uncertainty, and risk higher rates and delayed investment. The committee adopted an amendment removing references to the PRC, but the memorial then failed on a 4-4 tie after a motion for due pass as amended.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Therefore, SB 1754 prohibits tax abatements for renewable energy facilities that sell energy or ancillary
  • , economic, clean air, and clean water benefits to Texas.
  • In our opinion, SB 1754 picks winners and losers and only focuses on clean energy and batteries while
  • The bill takes away decision-making authority from local entities who wish to attract clean energy and
  • It eliminates a tool that has helped attract roughly $120 billion of clean energy investment in Texas
Summary: The Senate Economic Development Committee met to hear a series of bills and informational primers, with several resource witnesses from the Governor’s Office, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The chair opened by noting the death of Senator King’s son and asking members to keep the family in their prayers. Most bills were laid out and left pending subject to the call of the chair after brief author presentations and public testimony. The committee heard several local hotel occupancy tax bills: SB 1553 for Kerr County, SB 1086 for Childress County, SB 1087 for Mason County, and SB 913 for Alpine. Supporters, including the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association and local officials, said the measures would allow counties or the city to use hotel tax revenue for tourism-related projects and local development. The committee also heard SB 1534, which would direct a study on health physics education and workforce needs in Texas; resource witnesses from TWC and THECB testified on the bill. All of these measures were left pending. A major portion of the hearing focused on SB 1754, which would prohibit local tax abatements for renewable energy facilities selling power at wholesale, with an exception for certain battery storage tied to dispatchable generation. The bill drew strong support from witnesses who argued counties should not subsidize wind and solar projects that can harm neighboring landowners and that renewables already receive substantial federal support. Opponents from the solar and storage industry argued the bill would remove a voluntary local economic development tool, raise power prices, and discourage investment. Senators also debated landowner impacts, grid reliability, and whether the bill was the right policy tool; the bill was left pending. The committee also heard SB 2322, a committee substitute related to the Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act, which would exempt electric generation facilities from the program’s compelling-factor test so they can qualify for school tax limitation agreements. Supporters said the change would correct an unintended barrier for dispatchable generation, while Senator Johnson argued it would weaken the program’s purpose by subsidizing projects that would locate in Texas anyway. SB 1718 would add the NRA annual meeting to the major events reimbursement program; the NRA supported it, while gun violence prevention advocates opposed using state incentives for the organization. SB 2004 would add the Arlington Grand Prix to the major events program, and SB 2448 would create a rural workforce development grant program; both drew supportive testimony and were left pending. The committee also heard SB 1143, a substitute bill aimed at improving transparency and coordination in programs serving opportunity youth ages 14 to 24, with witnesses supporting better reporting and workforce alignment. At the end of the meeting, Senator Johnson moved that the committee stand in recess subject to the call of the chair.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on State and Local Government - 03/26/26

State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> We're in a housing crisis in Minnesota. We're in a housing crisis in Minnesota.
  • </c> issue in the state of Minnesota. issue in the state of Minnesota.
  • </c> Minnesota towards surrounding states. Minnesota towards surrounding states.
  • Minnesota.
  • Minnesota. Minnesota.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/20/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • They keep our streets clean. They keep our homes clean.
  • Energy and Water: HB 2426. Health and Human Services: HB 2439, public co-parned ...
  • Natural Resources, Energy and Water and Appropriations: HB 2520, contraceptment caution.
  • Natural Resources, Energy and Water: HB 2542.
  • Natural Resources, Energy and Water and Appropriations: HB 2651, blue envelope program.