Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I don't know if you've seen out on the front of the Capitol, but we have the propane association
• well, but they've gone to a lot of work to put up a nice display and promote the different uses of propane
• So uh this bill which we... the um different uses of propane.
• So, if the um different uses of propane.

Bills: HF858, HF2577, HF2576

Keywords: bioincentive payments, agriculture, job creation, environmental compliance, financial reporting, waste handling, sewage sludge, PFAS regulation, environment, record retention, fertilizer disposal, pesticide disposal, environmental impact, safety regulations, burning prohibition, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• heating and cooling, in which they had chosen an electric furnace, whereas I used a high-efficiency propane
• That was the principal difference, and even including the propane cost.
• heating and cooling in which they had chosen an electric furnace, whereas I used a high-efficiency propane
• That was the principal difference, and even including the propane cost.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Up next, we have Dale Calhoun with the Florida Propane Gas Association. Waving in support.
• We have Dale Calhoun. with the Florida Propane and Gas Association waving in support.

Bills: SB1323, SB1863, SB1932, SB1950, SB1956, SB1970, SB1599, SB1312, SB1776, SB1858, SB1985, SB1302, SB1809, SB1401, SB2053, SB1503, SB1553, SB1427, SB1642, SB1421, SB1837, SB1566, SB1567, SB1794, SB1484, SB1557, SB1564, SB1591, SB1395, SB1456, SB1562, SB1613, SB1983, SB1550, SB2065, SB2152, SB2159, SB2172, SB2110, SB2111, SB2114

Keywords: memorial designation, highway, Sheriff Marty Grisham, transportation, Oklahoma Statutes, memorial highway, road designation, John Skelley, motor carrier, administrative hearing, legal representation, corporate liability, aviation, aircraft, surveillance, regulations, fees, Oklahoma statutes, memorial, highway designation

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesotans have made the decision that fuel oil, coal, wood, steam, hot water, propane gas, and LP gas
• Minnesotans have made the decision that fuel oil, coal, wood, steam, hot water, propane gas, and LP gas
• Minnesotans have made the decision that fuel oil, coal, wood, steam, hot water, propane gas, and LP gas
• <00:03:58.680> gas<00:03:58.840> and<00:03:58.959> LP water and propane gas
• and LP water and propane gas and LP um<00:04:01.400> throughout<00:04:01.959> the<00:04

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• You have a letter in your packet from Eastern Propane, who were one of the companies that has an agreement
• with this firm that the representative was just speaking to, bringing propane to my area. appropriation
• If you don't, I have some with gray shading on it. to bringing propane to uh actually to my to bringing
• propane to uh actually to my area.<00:26:25.039> Right.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we did as an agency, because we deal with issues related to hazardous waste, there were a lot of propane
• There were<00:35:26.480> a<00:35:26.640> lot<00:35:26.720> of<00:35:26.800> propane
• /c><00:35:27.280> tanks<00:35:27.680> and<00:35:27.839> things were a lot of propane
• tanks and things were a lot of propane tanks and things like<00:35:28.240> that<00:35:28.480>
• tanks like we were talking um, propane tanks like we were talking about<01:58:14.480> earlier.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with roll call, adoption of the minutes, and brief remarks, including birthday recognition for Representative Maseroni and a moment of reflection for a soldier who died during training at Fort Knox. The committee then heard a presentation from Tony Hatton, commissioner of the Department for Environmental Protection and acting director of the Kentucky Division of Water, with Amanda Lefer, deputy commissioner, on the state’s water and wastewater programs and planning. Hatton described Kentucky’s water resources and the Division of Water’s responsibilities, including watershed and nonpoint source work, KPDES discharge permitting, PFAS response, engineering review of water infrastructure, inspections, public outreach, and sampling. He said Kentucky has 428 public water systems, 263 water treatment plants, about 1.9 million service connections, and nearly 97% of the population has access to municipally treated water. He also noted that the state has 43 systems receiving awards for EPA areawide optimization and emphasized operator training, regionalization, and use of GIS mapping and Kentucky Infrastructure Authority data to support planning and funding decisions. Members raised concerns about aging infrastructure, water loss, staffing shortages, and wastewater problems in local systems. Representative Blandon described severe failures in a city system, including major water loss and sewer backups, and asked whether the state could intervene; Hatton said the division inspects treatment facilities and provides compliance assistance but is not authorized to manage delivery systems, though third-party help and emergency funding can be used in some cases. Senator Smith and others shared similar experiences with line loss and system failures, while Hatton pointed to regionalization and funding support as the main tools available. The discussion also highlighted PFAS as an emerging issue, with Hatton saying the department is working with systems to meet anticipated federal requirements by 2029.

Transcript Highlights:

• And among other things, in terms of technology changes, places that heat with fuel oil and propane are
• And among other things, in terms of technology changes, places that heat with fuel oil and propane are
• And among other things, in terms of technology changes, places that heat with fuel oil and propane are
• > are<01:04:44.559> quickly<01:04:44.880> switching<01:04:45.200> to and propane
• are quickly switching to and propane are quickly switching to electric<01:04:45.760> heat<01:

Bills: HF4236, HF4122, HF4377

Keywords: public utility, interim rates, utility rates, rate case, general rate case, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, PUC, rate increase cap, rate freeze, refunds, customer refunds, ratepayer protection, electric utility, gas utility, regulated utility, ratemaking, return on equity, rate base, test year, rate design

Transcript Highlights:

• lesson about backup power and the inability to run generators after a fire, especially if they're on propane
• They were on propane.
• Propane tanks won't go into an active fire area, so we had to quickly mobilize and put diesel tanks in

Summary: The hearing focused on lessons from the 2017 Tubbs Fire and how Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, and local partners have changed wildfire prevention, recovery, and rebuilding practices since then. Assemblymembers emphasized that the region has become a model for the state, with a shift from suppression to prevention, and panelists described improvements in defensible space, home hardening, vegetation management, alerting, and community coordination. The discussion also highlighted the continuing importance of sharing Sonoma County’s experience with other wildfire-impacted communities across California and beyond. Fire officials and local leaders described specific prevention measures now in place, including Santa Rosa’s vegetation management ordinance, ignition-free/Zone Zero requirements in rebuilding, restrictions on certain mulches, removal of dead and dying trees near roads and defensible space zones, and expanded prescribed burning authority. They also stressed the importance of community organization through block captains, Firewise/COPE-style networks, and the Mark West Area Community Fund. Speakers said these networks helped residents navigate recovery, avoid fraud and bad contractors, coordinate with local agencies, and support neighbors, but they argued that such efforts need more formal structure and stable funding. Water and permitting officials discussed how the fires changed their work. Santa Rosa Water described new regional coordination, generator and backup power upgrades, emergency training, and lessons learned about wildfire-related contamination in water systems, including the need to restore pressure, flush, and test quickly after a fire. Permit Sonoma said rebuilding was balanced by streamlining permits while still requiring safer, more resilient construction, and noted that reduced fees and one-stop permitting helped speed recovery. United Policyholders described helping residents maximize insurance proceeds, organize information, and avoid scams, while warning that insurance availability and affordability remain major barriers and that insurers are increasingly rewarding risk-reduction measures. Across the panels, the main policy requests were for faster and more flexible grant processes, more stable long-term funding for prevention and community programs, stronger support for home hardening and defensible space, better training and tools for local governments and legislative staff, and continued attention to insurance and utility-related resilience. No formal votes or actions were taken in the transcript excerpt; the hearing was informational and ended with a transition toward public comment and further discussion of remaining statewide wildfire policy needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, making it a lot more easy, like even getting propane. Go online.
• getting propane. getting propane. Go<00:09:12.440> online. Go online. Go online.
• And for the most part, our heat is through propane if you don't have wood, so the generator is fired
• by propane, you know, if all else fails, and it will charge the batteries.
• , so the generator is fired by propane, so the generator is fired by propane, you<00:28:58.920>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the energy in the year comes from solar thermal, whereas 10% comes from a backup, whether that be propane
• where<00:49:56.520> the<00:49:56.839> that<00:49:57.000> be<00:49:57.599> propane
• ><00:49:58.359> or<00:49:58.680> electric<00:49:59.200> or where the that be propane
• or electric or where the that be propane or electric or a<00:49:59.520> heat<00:49:59.760>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 117 on condominiums. Testifiers were split: reserve-study professionals and the Community Associations Institute opposed tying reserve requirements to assessed value, arguing reserve studies should be based on actual components and costs and that the bill could lead to over- or under-collection. Condominium owners and advocates supported the bill, saying some associations are not completing reserve studies or are failing to provide audits and adequate funding, and urging stronger fiduciary accountability. A member later asked about compliance rates, and a witness said he was not aware of any association that had failed to do a reserve study, estimating compliance at well over 95 percent, likely close to 100 percent. The committee then took testimony on HB 544 on pet insurance, which drew support from the Attorney General’s office and the Insurance Division with comments about contract-impairment issues, as well as support from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association and the Hawaiian Humane Society. Testifiers said the bill would help consumers understand and use pet insurance as veterinary costs rise. HB 983 on certified public accountants also drew mostly support, with the Hawaii Society of CPAs and the Hawaii Association of Public Accountants offering conditional support and proposed amendments. Public accountants said the bill could help address a shortage of CPAs and expand pathways into the profession, while some speakers cautioned that the language needed clarification and that public accounting experience should be tied to CPA-firm work. An instructor from UH West Oahu said students cannot afford the extra credits currently required and would benefit from a more accessible pathway. The committee also heard HB 1050 on Title 24, with DCCA supporting the measure and no opposition or questions. The discussion then moved to HB 256 HD1 on environmental protection and incinerator emissions. The Department of Health offered comments, while Energy Justice Network and Climate Protectors Hawaii supported strengthening the bill, warning that it could weaken existing standards at H-Power unless amended to preserve stricter state rules and require modern pollution controls. A member questioned the Department of Health about H-Power’s permits and whether additional controls would be required if federal rules change; the department said permits are reviewed every five years and that the facility currently meets state and federal requirements, while EPA rules remain in a public comment process. Finally, the committee heard HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, with support from the Consumer Advocate, State Energy Office, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaii Energy. The committee then heard HB 350 HD1 on energy, where the State Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray Corporation offered conditional comments urging any new mandated water-heating technology to meet the same efficiency level as existing solar thermal systems, and the Kauai Climate Action Coalition testified in support. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have two gas distribution utilities, Unitil and Liberty, and we have about 900 jurisdictional propane
• We have two gas distribution utilities, Unitil and Liberty, and we have about 900 jurisdictional propane
• We have two gas distribution utilities, Unitil and Liberty, and we have about 900 jurisdictional propane
• We have two gas distribution utilities, Unitil and Liberty, and we have about 900 jurisdictional propane
• We have two gas distribution utilities, Unitil and Liberty, and we have about 900 jurisdictional propane

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard the Banking Department’s fiscal year 2026-2027 budget presentation from Commissioner Amelia Galeri. She described the department as a self-funded consumer protection regulator overseeing two main areas: the Banking Trust Division, which supervises state-chartered banks, credit unions, and trust companies, and the Consumer Credit Division, which oversees more than 7,000 licensees including mortgage and money transmitter businesses. She said the department’s budget is about 86% salaries and benefits, with 53 positions all filled, and explained that the agency funds itself through fees, fines, and end-of-year assessments on regulated entities. Galeri said the department is facing workload growth from several directions: continued growth in the trust industry, increased fintech supervision, and a new requirement to regularly examine auto dealers that take finance applications, which adds about 300 exams over two fiscal years. She said the department was directed to flat-fund its budget based on 2025 levels but was allowed to increase travel and training. To stay within that limit, she said the department reduced office space, went paperless, converted administrative and licensing positions into examiner positions, and expects to defund an embedded DOJ database administrator position once a new SharePoint system is fully implemented. Members asked about how the department’s revenue and assessments work, including whether fees were increasing and how much existing banks would pay. Galeri said fees are not being raised, most banks pay little or no fines, and assessments are based largely on asset size, with trust companies paying the bulk. She also explained that fines are set by statute, generally capped at $2,500 per violation for consumer credit entities, and said she would not recommend increasing that cap. The committee then voted to accept the Banking Department’s budget proposal as presented in HQ1, with a motion and second and no discussion. The transcript then moved to the Department of Energy budget. Commissioner Jared Chakin and Chief of Operations Lenny Radio discussed federal program funding, including LIHEAP fuel assistance and weatherization. They said the apparent drop in fuel assistance funding from FY 2024 actuals to the budgeted amount is due to the loss of ARPA and CARES Act supplemental funds, while weatherization remains a federally constrained program with a waiting list and limited flexibility. Members also asked about a proposed transfer from the renewable energy fund; staff said the transfer would still allow the department to carry out its statutory duties for the year, though the committee deferred deeper discussion until House Bill 2.

Transcript Highlights:

• utilities or households that might struggle to get together the $800 or $900 that you need for a propane
• go directly to homeowners and then how much actually go to potentially ratepayers, utilities, or propane-type
• go directly to homeowners and then how much actually go to potentially ratepayers, utilities, or propane-type

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 771, as amended, was laid over for possible inclusion. The bill would create a state supplemental grant program to build on LIHEAP, with the goal of expanding energy assistance beyond the winter season to cover summer cooling needs and reduce utility shutoffs. Representative Craft said the proposal would use existing LIHEAP systems, help more eligible households, and support related services like weatherization. The committee adopted the author’s amendment, DE2, without objection. Supporters testified that energy costs remain unaffordable for many Minnesotans, especially in rural areas and among low-income households, seniors, and people using delivered fuels. Annie Levenson-Faulk of the Citizens Utility Board said only about a quarter of eligible households receive assistance, summer shutoffs are common, and cooling needs have grown significantly. Trisha Leite of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, Amanda Macky of Minnesota Valley Action Council, and Ken Schum of the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association all supported the bill, saying year-round assistance would help households, reduce disconnects, stabilize demand for aid, and ease pressure on utility rates. Michael Schmitz of the Department of Commerce said Minnesota has received about $112 million in LIHEAP funds so far this year and is awaiting additional federal money; he also noted recent funding has been lower than in prior years and inflation has reduced its value. Members discussed the scale of utility shutoffs, the increase in cooling demand, and whether the bill addresses root causes or serves as a temporary fix. Representative Weiner argued that the state should focus on keeping more money in taxpayers’ pockets and reducing the need for subsidies, while Representative Craft responded that the underlying issue is low incomes and widening wealth inequality, and that policies like the child tax credit are better ways to address poverty. The chair also asked how LIHEAP dollars flow, and Commerce said most benefits are paid directly to utilities on behalf of households rather than as direct cash payments to recipients.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE WORST-CASE SITUATION OCCURRED IN 2021 WHEN A RECORD TIRED ADDRESS COUNTY DEPUTY WAS DELIVERING PROPANE
• SYSTEM WAIVING IN SUPPORT, ADAM BASFORD IN SUPPORT, DALE CALHOUN NATURAL GAS ASSOCIATION AND A FLORIDA PROPANE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if they’re either going to make a decision to put a traditional propane or natural gas-type furnace
• utilities or households that might struggle to get together the $800 or $900 that you need for a propane
• and<01:36:56.920> or either rate like utilities and or either rate like utilities and or propane
• 58.679> business<01:36:59.119> how<01:36:59.239> does<01:36:59.480> that propane
• type business how does that propane type business how does that process<01:37:00.280> kind<01

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Systems in greater Minnesota are increasingly adding electric, propane, and natural gas buses to their
• Minnesota are increasingly<00:49:05.920> adding<00:49:06.280> electric,<00:49:07.040> propane
• increasingly adding electric, propane increasingly adding electric, propane and<00:49:07.640>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• How much is a particular city or town spending on propane? As of right now, we don't know.
• ><00:27:03.880> on particular city or town spending on particular city or town spending on propane
• propane? propane?
• May bring up this propane.
• May bring up this propane. May bring up this propane.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• let's say you have a company that has let's say you have a company that has supplies<00:24:01.840> propane
• across<00:24:03.039> the<00:24:03.360> county<00:24:04.000> and supplies propane
• across the county and supplies propane across the county and they're<00:24:04.559> reporting<

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just one more quick thing: I want to bring up the issue of propane this year particularly, and users
• which unfortunately didn't succeed, relative to individuals, ratepayers, that were locked into a propane
• Unfortunately, their suppliers didn't meet the standard that they were contractually obligated to provide the propane
• We don't, the DPU actually doesn't have authority over the propane business, so they can't use their
• The DPU actually doesn't have authority over the propane business, so they can't use their authority.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing at UMass Amherst on Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget, focusing on energy/environment-related transportation issues and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The chairs and members opened with thanks to UMass, university leadership, court officers, and legislative staff, and Chancellor Javier Reyes highlighted UMass Amherst’s research, workforce, sustainability, and transportation contributions, including energy research, transit operations, and partnerships with MassDOT. The hearing then moved to MassDOT and MBTA testimony on the administration’s transportation funding package, including House 2, the FY26 Fair Share supplemental, and a proposed four-year Chapter 90 authorization. MassDOT officials described the budget as part of a broader multi-year transportation investment strategy, citing funding for operations, snow and ice removal, regional transit authorities, the MBTA, the Merit Rating Board, sustainable aviation fuel credits, micro-transit and last-mile grants, unpaved road improvements, bridge and pavement work, and housing-related transportation infrastructure. They emphasized workforce expansion, capital delivery capacity, safety improvements, and local aid, including the new lane-mile-based Chapter 90 formula intended to benefit rural communities. Officials also discussed major projects and programs such as Grant Central, culvert and unpaved road grants, work zone speed cameras, congestion hotspot fixes, the Sagamore and Bourne Bridge projects, and MBTA operating support and safety upgrades. Testimony from the MBTA and rail/transit staff focused on improved ridership, service frequency, accessibility, and safety, including progress on the Green Line Train Protection System, reduced delays, expanded bus and commuter rail service, and the South Coast rail extension. Regional transit authorities reported increased ridership and described new fare-free, connectivity, and community transit grants. Aeronautics testimony covered airport capital work, drone and data programs, sustainable aviation fuel efforts, and workforce development in aviation maintenance. Committee members then asked questions, especially about Western Massachusetts priorities, Chapter 90 funding, bridge repairs, snow and ice costs, Cape Cod bridges, Buzzard’s Bay rail, and Compass Rail/West-East Rail. Officials said several federal rail grants were moving forward, that Sagamore Bridge procurement would begin soon, and that the administration remained committed to pursuing federal funding and multi-year transportation investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Corn drying is the single biggest farm energy cost in the state, and the propane heat was $5 a gallon
• Geothermal grain drying says three to five cents per bushel in propane.
• Three to five cents per bushel in propane. That doesn't sound like much until you do the math.
• Propane, $22 today. Propane during the 2013 to 2014 spike, about $55. Electric resistance, $35.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Energy Development and Transmission Committee met in interim session and approved the November 6 minutes. Chair Novak outlined the committee’s study agenda, including large energy users such as data centers, geothermal, landowner relations, wind and solar, and other energy topics across the state. The meeting was framed as informational only, with no bills or formal legislative action taken beyond the minutes approval. Testimony focused first on landowner relations. Oliver County Commissioner Dave Berger described the county’s energy history and local support for coal and related development. North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue emphasized proactive, face-to-face communication with landowners, respect for property rights, and the need for developers to be transparent about tradeoffs; he also discussed insurance and liability concerns tied to easements. Committee members asked about eminent domain, local versus state authority, and how communities can better understand the revenue and infrastructure implications of energy development. Department of Agriculture Deputy Commissioner Tom Bodine then described the department’s ombudsman programs for pipeline restoration and reclamation, wind restoration, and royalty oversight. He said the programs provide confidential, third-party assistance on reclamation and royalty disputes, but do not provide legal advice. Senators raised concerns about post-production deductions in royalty leases and whether the ombudsman can explain them; Bodine said the program can clarify statements and deductions but cannot resolve legal disputes. He also said the department has not received requests related to fiber lines. Representatives from Grid United and One Oak described their project development and landowner engagement practices. Grid United’s Brent Johnson discussed the North Plains Connector transmission project, its route selection process, voluntary acquisition approach, and efforts to avoid eminent domain by working closely with regulators, counties, townships, and landowners. One Oak’s Danette Welsh and Tom Giltner described the company’s midstream operations, extensive North Dakota footprint, and emphasis on direct landowner communication, consistent local regulation, careful construction practices, and post-construction reclamation. Members asked about setbacks, zoning consistency, invasive species prevention, outside advocacy groups, and eminent domain use; One Oak said it has not used eminent domain on its North Dakota projects, largely because most gathering lines are negotiated easements.