Video & Transcript Research : 'consumer technology'
Page 60 of 500
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Social Services Committee Meeting Jun 24th, 2026
Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- better, just as the foam technology is getting better all the time.
- better, just as the foam technology is getting better all the time.
- Regulation protects consumers while preserving access for responsible adults.
- Regulation protects consumers while preserving access for responsible adults.
- I'm actually a nine-year kratom consumer, a daily consumer for my trigeminal neuralgia, which is a severe
Keywords:
hemp, marijuana, THC regulations, cannabis products, adult-use industry, public health, youth protection, child support, reunification, Department of Services for Children, family court, liability
Summary:
The committee met in late June with Senators Hansen, Buckson, Siegfried, Townsend, and Huxable present, and first approved the meeting minutes by voice vote. The opening bill, HB 341, would limit DFS from filing child support in foster care cases unless doing so would not hinder reunification; Children’s Department staff said the department has already decided to stop filing in all such cases, with an estimated fiscal impact of about $140,000 annually. Public testimony from the League of Women Voters supported the bill as a compassionate measure to help families reunite.
The committee then heard HB 446/related anaphylaxis legislation for colleges and universities, which would allow institutions to stock and use intranasal epinephrine alongside auto-injectors and update training and reporting requirements. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America supported the measure, emphasizing the need for needle-free options and faster treatment of anaphylaxis. The committee also took up HS1 for HB 356 on PFAS, which would ban firefighting foam containing PFAS beginning in 2028, require disclosure if PPE contains PFAS, and address recalls; DNREC and the fire service supported it, saying most departments have already transitioned away from PFAS foam.
A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 305, a diabetes wellness pilot program that would use continuous glucose monitoring, app-based care coordination, lab testing, and DHIN data analysis to shift care toward prevention and remission. Sponsor Senator Siegfried described the bill as a response to Delaware’s high diabetes costs and prevalence, and the Medical Society of Delaware supported it as a proactive model. The committee also discussed HB 395, which would regulate intoxicating hemp-derived products and synthetic cannabinoids by classifying products over a THC threshold as marijuana and creating penalties for unlicensed sales; the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner supported the bill, while hemp industry representatives and Senator Hoffner warned it could harm legitimate hemp retailers and access to hemp products.
The final item, HS1 for HB 332, would ban sales and marketing of kratom products to those under 21 and direct the state to study testing and regulation of kratom and synthetic variants. Supporters, including the Delaware Healthcare Association and several recovery advocates, said age-gating is a reasonable first step and that synthetic products are the main concern; opponents and some senators argued the bill should go further and fully ban kratom or better distinguish synthetic products from natural leaf kratom. No formal roll-call votes were taken on the substantive bills during the transcript, and the meeting adjourned after public comment.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 112 May 6th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:00:48.880>
These technology to make less money. These technology to make less money. - exploitation dressed up by technology. exploitation dressed up by technology.
- We didn't even talk about consumer We didn't even talk about consumer protection<02:08:12.560>
- <02:08:35.599>
Um Colorado Consumer Protection Act. Um Colorado Consumer Protection Act.- They have a lot of consumer choice, and I think we should leave it up to consumers.
- <02:08:35.599>
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the previous day’s journal, and received several committee reports and conference committee permissions. It also adopted a Senate resolution recognizing the 125th anniversary of Western Colorado University (SR 8) by a 35-0 vote, with remarks highlighting the university’s history, workforce role, mountain rescue team, athletics, and ties to Gunnison and the Western Slope. The resolution was adopted and co-sponsors were added.
The chamber then took up third reading and final passage on several bills. Senate Bill 152, concerning automated vehicle identification systems, was amended on the floor with a technical correction and passed 32-3. House Bill 1322, creating civil actions related to conversion therapy efforts, prompted emotional testimony from Senator Mullica about his mother and passed 23-12. House Bill 1123, addressing sexual abuse prevention in jails, passed 27-8 after a technical amendment. House Bill 1226, reducing emissions from certain electric generating units, passed 22-13. House Bill 1076, modifying transportation statutes, passed 28-0, and House Bill 1207, requiring employer disclosure of demographic workforce data, passed 23-12.
Senate Bill 115, a postconviction relief measure for certain older incarcerated people, was amended and debated at length. Supporters described it as narrowly tailored to a small number of eligible inmates and emphasized victim-rights protections and exclusions for serious offenses; opponents remained opposed. The bill ultimately passed 18-17. The Senate then approved a Committee of the Whole report advancing Senate Bill 181 and several House bills—1338, 1344, 1336 as amended, 1227, 1314, 1028, 1282, and 1317 as amended—to third reading and final passage, and later adopted the consent-calendar bills in special orders without objection.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Commerce and Tourism Mar 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- TECHNOLOGY POLICY ANALYST FOR JAMES MADISON HERE IN TALLAHASSEE.
- BACKGROUND NOISE THAT CAME TO CALIFORNIA WARNINGS THAT CONSUMERS WIDELY DISMISS.
- THIS CARRIES THOSE CHANGES TO THE LAWS GOVERNING HOME AND CONSUMER GOOD WARRANTIES.
- TECHNOLOGY.
- THREATENING THE INDUSTRY AND THE CONSUMERS AIDS TO PROTECT.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (01/28/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:31:07.080>
so <01:31:07.560>I Technologies so I Technologies so I uh<01:31:09.760>< - What technology neutral means is we're not going to advantage a particular technology or disadvantage
- a particular technology simply by virtue of it being that technology.
- What technology neutral means is we're not going to advantage a particular technology or disadvantage
- a particular technology simply by virtue of it being that technology.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/25/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you. ...to consumer fraud and allows the Attorney General to take action in line with the consumer
- more expensive for the consumer.
- I believe in consumer choice, and that consumers ought to be able to pick.
- I believe in consumer choice, and that consumers ought to be able to pick what works for them.
- So I couldn't speak to the technology.
Bills:
SB1003, SB1060, SB1134, SB1275, SB1327, SB1429, SB1618, SB1634, SB1654, SB1803, SCR1002, SCR1005, SCR1023, SCR1027
Keywords:
election, canvass, certification, ballot tabulation, write-in candidates, registration, voting procedures, voter registration, temporary absence, absentee voting, residency, military voters, overseas voters, election law, Arizona Revised Statutes, political signs, campaign materials, public safety, municipal regulation, veterans
Summary:
The committee first heard a lengthy presentation and discussion focused on Arizona State University’s foreign research ties, especially collaborations and funding connected to China and Chinese military-affiliated institutions. The presenter argued that ASU and the Arizona Board of Regents had not been transparent about foreign gifts, contracts, and research partnerships, citing federal reporting forms, the Wolf Amendment, export-control concerns, and alleged links to dual-use technologies such as quantum systems, AI, robotics, microelectronics, and biosecurity. A witness from American Global Strategies testified in support, saying the bill would help protect U.S. research security and national security by imposing state-level guardrails on sensitive collaborations. After questions, the committee considered a strike-everything amendment to SB 1060 that would bar public universities from entering into or continuing certain loans, gifts, contracts, research partnerships, or sponsored projects involving the PRC, the CCP, and listed Chinese military-linked universities, require ABOR review and approval, and impose reporting and budget penalties. The amendment was withdrawn, and the committee instead took up SB 1327, which directs ABOR to require university research security policies and to report annually on those policies and on foreign contributions over $250,000; SB 1327 received a 4-2 do-pass recommendation, with Del Santos, Hernandez, and Márquez voting no and Kolodin, Powell, Keshel, and Gillette voting yes. The committee then heard SB 1803, a veterans bill regulating unrecognized persons who assist with VA disability claims. The sponsor and industry witnesses said the bill would protect veterans from bad actors by requiring disclosures, capping fees, banning certain practices, and filing service agreements with the Attorney General, while opponents argued it could restrict consumer choice, resemble a price ceiling, and still allow non-attorneys to engage in the unauthorized practice of law. After extensive debate over contingent fees, legal ethics, and whether the bill was too favorable to one company, the committee continued the hearing with additional testimony and questions.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/18/25
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- [Music] Welcome to the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee.
- The Commerce Department has made significant process and technology improvements to support our Office
- <00:03:00.720>
have ensures that that consumers have ensures that that consumers have meaningful - <00:04:55.960>
Finance regulated by state Consumer Finance regulated by state Consumer Finance - <00:05:01.080>
small updates state law on consumer small updates state law on consumer small
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Protecting infrastructure, information technology, and operational technology is critical.
- technology is critical.
- It was also discussed that not all technology poses the same threat.
- And there is a lot of technology around managing thermal runaway.
- And that's to the benefit of consumers.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce held its first interim hearing on securing critical infrastructure and supply chain integrity, with a focus on Texas’s electric grid and the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act. The chair also highlighted Texas’s relatively low electricity prices and welcomed new committee members. ERCOT, the Public Utility Commission (PUC), and the Attorney General’s office were invited to explain how the state screens market participants and grid equipment for ties to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, and how the agencies respond to noncompliance.
ERCOT testified that it has implemented the requirements of three related Senate bills by requiring attestations on corporate affiliations and on critical grid equipment and services. ERCOT said it has processed thousands of attestations, used additional requests for information and third-party verification tools such as Dun & Bradstreet, and terminated nonresponsive market participants. ERCOT also said it has not seen a case requiring direct Attorney General involvement, but it does refer matters to the PUC when needed. The PUC said it can investigate suspected violations and impose penalties of up to $1 million per violation per day, and that most investigations into late or missing attestations have been resolved through compliance, market exit, or removal by ERCOT. The Attorney General’s office said its role is currently limited to audits and court involvement, and that it lacks broad independent investigatory authority under the act.
Members pressed the panel on whether the current system is too reliant on self-reporting and whether it adequately addresses indirect foreign influence, especially through supply chains for batteries, inverters, transformers, and other equipment with routable connectivity. ERCOT acknowledged that the current attestation process has gaps and said it plans to refine definitions of critical grid equipment and grid services, improve information requests, and continue stakeholder rulemaking. The panel also discussed possible legislative changes, including tying prohibitions to the Department of Defense Section 1260H list and the Texas Prohibited Technologies list, clarifying warranty and service access, and expanding the statute to cover grid services more directly. Several senators raised concerns about cost, reliability, and the extent to which foreign-sourced components remain embedded in Texas infrastructure, while others suggested incentives for domestic manufacturing and stronger verification tools, including possible work with national labs such as Sandia.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Ticket resale disclosures and pricing restrictions 3/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Bots Act was passed, outlawing the use of these technologies to mishandle on-sales and harm consumers
- This isn't only happening to out-of-touch consumers who struggle with technology.
- consumers who struggle with technology.<00:14:52.880>
We <00:14:53.199>experience <00:14 - True consumer can no longer attend.
- power, not empower consumers. power, not empower consumers.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPN-WTL, CPN-LBT, CPN-TCA, CPN DEFER, CPN, CPN-EDT DEFER Public Hearings 02-07-2025
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- land and commerce and consumer land and commerce and consumer protection<00:02:09.840>
is - good morning, everybody. and the consumer protection uh as well and the consumer protection uh as well
- <00:22:41.799>
this committee on labor and Technology this committee on labor and Technology - when the consumer is interacting with an artificial intelligence chatbot or technology capable of mimicking
- <00:24:34.120>
protection chair Raj too office consumer protection chair Raj too office consumer
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 1 and SB 1561 on vegetation management near utility lines and wildfire prevention. Testimony focused on requiring DLNR to create and update wildfire hazard maps, setting vegetation-trimming responsibilities for property owners near rights-of-way and utility lines, and authorizing utilities to enter property to remove hazardous vegetation. DLNR, the PUC, and Hawaiian Electric all testified, with Hawaiian Electric asking for clearer access language, after-the-fact notification in imminent-risk situations, and liability limits. Committee members discussed balancing wildfire response with property rights and the need for clearer responsibility and enforcement, including on easements and utility poles. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1 pass with amendments, incorporating comments from testimony, and SB 1561 was deferred.
The next major item was SB 640 on artificial intelligence disclosures. The bill would require businesses and individuals in commercial transactions to clearly disclose when consumers are interacting with an AI chatbot or similar technology, and it would create private rights of action and penalties. TechNet, the Office of Consumer Protection, and the Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about vague definitions, overbroad application, enforcement, and the private cause of action; the Chamber also argued the bill could burden small businesses that use AI tools for routine functions. In response to questions, OCP said the measure was ambiguous as to who it applies to and that the remedies and treble-damages provisions were unclear. The committee recommended SB 640 be deferred.
The committee also heard SB 454 on prorating the rental motor vehicle surcharge tax when a vehicle is rented for only part of a day. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii said the proposal would make the tax system fairer but more complex and would require better recordkeeping by rental companies; the Department of Taxation and Enterprise Mobility also submitted comments. Senator Melby noted possible effects on the special highway fund and said that could affect his vote. The measure was referred onward, with the discussion indicating it would proceed to Ways and Means.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1272 on towing, which would create a licensing framework for tow companies. Testimony from tow-industry representatives strongly supported the measure, describing unlicensed or noncompliant operators, poor insurance practices, and the need for accountability and consumer protection. They said a licensing board would give regulators a clearer enforcement avenue and help ensure fair treatment of vehicle owners. The hearing ended before a final action was taken on SB 1272 in the portion provided.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Florida's beverage companies are committed to providing consumers...
- Chris Hanson with Consumer Healthcare Products Association, speaking for information.
- I represent the Consumer Healthcare Products Association.
- Consumers also could face fines for that too through the EPA.
- But most importantly, good for the consumer.
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and first heard SB 1826 by Senator Martin, which would restrict ultra-processed foods served to public school students during the school day. Senator Martin said the bill is aimed only at government-purchased food in public schools, not parents’ lunches or after-school sales, and argued it is intended to protect children’s health and school performance. Members questioned the bill’s definition of ultra-processed food, its scope during the school day, and possible cost and compliance issues. Senator Rouson offered a friendly amendment extending the compliance date from July 1, 2025 to July 1, 2026, and the committee adopted it. Several industry groups and associations spoke against the bill, citing lack of a clear definition, FDA preemption concerns, costs, and the risk of a state-by-state patchwork; Moms for Liberty waived in support. Senator Martin then temporarily postponed the bill for further work.
The committee next took up CS for SB 1132 by Senator Truenow on consumers’ right to repair certain equipment, including agricultural equipment and portable digital devices. An amendment by Senator Boyd was adopted to exclude security and life-safety systems and remove automobile-related provisions. Public testimony included opposition from TechNet, which said the bill is unnecessary because repair parts, tools, and manuals are already available and asked for changes to make the bill prospective and remove the private right of action. Agricultural equipment dealers and manufacturers testified against the bill, arguing that current repair resources and a memorandum of understanding with the Farm Bureau already address repair access, while warning that the bill could undermine dealer margins, parts inventory, training programs, safety, cybersecurity, and emissions compliance. Some members supported the concept but noted the bill still needed work. The committee voted 4-0 to report CS for SB 1132 favorably.
The meeting concluded with a presentation from Florida 4-H youth leaders on the organization’s impact and goals. The presenters described 4-H’s role in leadership, agriculture, STEM, and healthy living, highlighted statewide participation and camp programs, and asked for continued support for camp improvements, especially the Camp Cherry Lake revitalization effort. Senators praised the students’ presentations and the value of 4-H before the committee adjourned.
VA
Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Communications, Technology and Innovation Mar 9th, 2026
Communications, Technology and Innovation
Transcript Highlights:
- The technology to do this exists.
- The bill doesn't pick any winners or losers here, but the technology is out there.
- Eric Lincoln, on behalf of the Northern Virginia Technology Council.
- Consumer Data Protection Act.
- SB 85 also positions Virginia to address the next wave of technology.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Residential consumers.
- Barclay from OPUC mentioned in his testimony that residential consumers and small business consumers
- So he also said that He also said that residential consumers and small business consumers, ratepayers
- So those numbers are out there for how, as an end user, we consume water and how we consume power.
- So that it doesn't hit the consumer.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
The Debate Around Expanding Nuclear Energy in MN / Supporting Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production Mar 9th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We've got a lot more knowledge and understanding of this technology to be able to do it right. ...and
- Yeah, the growth of nuclear energy and the way we have this technology today is a far cry from the bad
- And we've just come leaps and bounds with safety, security, and technology advancements, even with our
- They are intermittent, weather-dependent energy technologies, and we want to have our lights on.
- So that's how it would benefit consumers.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: DFL Members Announce Fraud Prevention Package - 03/17/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Our fraud package strengthens consumer Our fraud package strengthens consumer protections<00:05:
- <00:09:43.680>
time-consuming, workarounds that are time-consuming, workarounds that are time-consuming - <00:10:07.120>
They <00:10:07.360>have better technology than we do. - They have better technology than we do.
- ><00:10:08.440>
much <00:10:08.640>any better technology than pretty much any better technology
Summary:
Senate DFL leaders held a press conference outlining a fraud-prevention agenda centered on transparency, accountability, and modernization of state systems. Majority Leader Erin Murphy said Minnesotans are angry about fraud and that the caucus has already passed multiple fraud-prevention measures, but more work is needed. She and other senators emphasized that outdated county and state IT systems leave programs vulnerable to waste and abuse, and said they want to pursue both immediate upgrades and longer-term funding solutions, including possible bonding for technology infrastructure.
Senator Zena Mohamed described legislation to overhaul program integrity in Medicaid and human services by adding safeguards before, during, and after provider enrollment and service delivery. She said the goal is to prevent theft before dollars are spent, rein in third-party entities that profit without accountability, and improve consumer protections and reporting pathways. Senator Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger highlighted a bill to ban cryptocurrency kiosks, arguing they are heavily used in scams targeting seniors and vulnerable people, and also backed a state consumer financial protection bureau and stronger False Claims Act enforcement.
Senator Rob Kupec focused on ethics and conflicts of interest, including a proposal to bar legislative members and certain state employees from quickly moving into jobs tied to entities receiving state appropriations or grants. He also said lawmakers should strengthen penalties for theft of public funds and restrict state contracts for people convicted of fraud. Senator Heather Gustafson promoted her Office of Inspector General bill, saying oversight is fragmented and an independent office is needed for investigations, safeguards, and early detection; she said the Senate passed the bill 60-7 last year and she wants it enacted. In response to questions, Murphy and Gustafson said the OIG should have law-enforcement powers, that bipartisan support exists in principle, and that the House needs to settle on a single proposal. The senators also said prepayment review can be useful but can disrupt services, and they argued agencies must use the tools already given to them while lawmakers continue oversight.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- The technology works. Go ahead, sir.
- changes in this technology for this tool.
- My name is Katie Riley, and I represent the Consumer Technology Association.
- CTA is the trade association representing the U.S. consumer technology industry here in the U.S.
- By contrast, a small fee, which is visible to the consumer and collected when the consumer buys a new
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a heavily attended hybrid hearing focused primarily on plastics reduction bills, along with a few local and related waste-management measures. Chair Rauch and Chair Barber outlined strict testimony rules because of the large number of speakers. Before the plastics docket, the committee heard support for a local Sharon sewer-extension bill for a Sunrise Senior Living project, and the bill’s proponents said the project would help address senior housing needs and would still require MWRA and local approvals. The chairs also noted a separate local matter involving Sharon and the MWRA.
A major portion of the hearing centered on the Plastics Reduction Act and related bills addressing single-use plastics, including plastic bags, polystyrene, black plastic, plastic beverage bottles, non-flushable wipes, skip-the-stuff provisions, and truth-in-labeling. Sponsors and supporters said the bills would reduce litter, microplastics, greenhouse gas emissions, and municipal waste costs, while creating statewide consistency and supporting environmental justice communities. Several speakers cited local bans already adopted by many Massachusetts cities and towns, and many urged the committee to advance comprehensive statewide action. The committee also heard testimony on a boat wrap recycling bill, a mattress recycling bill, and a bill to prohibit hotels from providing small plastic toiletries.
Municipal officials and waste professionals supported extended producer responsibility for paint and labeling for non-flushable wipes, saying these measures would shift costs away from cities and towns and reduce strain on wastewater systems. The Massachusetts Municipal Association, Mayor Ruth Ann Fuller of Newton, and a Franklin County waste official all backed paint EPR and wipes labeling. Fire Chief Brian Nardelli testified for the Fire Chiefs Association in support of lithium-ion battery legislation, citing fire safety and disposal concerns. Other speakers, including environmental groups, local activists, and business representatives, supported bag and polystyrene bans, though the Retailers Association of Massachusetts urged any bag policy to be truly statewide and said any bag fee should be retained by retailers. No votes were taken during the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rep. Jon Koznick Press Conference 3/18/26
Transcript Highlights:
- At the end of the day, consumers want automated vehicles, and widespread consumer adoption in other states
- the purpose of driverless technology. the purpose of driverless technology.
- <00:05:19.840>
want At the end of the day, consumers want At the end of the day, consumers - Bringing this technology and innovation to Minnesotans.
- And so the technology travel and rides. And so the technology is<00:18:09.280>
here.
Summary:
House Republicans held a Transportation Committee press event to promote several bills they said would make driving cheaper and transportation more innovative. The main measures discussed were House File 3526, which would reduce vehicle tab fees; House File 3513, which would legalize automated driverless vehicles with regulatory guardrails; and a bill to consolidate metro-area bus operations and reduce administrative overhead and subsidies. They also said other transportation-related bills, including a school bus stop-arm clarification and a distracted-driving bill, were scheduled for the House floor on Monday.
Representative Patti Anderson argued that Minnesota vehicle registration fees have become unaffordable, citing examples of high costs for newer and older vehicles, and said the state should roll fees back to pre-2023/2024 levels. On automated vehicles, Republicans said the bill had been revised after concerns from committee members, MnDOT, and stakeholders, adding a weight limit to avoid autonomous trucking, accessibility provisions for wheelchair users, a U.S.-based support person requirement, a labor/economic/congestion study, and tighter permitting. They said the bill should advance to the next committee and rejected delaying implementation for further study.
On transit, Republicans said the metro has too many separate bus systems and that consolidation would save taxpayer money by cutting redundant service and administrative costs. They cited high per-ride subsidies and claimed combined reserve funds and reduced waste could save tens of millions of dollars. In questions, they defended using general-fund dollars for transportation, said the system benefits all residents, and argued that autonomous vehicles and related industries would create new opportunities even if some driving jobs are displaced. No formal votes were taken in the press event, though the speakers said they expected committee action on the automated-vehicle bill and that other bills would move to the floor or other committees.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, September 2, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . consume. consume.
- . consume. consume.
- . consume. consume.
- defense technology.
- . consume. consume.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm here today on behalf of the Consumers Council of Missouri.
- Could be economic disruptions or, say, technological disruptions.
- I don't know. could be economic disruptions or, say, technological disruptions.
- And I hear every day about new, you know, energy efficiency technologies.
- And I hear every day about new energy-efficiency technologies.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Section 10 promotes further economic investment in clean-firm technology.
- Eventually, all of these costs will be passed on to consumers.
- There are a variety of cooling technologies.
- But just want to say we're very excited about this technology.
- We need to know things about technology.
Keywords:
water appropriation, data centers, environmental review, energy conservation, permit application, carbon-free energy, geothermal energy, renewable energy, Macalester College, appropriation, sustainability, solar energy, pollinator programs, license plates, agrivoltaics, environmental sustainability
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Tue Jan 28, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- 32:32.639>
adopt all of the newer Technologies we adopt all of the newer Technologies we adopt - and then last question for um consumer and then last question for um consumer Advocate<00:34:45.800
- solve for we agree with the consumer solve for we agree with the consumer Advocate<01:00:16.240>
- First up to testify, we have the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Consumer Advocate.
- have Department of Commerce and Consumer have Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs<01:21:
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.