Video & Transcript Research : 'wind mitigation'
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OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 6th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Bills:
HB4440, HJR1067, HJR1087, HB4426, HB3704, HB4311, HB3044, HB4191, HB3465, HB3972, HB3759, HB3625, HB1411, HB2980, HB3015, HB3147, HB3277, HB3323, HB3443, HB3882, HB3406, HB2975, HB3977, HB3263, HB2988, HB3404, HB1770
Keywords:
Medicaid, low-income adults, healthcare, eligibility restrictions, constitutional amendment, Medicaid expansion, SoonerCare, health coverage, federal matching funds, FMAP, Article XXV-A, state question, special election, Title 63, public assistance, healthcare funding, federal-state match, Medicaid eligibility, Oklahoma Constitution, ad valorem
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Civil Judiciary REVISION 2: HB4094 and HB3407 - Added Feb 19th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Civil Judiciary
Bills:
HB1453, HB2933, HB2941, HB2945, HB2959, HB3087, HB3094, HB3297, HB3298, HB3319, HB3321, HB3386, HB3453, HB3471, HB3505, HB3510, HB3544, HB3549, HB3652, HB3727, HB3791, HB3845, HB3906, HB4119, HB4125, HB4126, HB4198, HB4236, HB4425, HB4343, HB4094, HB3407
Keywords:
foreign ownership, property rights, agricultural land, Attorney General, divestment, real estate, felony penalties, insurance regulation, homeowner claims, premium discounts, catastrophe mitigation, civil penalties, fentanyl, overdose, first responders, drug reporting, immunity, controlled substances, penalties, abortion
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And when you look at the involvement of that, I think that can mitigate a lot of the issues you've brought
- Applied to, and I quote, an action taken to prevent or mitigate bullying.
- It requires compliance with mitigation plans for utilities to allow for liability protection.
- This bill is designed to provide Texas Parks and Wildlife with a seat at the table to mitigate any material
Bills:
SB1637, SB1, HB300, SB2601, SB37, HB2011, HB3595, HB3071, SB12, HB3372, SB457, HB2067, SB2337, SB447, SB1506, SB1566, SB763, HB3556, SB13, SB2018, SB331, SB379, HB145, SB441, SB2878, HB2885, HB2017, HB5246, SB8, SB2308, SB1540, HB 119, SB1405, SB3059, SB15, SB568
Keywords:
SB 1637, deadly conduct, Texas Penal Code, Section 22.05, firearm, gun, pointing a gun, recklessness presumption, peace officer, law enforcement, police, officer-involved shooting, use of force, justification, self-defense, defense of others, Chapter 9, criminal prosecution, Penal Code amendment, appropriations
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Agriculture Jan 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THAT PROTECTS IT FROM -- WIND SCARRING AND ALL THINGS AND IT GIVES YOU GREAT FRUIT.
- JUST THE WIND THAT ABOUT WIND CONDITIONS BUT ESPECIALLY FOR AGRICULTURE IT'S NOT JUST THE WIND THAT
- THE DARKER THE RED THE MORE INTENSE THE WIND CONDITION WAS.
- MORE WIDE SPREAD IN TERMS OF THE WIND CONDITIONS. NOT AS MUCH RAIN.
- THAT'S CUMULATIVE OF THOSE WIND, PRECIPITATION AND FLOODING IMPACTS.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25 - Part 1
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Wind, solar, and hydroelectric, primarily.
- <00:15:51.920>
and cost like wind and cost like wind and solar<00:15:54.000>what <00 - the grid every panel of solar and wind the grid every panel of solar and wind energy<00:57:21.559
- Excel to build a certain amount of wind Excel to build a certain amount of wind and<01:21:16.600
- A lot of us would agree that wind and solar have their place.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider Amendment of Rule 6(b) of the Committee Rules to establish the reporting quorum, an original resolution to provide for the funding of the Committee for the 119th Congress, and the nominations of Douglas Burgum, of North D Jan 23rd, 2025 at 08:30 am
Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- However, I was concerned to hear his belief that wind and solar energy represent unreliable energy sources
- President Trump also issued an executive order directing the Interior Secretary to review existing wind
- Unfortunately, in the last couple of days, it appears that "all of the above" doesn't include wind and
- Anybody who thinks wind power doesn't produce real electricity, I would invite them to go to a project
- To put their tongue on the bus bar of a wind turbine to see whether it's real energy.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Tribal Relations, January 27, 2026 - PM
Select Committee on Tribal Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:25:26.720>
River Um and then lastly um both Wind River Um and then lastly um both Wind - Wind River Cares Chairman case? Wind River Cares Chairman case? Um,<00:26:56.480>
Mr. - Um this is Wind River Reservation.
- Wind River Tribal Court process.
- Wind River Tribal Court process.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:37:40.960>
you any discussion about offshore wind you any discussion about offshore wind - free energy why wouldn't we use wind free energy why wouldn't we use wind power<00:38:04.079>
- <00:42:11.960>
sight from offshore wind sight from offshore wind sight characterization<00 - offshore wind offshore wind turbines<00:47:16.079>
Mr <00:47:16.480>Speaker <00:47: - someday be favorable to Offshore wind someday be favorable to Offshore wind then<00:49:06.839>
Mr<
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (02/04/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- reason wind turbin or offshore wind reason wind turbin or offshore wind would<02:18:44.760>
be - chosen the importance of offshore wind and taken the precedence of offshore wind over even Greenpeace
- wind, where they have chosen the importance of offshore wind and taken the precedence of offshore wind
- that's backing away from offshore wind that's backing away from offshore wind just<02:30:59.479>
- offshore wind offshore wind projects<02:31:13.600>
additional <02:31:14.160>comment
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So do we know if there is any wind load capacity, wind load engineering for the cranes...
- Do we know if there is any wind load capacity, wind load engineering for the cranes in hurricane-proof
- What I know is OSHA says that wind loads are regulated under them per manufacturer specifications and
- Do we know if there is any wind load capacity, wind load engineering for the cranes in hurricane-proof
- European standards and uniform standards as to the specific wind load thresholds for certain time.
Summary:
The committee took up several bills and reported each favorably after brief debate and roll call votes. SB 578 would allow wine to be sold in recyclable containers, aligning wine with beer container rules; it had support from Americans for Prosperity. SB 606 clarified when nonpaying guests may be removed from public lodging establishments, updated notice and checkout provisions, and removed a mandatory arrest requirement, with support from Florida Realtors, the Asian American Hotel Association, and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. SB 202 addressed a long-running dispute between Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach over a water utility surcharge, requiring the utility to charge residents in the city where the plant sits the same rate as its own residents; supporters argued it was a fairness issue, while North Miami Beach opposed it as a burden on its residents. All three bills were reported favorably.
The committee also approved SB 570, which updates and clarifies the scope of work for swimming pool and spa contractors, and CS/SB 928, which targets non-approved disposable nicotine devices by restricting advertising and display visible to minors, increasing inspections and penalties, and adopting an amendment to clarify the bill does not cover fully unlawful products and to add a 500-foot school buffer for smoke shops. SB 346, dealing with state preemption of local regulation of hoisting equipment, was reported favorably after testimony about the St. Petersburg crane collapse during Hurricane Milton; supporters said local governments need authority to address hurricane-related crane safety, while builders and contractors warned against patchwork regulation and urged a more targeted approach.
The committee then considered SB 652, creating Veterinary Professional Associates to perform certain tasks under veterinarian supervision, including limited surgical procedures after an amendment clarified those procedures are limited to spay/neuter and non-cavity surgeries. Supporters said the bill would expand access to veterinary care and help shelters, while some veterinarians expressed concern about training and safety; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee took up SB 354 on the Public Service Commission, adopting a substitute amendment that would expand the commission, require stronger financial expertise and more detailed rate justifications, set rate-filing schedules, tighten storm-hardening review, and add transparency rules for nonprofit water and wastewater utilities; the bill drew support from consumer advocates and AARP, while Florida Rural Water warned of unintended consequences for nonprofit systems. The transcript ends while testimony on SB 354 is still underway, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL-HWN-HOU Public Hearing 01-29-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- geotechnical studies soil mitigation geotechnical studies soil mitigation climate<00:52:33.040><
- efforts that are necessary um mitigation efforts that are necessary in<01:15:56.440>
the <01:15 - hearing disclosures Nuance mitigation hearing disclosures Nuance mitigation end end end quote<01
- Whoever is left here, we will be winding out. We'll allow you to... ...also okay.
- Okay, and you would have an investigation plan, assessment, and mitigation plan for all of these toxic
Summary:
The joint hearing of the Water and Land, Hawaiian Affairs, and Housing committees on January 29, 2025 focused on SB 534, with the chairs outlining hearing procedures, public testimony limits, and plans to allow extended presentations from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) before moving to other testifiers. The hearing was presented as a public, transparent discussion of OHA’s plans for Kakaʻako Makai, with committee members noting that decision-making would follow if time permitted.
OHA testified in strong support of SB 534. The chair of OHA’s Board of Trustees said the bill was a novel proposal for the legislature and emphasized that OHA was bringing together a broad coalition of partners and stakeholders, including representatives from construction, hospitality, education, law enforcement, civil service, and schools, as well as longtime community advocates who have opposed development in Kakaʻako Makai. OHA’s presentation reviewed the history of the area, the creation and role of HCDA, prior master plans, the 2012 land conveyance to OHA, and the argument that OHA has not been able to realize the full economic value of the lands because desired entitlements were not secured. OHA linked the bill to its constitutional mission to improve conditions for Native Hawaiians and argued that the state’s housing crisis makes additional development, including residential use, especially important.
A major theme of the testimony was housing. OHA argued that Hawaiʻi faces severe affordability pressures, out-migration, and workforce shortages, and said that residential development in Kakaʻako Makai would help address those needs while also supporting the value of the trust lands. The presentation described HCDA’s authority over zoning and development in Kakaʻako, the existing reserved housing requirements, and the need for a master plan that could move forward if SB 534 becomes law. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the hearing provided; the discussion remained in the presentation and testimony phase.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Those are for mitigation projects and repair, but a lot of that ends up.
- Those are for mitigation projects and repairs, but a lot of that ends up.
- Those are for mitigation projects and repair, but a lot of that ends up as you repair these facilities
- , you incorporate heat mitigation.
- What you have done, though, in the area of looking at how we mitigate heat, we have a protocol where
Bills:
SB1
Keywords:
campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards
Summary:
The committee heard a Legislative Budget Board presentation and then testimony from the Department of Public Safety on the Article 5 public safety budget. LBB said DPS’s 2026-27 recommendation totals $3.7 billion, down from the prior base, while FTEs rise by 856.7. Major items included increased funding for driver license services and customer support, new trooper funding and recruit schools, crime lab operations, border security, and reductions tied to one-time facility, vehicle, and aircraft spending. The committee also discussed new riders, including one to lapse unused trooper funds and require reporting after recruit schools.
Members focused heavily on driver license operations, questioning why prior staffing increases and a prior efficiency study had not solved long wait times, high call abandonment, and appointment delays. DPS and LBB said the agency receives about 22,000 calls per day, answers only about 9 percent, and is seeking more staff plus technology upgrades such as automation, kiosks, and better online processing. Senators also raised concerns about rural access, REAL ID document requirements, and whether the department should rethink its processes rather than simply add employees.
DPS leadership then described needs for the Williamson County training academy, additional troopers, Capitol and Alamo security, border operations, aircraft and vehicle replacement, and regional headquarters in El Paso and San Antonio. Members asked about Operation Lone Star costs, overtime, pursuit safety, border crime, oilfield theft, and sexual assault kit and toxicology backlogs. DPS said border deployments remain focused on criminal threats, that overtime is partly driven by deployments and staffing shortages, and that the sexual assault kit backlog is down to 118 cases with a goal of zero by April. The committee later recessed and began the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission budget presentation, where LBB outlined a $115.1 million recommendation and noted ongoing costs for the AIMS technology project.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- While wind and solar power facilities are required by state law to obtain and deliver full financial
- We specialize in end to end wind farm decommissioning support.
- The lifespan of a wind turbine is typically 20 to 30 years, meaning that turbines dating back to the
- early days of wind development in Texas are now approaching decommissioning stage.
- Again, the initiator, the, the person that owns the wind farm or the solar farm, is there a reporting
Bills:
HB205
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- may have seen that the Bible was there on the casket, and it opened up to various scriptures as the wind
- Texas needs a mix of energy resources to support the growing demand on the grid, and while wind, solar
- Wind and solar are still coming, quote, subsidized or allow locals to subsidize them when the federal
- government is already... subsidizing them to such a degree that even in a negative price market, wind
- Some of the highest growth in these clean energy jobs in wind, solar, and related tech growth by 6%.
Bills:
HCR35, SJR59, SJR84, SCR30, SB127, SB317, SB324, SB457, SB506, SB511, SB529, SB547, SB584, SB619, SB636, SB646, SB659, SB715, SB732, SB735, SB771, SB784, SB800, SB801, SB904, SB1026, SB1049, SB1065, SB1181, SB1224, SB1250, SB1383, SB1467, SB1524, SB1528, SB1531, SB1568, SB1585, SB1640, SB1681, SB1754, SB1757, SB1777, SB1972, SB1980, SB2007, SB2041, SB2046, SB2050, SB2055, SB2069, SB2080, SB2119, SB2138, SB2139, SB2154, SB2201, SB2225, SB2268, SB2306, SB2308, SB2310, SB2330, SB2366, SB2375, SB2392, SB2401, SB2422, SB2480, SB2514, SB2530, SB2533, SB2543, SB2544, SB2589, SB2610, SB2615, SB2623, SB2660, SB2662, SB2693, SB2695, SB2707, SB2722, SB2742, SB2753, SB2807, SB2843, SB2844, SB2858, SB2880, SB2885, SB2891, SB2925, SB2938, SB2986, SJR3, SJR18, SB5, SB914, SB963, SB1197, SB1415, SB1437, SB1786, SB326, SB767, SB769, SB783, SB1035, SB1271, SB1619, SB1637, SB1806, SB1, SB260, HB135, HB1109, HCR35, HCR64, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR84, SJR59, SCR12, SCR39, SCR48, SCR19, SCR30, SCR3, SB2023, SB619, SB2742, SB646, SB1026, SB2880, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB1502, SB507, SB1434, SB1376, SB1585, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB529, SB209, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB584, SB1085, SB2046, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB1524, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB517, SB1200, SB1845, SB1863, SB2681, SB2200, SB2199, SB1757, SB2050, SB2458, SB2201, SB2660, SB2662, SB1065, SB801, SB2533, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB1721, SB2366, SB1013, SB2797, SB2383, SB1754, SB2119, SB2448, SB1777, SB1283, SB2392, SB2076, SB2786, SB2876, SB2284, SB2225, SB1540, SB2929, SB1972, SB2540, SB2595, SB2217, SB715, SB2330, SB1383, SB500, SB1640, SB2001, SB2080, SB506, SB2514, SB2753, SB2398, SB1241, SB2927, SB2173, SB2538, SB898, SB1449, SB2529, SB1531, SB2846, SB2476, SB986, SB1181, SB2075, SB2154, SB2864, SB1359, SB2386, SB771, SB2844, SB2550, SB1351, SB1423, SB1931, SB2245, SB2589, SB2707, SB2807, SB410, SB659, SB2776, SB2693, SB2580, SB1980, SB1886, SB1234, SB739, SB456, SB127, SB1666, SB2843, SB2801, SB800, SB2055, SB784, SB2986, SB735, SB1012, SB324, SB2926, SB2938, SB2007, SB2138, SB1242, SB2615, SB1049, SB2310, SB1224, SB2972, SB1568, SB2841, SB2885, SB3016, SB2858, SB2610, SB2139, SB1856, SB2035, SB2308, SB2306, SB2041, SB1528, SB1681, SB1141, SB2401, SB2530, SB2375, SB547, SB1266, SB1373, SB1467, SB2069, SB2269, SB2480, SB2544, SB672, SB904, SB2695, SB2891, SB2422, SB2543, SB1854, SB317, SB2539, SB2532, SB2925, SB1250, SB2082, SB2203, SB457, SB2357, SB2721, SB243, SB1285, SB2568, SB1959, SB1442, SB1454, SB2520, SB2541, SB1708, SB1237, SB1844, SB1586, HB1392, HB22, SB1551, SB3039, SB2819, SB66, SB629, SB1015, SB2342, SB2903, SB2933, SB1965, SB2477, SB3029, SB2605, SB2419, SB1957, SB375, SB250, SB777, SB628, SB2523, SB2367, SB2703, SB2608, SB2778, SB3044, SB2965, SB2521, SB865
Keywords:
spaceports, tax-exempt bonds, aerospace investment, Texas space economy, Federal legislation, education funding, Texas State Technical College System, capital projects, infrastructure, higher education, tax exemption, property tax, homestead, fire damage, constitutional amendment, Birding Capital, Matagorda County, wildlife, conservation, Texas Legislature
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And, of course, that protects it from the psyllid, protects it from canker, wind scarring, all of the
- If we look a little bit closer, we talked about wind conditions, but especially for agriculture, it's
- not just the wind that affects what's going on in these farms.
- Agriculture, it's not just the wind that affects what's going on in these farms.
- On the far left, you'll see a wind swath pattern; the darker the red, the more intense the wind conditions
Summary:
The Florida Senate Committee on Agriculture convened with a quorum present and heard two presentations. Commissioner Wilton Simpson, head of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, outlined department accomplishments and funding needs, including IT modernization, expansion of the Rural and Family Lands program, updated best management practice manuals, growth of the Fresh From Florida marketing campaign, hurricane recovery loans for farmers, clearing concealed-weapons permit backlogs, construction of the Conner Complex headquarters, forestry equipment upgrades, and youth agriculture programs such as FFA and 4-H. Senators asked about water policy, citrus greening, FAMU partnerships, staffing efficiencies, and interdiction stations used to stop invasive species, stolen goods, and diseased or banned agricultural products from entering the state.
Dr. Krista Court of the University of Florida/IFAS presented a preliminary economic assessment of the 2024 hurricane season’s agricultural impacts from Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. She explained that the estimates are based on wind, rainfall, flooding, crop location, and survey data from extension agents, industry groups, FDACS, and producers, and that the figures do not include many asset losses, supply-chain effects, forestry losses, or some insurance-covered damages. Her preliminary estimates placed total 2024 agricultural production losses between about $402.3 million and $975.8 million, with the hardest-hit commodity groups including field and row crops, vegetables, melons, potatoes, greenhouse/nursery products, and animals and animal products.
Members discussed the importance of accurate survey participation and baseline data, including use of USDA Farm Service Agency information, to improve future disaster estimates and federal relief decisions. Several senators emphasized agriculture’s importance in their districts and statewide. No bills were considered and no formal votes were taken; the only action was adjournment by motion of Senator Burton.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 4, 2025 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- And the idea is, for instance, you know, Texas, Texas wind. They have major wind events.
- But I hope that's a long-winded way of answering your question.
- But I hope that's a long-winded way of answering your question.
- It may have been wind. And you had litigation over that issue.
- Most homes with wind coverage must secure and maintain a flood policy.
Summary:
The Insurance and Banking Subcommittee received a lengthy presentation from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation CEO Tim Serio, with Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworski also answering questions. Serio reviewed Citizens’ role as Florida’s insurer of last resort, its statutory funding structure, eligibility rules, depopulation program, reinsurance obligations, and the surcharge/emergency assessment mechanisms that can be used if Citizens runs a deficit. He emphasized that recent legislative reforms, combined with lower litigation and improved market conditions, have helped the private market recover and reduced Citizens’ policy count from a peak of about 1.41 million in 2023 to 936,182 at the end of 2024, with a projected drop to about 771,000 by the end of 2025. He also said the reforms reduced Citizens’ rate need and helped avoid an emergency assessment after the 2024 storms.
Members asked about Citizens’ rate increases, why Citizens still seeks higher rates despite lower litigation, how the 20% eligibility threshold works, whether Citizens should be wind-only, and whether the state or federal government could help with deficits. Serio explained that Citizens is still charging below actuarially sound rates in most areas, that rate filings reflect reduced litigation and lower reinsurance exposure, and that assessments on all Florida property policyholders are the reason Citizens tries to build surplus and depopulate. He said the depopulation program is working better than in the past, with less than 2% of takeout policies returning to Citizens, and that the Office of Insurance Regulation has been vetting takeout companies more carefully.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on claims handling after Debby, Helene, and Milton, including flood-versus-wind disputes and Citizens’ use of the Division of Administrative Hearings for some claim disputes. Serio said Citizens had received 76,625 claims from the three storms and had paid nearly $823 million in indemnity and expenses as of January 7, 2025. He said many closed-without-payment claims were either below deductible, withdrawn, duplicate, or flood-only, and that Citizens had asked its internal audit function to independently review the claims data and denials. He also described Citizens’ storm outreach, catastrophe response centers, managed-repair program, and claim review process, and said the corporation remains focused on paying valid claims while minimizing the risk of assessments on the broader Florida market.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (01/30/2026)
State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, recently the administration has taken up a policy of trying to mitigate those Chinese exploitations
- 12.560>
trying <00:43:12.800>to um up a policy of trying to um up a policy of trying to mitigate - <00:43:15.040>
those <00:43:15.680>Chinese <00:43:16.160>exploitations mitigate - those Chinese exploitations mitigate those Chinese exploitations that<00:43:16.880>
have <00:43
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Tribal Relations, June 15, 2026 - PM
Select Committee on Tribal Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, I don't think the state voluntarily did that. the Wind River tribes because we're also the Wind River
- <00:31:10.480>
River non-Indian Ian ranch on the Wind River non-Indian Ian ranch on the Wind - Um, it's around $25 million. upper wind river, we shared data with upper wind river, we shared data with
- We provided assistance on the reservation on the Little Wind, the Wind River, and the Popo Agie drainages
- River<01:37:15.199>
Reservation isn't just a Wind River Reservation isn't just a Wind River
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/05/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- We had the first wind to hydrogen to ammonia pilot plant in the world back in 2013, and that set the
- You'll see in the picture of the first wind to ammonia pilot plant in the world on your screen right
- produce ammonia fertilizer using wind produce ammonia fertilizer using wind solar<00:42:19.119><
- with clean energy sources such as wind with clean energy sources such as wind solar<00:43:06.280
- <00:45:50.000>
and energy from solar and wind and energy from solar and wind and importantly
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 2110, relating to a conservation and soil health incentive program within the Climate Change Mitigation
- <01:17:01.840>
and <01:17:02.000>adaptation change mitigation and adaptation change - mitigation and adaptation commission.<01:17:03.040>
Requires <01:17:03.440>an <01:17:03.679 - My name is Leia Laramie with the Hawaii State Climate Change Mitigation Adaptation Commission.
- So, everything from intensive grazing, cover crops, wind breaks, planting trees for soil conservation
Keywords:
veterinary medicine, prescription, consumer rights, transparency, pet medication, sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, food system resilience, grant program, Hawaii agriculture, agriculture, clean plant program, disease-free plants, plant propagation, small farms, midsize farms, sustainable farming, Hawaii, data analysis, market study
Summary:
The committee heard several agriculture-related bills. SB 874 on veterinary medicine would require veterinarians, upon a client’s request, to provide a written prescription for an animal patient in an existing veterinary client-patient relationship, allow Hawaii-licensed pharmacies to dispense those prescriptions, and authorize the Veterinary Medicine Board to set penalties. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with supporters citing lower costs and consumer choice; the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association said veterinarians already should be doing this and supported the bill if amended. One testifier in opposition argued the bill needed a conspicuous notice requirement so pet owners know they can request prescriptions. Committee members and the Department of Agriculture said they were not aware of widespread problems, and discussion focused on whether the measure was already consistent with current practice and whether amendments would address remaining concerns.
The committee also heard SB 2097, which would create a climate-resilient food systems grant program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and appropriate funds. The department, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, and others supported the bill, saying it could help farmers and ranchers invest in resilience, infrastructure, and technology. Several testifiers asked for clearer definitions, especially for terms like “food hubs” and “resilience hubs,” and suggested adding technical assistance and clearer eligibility criteria. The department explained the program was intended for shovel-ready projects in the middle of the supply chain, with a focus on farmers in a certain revenue range, and said it was modeled on a USDA program.
SB 2098 would establish a clean plant program to produce and distribute disease-free plant material to growers, nurseries, and other producers. Testimony was supportive, emphasizing biosecurity, nursery industry needs, and preventing invasive species and crop disease. The department described the program as using tested clean stock, tissue culture facilities, and data collection to support future planting decisions, and estimated a two-year ramp-up. Members questioned whether the program duplicated existing work at CTR/other partners and whether data collection should be centralized, but the department said the effort would build on existing varieties and partnerships rather than overlap them.
Finally, SB 2126 would create a conventional farming grant program for small and midsize conventional farmers. Supporters from the department, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council said conventional agriculture deserves support and that the bill would help increase food production. Opposition and comments focused on the bill’s exclusion of organic farmers; one farmer said the measure was unfair unless amended to include organic producers, while a Farmers Union witness said the bill was too vague about the grant’s purpose and should be clearer about its goals. In response to questions, the department said the exclusion of organic farming was not intentional and that the bill was meant to support all agriculture, though no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt provided.