Video & Transcript : 'input data regulation' :
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NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Sep 12th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Provide reliable water data. The 2019 Water Data Act was also an amazing act.
- Very little of that has been done with state engineer data and interstate stream commission data.
- Gomes, you said what we need is data. We've got all the studies. We've got all the data.
- We had a data breach at Tech that made the data unavailable for us.
- That data needs to be...
Committee:
House Water & Natural Resources Committee
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Natural Resources and Water
Transcript Highlights:
- They like that the data... ...really appreciate knowing that they are contributing.
- They like that the data collected goes to make management decisions and other regulatory decisions.
- And across the data sets, every metric shows that millions of Californians lack nature access.
- I represent the Morongo Basin residents for reasonable Western Joshua Tree regulations.
- I mean, I'm so happy to add to your input.
Committee:
Senate Natural Resources and Water
Summary:
The committee heard SB 1393, an omnibus update to the Fish and Game Code covering steelhead trout and Dungeness crab management. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen the steelhead trout report card program, extend and refine Dungeness crab management, and clarify vessel transit rules in closed crab fishing areas. The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, and other supporters said the measure implements long-standing task force recommendations and supports both conservation and coastal fishing communities. There was no opposition, and the bill was moved forward on a 4-0 vote to Appropriations.
The committee also heard SB 1250, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning and asset management, set performance targets, and coordinate with wildlife agencies. Supporters from conservation, animal welfare, land trust, and local government groups said the bill would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, improve public safety, and better integrate crossings, culverts, and fencing into routine highway projects. The California Building Industry Association moved to a neutral position after amendments clarified the bill would apply to transportation right-of-way planning and not create exactions on private property. Members discussed the bill’s relationship to Caltrans planning authority and existing funding, and it was passed to Appropriations on a 4-0 vote.
Senator Gonzalez’s SB 1268, which would codify the state’s Outdoors for All initiative, also received broad support from environmental justice, conservation, parks, and recreation groups. Testimony emphasized inequitable access to parks and nature, especially for low-income communities and communities of color, and said the bill would make the initiative more durable by placing it in statute. The chair and members spoke in favor of expanding outdoor access, and the bill was approved on a 3-0 vote with some members not yet voting.
The committee then heard three Western Joshua tree bills from Senator Ochoa Bogh. SB 1061 would streamline relocation of limited numbers of trees without fees in certain cases; SB 1062 would require proportionate or tiered mitigation fees for public utilities and agencies; and SB 1063 would create an expedited, fee-free permitting path for basic residential utility and wildfire-hardening projects. Supporters, including local water agencies, counties, and farm and business groups, said the current law imposes heavy costs on desert residents and ratepayers. Opponents, including wildlife and conservation organizations, argued the bills would weaken protections for a species they said is threatened by climate change and habitat loss, and noted that existing administrative processes are already addressing fees and permitting. After amendments, opposition was withdrawn on SB 1061 and SB 1062, and both bills advanced on 3-0 votes to Appropriations; SB 1063 remained under discussion in the portion provided.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Utilities -continued- Feb 4th, 2026 at 12:15 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to have as much input as the solar lobbyists get.
- Taxation amount is largely, you know, would be an input cost. We can call it an input cost.
- Regulate these things themselves. That's what we're doing.
- They're growing as giants, and there needs to be regulations.
- They're growing as giants and there needs to be regulations.
Summary:
The House Utilities Committee resumed hearing on House Bills 2402 and 2816, which address utility-scale solar development. The chair asked witnesses to keep comments to informational purposes, and testimony focused on setbacks, taxation, land conversion caps, county authority, decommissioning, and impacts on neighboring landowners and rural communities. Several witnesses said they supported solar in limited settings such as rooftops or industrial sites, but opposed or wanted changes to the bills’ treatment of agricultural land, especially the proposed 4% cap on cropland conversion and the 500-foot setback from homes.
Testimony from landowners and farm groups emphasized concerns about property rights, viewshed impacts, fire risk, drainage and floodplain issues, and the loss of agricultural tax base and local economic activity. They argued the proposed $2,500 per megawatt tax was too low and suggested higher rates, with some recommending $6,000 per megawatt or more, along with decommissioning requirements and stronger county-level protections. A Renew Missouri representative supported much of the bill but preferred a smaller setback and raised constitutional concerns about changing solar land from agricultural to commercial assessment. Other witnesses, including a county commissioner, described local regulations already in place in some counties and asked for clearer statewide standards.
Industry and utility representatives said the legislation was generally workable but needed further discussion on setbacks and property tax treatment. Clean Grid Alliance and related witnesses argued that tax comparisons with other states should account for total tax burden, not just nameplate taxes, and said higher taxes would raise electricity costs for consumers. Ameren Missouri said it was acceptable with most provisions, but cautioned against overly aggressive real-property assessments and noted its current and planned solar buildout. The hearing ended without a vote; the committee adjourned after taking testimony on both bills.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- We have to do something to regulate the insurance industry, period. As Rep.
- There's very little that the state government does to regulate us, except for the legal environment.
- The Code of Federal Regulations was crafted in 2019, and six countries are identified.
- The Code of Federal Regulations was crafted in 2019, and six countries are identified.
- We had input from the FBI about the encroaching threat from our adversaries, and mostly it was about
Bills:
HB37 , HB51 , HB173 , HB180 , HB192 , HB306 , HB366 , HB393 , HB485 , HB516 , HB521 , HB526 , HB638 , HB752 , HB817 , HB976 , HB1006 , HB1044
Committee:
House Civil Law and Procedure
Keywords:
HB37, expropriation, eminent domain, property rights, foreign entity, foreign corporation, limited liability company, LLC, reciprocal expropriation agreement, Louisiana property law, land acquisition, utility infrastructure, public utilities, railroad, waterworks, sewerage, natural gas pipeline, electric utility, telecommunications, carbon dioxide pipeline
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee Feb 9th, 2026 at 10:30 am
A&B Education Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- Violation of IRS code and associated treasury regulations.
- their own standard for every student to take that ACT to get into college, which is give them the data
- Would you consider laying the bill over until we have that pertinent data about this school population
- Is your objection there then that we're not collecting data on those students, but we're giving them
- I've got data specifically that shows while tuition increased for inflation, when we increased school
Bills:
HB3674 , HB4326 , HB4331 , HB3029 , HB2963 , HB3551 , HB2973 , HB3019 , HB3461 , HB2961 , HB3261 , HB3759 , HB3429 , HB3069 , HB3372 , HB3705
Committee:
House A&B Education Subcommittee
Keywords:
school resource officer, sexual assault training, law enforcement training, CLEET, school safety, mental health, continuing education, HB4326, Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, Oklahoma's Promise, scholarship, tuition assistance, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, eligibility expansion, adopted students, foster care, DHS custody, child-placing agency, tribal custody
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Law & Justice Sep 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, turning to the historic King County data.
- And thank you for all the incredible data.
- So we were able to do this and build a statewide module for collecting data and using that data.
- Thank you, Philippe, for teeing up the data so well.
- Some of that data.
Summary:
The committee held a work session in Mill Creek focused first on the eviction process. Judge Michael Scott of King County Superior Court described historic highs in unlawful detainer filings across Washington, especially in urban counties, and said King County has reduced its backlog and average time to resolution to about 60 days by adding two dedicated eviction judges and using more judges when needed. He also described how King County and other counties are implementing the right to counsel for indigent tenants, and noted that additional housing commissioners may help. Office of Civil Legal Aid representatives Philippe Knapp and Jane Paxe said the statewide appointed counsel program has represented more than 30,000 tenants, referred clients to social services, and helped many remain housed, but they warned of a funding shortfall that could eliminate about 17 attorneys and leave roughly 2,000 tenants without representation. A landlord-side panel argued that eviction timelines remain too long and fragmented, creating unpaid rent, safety issues, and uncertainty for both landlords and tenants; they urged more uniform procedures, streamlined rental assistance, and procedural changes to reduce refiling and delays.
The second work session addressed theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure, especially copper and telecom cable theft. Committee staff reviewed existing criminal and regulatory laws covering malicious mischief, theft, scrap metal businesses, and metal property deception. Comcast, Mason Public Utility District, and the Recycled Materials Association testified that theft of aerial cable and copper has become a crisis affecting power, internet, 911 service, schools, hospitals, and line-worker safety. Utility representatives described outages, hazards, and rising costs, and asked for stronger audits of scrapyards, tougher penalties for theft affecting critical infrastructure, and tighter rules on payment and identification. Recyclers said they oppose the thefts and already operate under heavy regulation, but acknowledged enforcement gaps and the need for better coordination; committee members discussed possible bill concepts and asked for written recommendations.
The final work session covered standards for law enforcement personnel. Criminal Justice Training Commission Executive Director Monica Alexander and Assistant Director Kimberly Bliss explained current certification and decertification rules, including background checks, training requirements, mandatory and discretionary grounds for decertification, and the hearing process. They said elected sheriffs are not currently required to undergo the same pre-election background check as other applicants, though they can still be decertified if already certified, and they reported a backlog of more than 1,000 cases with about 70 to 80 new cases coming in each month. Retired Judge Ann Levinson then outlined ways the legislature could strengthen and align standards for chiefs, sheriffs, and marshals, including requiring certification within a set time, setting a minimum age, requiring recent state background checks, and making loss of certification a vacancy in office. Committee members asked questions about accountability for elected sheriffs, background-check administration, and decertification outcomes.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Martin Makary, of Virginia, to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Department of Health and Human Services. Mar 6th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- If you see data, as the FDA, and you have to make a decision, are you willing to lead where the data
- of the REMS to look at ongoing data.
- I do think it makes sense to review the totality of data and ongoing data.
- I do believe in data, and I don't believe in prejudging data before somebody has taken a look at data
- , including future. data?
Keywords:
nominations, labor, health, veterans, Social Security, Elon Musk, transparency, government accountability
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on various executive nominations and their implications on labor and health affairs. Significant discussions surrounded the nomination of Mr. Sonderling as the Deputy Secretary of Labor, with members expressing concerns about workforce cuts affecting veterans and Social Security employees. There was also a debate led by a member regarding the authority and influence of private individuals, specifically citing Elon Musk's involvement in government decisions. Such discussions raised questions about transparency and accountability within governmental agencies, leading to a proposal for Mr. Musk to provide testimony before the committee.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Commerce and Tourism Mar 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THE INCLUSION OF PROVIDENCE DATA.
- THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME REGULATION HERE.
- THOSE ARE REGULATED BY THE OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION.
- DEVICES HAVE TREMENDOUS ROLE AND DATA LIFE.
- , STATE REGULATIONS, GET BOGGED DOWN BY THE TON OF PAPERWORK, FEDERAL REGULATIONS, STATE REGULATIONS,
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy Mar 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- “We have the transparency around emissions data.
- New regulations, new frameworks to deal with these emerging waste streams.
- So that's a bit of knowledge and data that we are taking in.
- Do we have data to keep track of these SETs?
- Those data sets are available. Both the Air District and U.S.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Business and Commerce (Part II) Feb 27th, 2025
Business & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- Sarah and Crusoe are the data center constructors.
- And we really look forward to your input.
- I'm representing... and Switch data centers, testifying on Senate Bill 5.
- I'm here today representing Kings Branch Data.
- We are a new data center development company based out of Fort Worth.
Committee:
Senate Business & Commerce
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And then with this also, while it says limit data collection, retaining the data to maintain compliance
- Is it because it can't be regulated? Is it just really hard to regulate?
- You know, some will challenge that by requiring a mark that you're regulating free speech.
- From the input it receives how to generate outputs that can influence.
- From the input it receives how to generate outputs that can influence.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The publication is shaped by extensive input from feed manufacturers, distributors, regulators, and researchers
- Like AAFCO, it is developed with input from manufacturers and distributors.
- That makes up 68% of the total for the first time since this data series began in 1924.
- And then there is a regulated stocks-to-use ratio at the federal level.
- And somehow that ratio was not regulated to the degree it should have been.
Committee:
Senate Agricultural Affairs
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 02/24/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:20:06.400><c> Madam</c> data that our team will have. Madam data that our team will have.
- They had to go to multiple data systems to pull data with electronic attendance.
- </c> control case review process and data. control case review process and data.
- They're able to go in and look at licensing data, billing data.
- </c> detail without provider input. detail without provider input.
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee Aug 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Chatbot regulation is primarily state driven through laws regulating user safety, minor protections,
- centers or the data... ...from a national perspective right now with the AI data centers or the data
- Are you concerned that if these data centers go into place before we have a chance to regulate them,
- the data center.
- And so the confounding and wrong data problem, we can't ever... Thank you. Or inferior data flows.
Summary:
The committee met at Minot State to continue its study of artificial intelligence, with a focus on child safety, sexual exploitation, chatbot risks, and education policy. Members first approved the minutes and then received a Legislative Council overview of AI-related harms to children, including AI-generated child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, extortion, and chatbot companion risks. The memo reviewed North Dakota and federal law, recent state enactments, First Amendment limits, and examples from other states, including Connecticut’s AI companion safeguards and federal efforts such as the Take It Down Act. Members discussed whether North Dakota’s existing 2025 laws on minors and harmful material are strong enough in light of recent court decisions, and Legislative Council indicated it would provide additional comparison material before the next meeting.
Superintendent Levi Bachmeier then presented on AI in education, arguing that schools need guardrails but should not ban AI outright. He said AI should be treated as a tool that can support instruction, teacher efficiency, and digital literacy, while warning against passive use, academic integrity problems, and overreliance on machines. He suggested embedding AI and digital literacy across subjects rather than creating a standalone class, and said schools should provide basic instruction when students receive one-to-one devices. Members asked about parent concerns, local control, higher education partnerships, and how to balance access with safety; Bachmeier emphasized a “threading the needle” approach and said the department would likely seek more guidance on digital literacy and cybersecurity.
Special Agent Hellseth of BCI followed with testimony on AI and child exploitation. He said AI is already being used in North Dakota to create explicit images from innocent photos, impersonate children and adults, and facilitate grooming, harassment, and extortion. He described several cases involving AI-generated sexual images and said victims often suffer lasting trauma even when the images are fake. Hellseth explained that investigators use AI tools themselves to process large volumes of data and identify synthetic images, but that the workload is growing and victim services need expansion. He urged stronger accountability for companies, more resources for law enforcement and victim support, and continued training and public education. Members asked about cyber tip volume, staffing, false accusations, and corporate reporting obligations; Hellseth said every tip is reviewed, the unit is small but expanding, and current federal reporting laws are not proactive enough. Representative Porter suggested combining the Legislative Council memo and Bachmeier’s recommendations into a comprehensive bill draft for the next meeting.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy Mar 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have the transparency around emissions data.”
- The first is updating our regulations to reflect the changes that are in 279.
- Us to consolidate reporting systems, and that would help our data intake.
- So that's a bit of knowledge and data that we are taking in.
- Do we have data to keep track of these SETs?
Summary:
The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy heard budget overviews and several budget change proposals from CalRecycle, CalEPA, and DTSC. CalRecycle outlined its proposed 2026-27 budget of 987 positions and $1.9 billion, and members focused on edible food recovery funding under SB 1383, beverage container recycling fees and infrastructure under SB 1013, plastic packaging reduction under SB 54, and composting implementation under SB 279. CalRecycle said edible food recovery has recovered more than 300 million meals but lacks ongoing funding, explained that beverage container processing fees are set by statute and reflect higher recycling costs for difficult-to-recycle materials, and noted that SB 54 implementation will include a pollution prevention mitigation fund for legacy plastic cleanup. The committee also discussed the need for more composting capacity and the role of volunteer cleanup groups, while public commenters urged continued funding for food recovery, composting, and landfill response.
CalEPA presented its department overview and a proposal to strengthen landfill response and enforcement, emphasizing climate, air quality, water, and cleanup priorities. Secretary Garcia described the agency’s work on methane monitoring, toxics reduction, drinking water compliance, Exide cleanup, pesticide alternatives, and implementation of AB 617, while also noting the agency’s response to federal rollbacks. Members pressed CalEPA on landfill fires and subsurface elevated temperature events, especially at Chiquita Canyon, asking about authority, scientific resources, and when intervention should occur. CalEPA said it has authority to respond but needs more coordinated technical and enforcement capacity, and later presented a $5.1 million, 12-position multi-agency proposal involving CalEPA, CalRecycle, DTSC, and the Water Board to address current landfill events and improve future prevention and response.
DTSC and the Board of Environmental Safety presented several proposals tied to reform implementation, hazardous waste oversight, and emerging waste streams. DTSC reported progress in clearing its permit backlog, advancing safer consumer products regulations, and continuing Exide cleanup, while seeking additional resources for cost recovery and enforcement, PFAS work, recycling infrastructure for solar panels and lithium batteries, and a new statewide planning division to implement the hazardous waste management plan and consolidate reporting systems. The Board of Environmental Safety described its oversight role, public meetings, permit appeals process, and fee-setting authority, and said its priorities include permit appeals, hazardous waste plan oversight, and performance metrics. Members questioned whether DTSC was creating too many new subdivisions, but the department said the new structure is needed to handle growing workload and modernize regulation. Public testimony generally supported the landfill proposal, DTSC consumer product enforcement, water board staffing, and continued funding for food recovery and composting programs.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So first, data. These emergency regulations are based on extensive data that we've had for years.
- And let me say, we don't love these regulations.
- I am taking no position on what the regulations, the permanent regulation should look like.
- You had substantial public input to ensure that they were using the best data and the best science available
- Number two, mandating data centers to estimate the water, Number two, mandating data centers to estimate
Summary:
The committee heard several water, wildlife, conservation, and local government bills. AB 362, by Assembly Member Ramos, would add tribal water uses as a statewide beneficial use and strengthen tribal consultation in water planning; tribal representatives and conservation groups supported it as a long-overdue correction, while water agencies, business groups, and agricultural interests raised concerns about CEQA, regulatory uncertainty, and impacts on existing water planning. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, with some members noting ongoing stakeholder discussions and one abstention.
AB 1089, by Assembly Member Carrillo, would expand local permitting authority under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act to include commercial and industrial projects. The author and the City of Adelanto argued it would speed housing and economic development in the high desert while preserving the overall conservation framework, but environmental groups opposed it as premature and potentially weakening protections for Joshua trees. The committee approved the bill on a due pass motion to Appropriations. AB 1024, by Assembly Member Harabedian, would require a regional black bear mitigation plan for the San Gabriel Valley and related areas; Sierra Madre officials described rising bear intrusions and the need for state help, and the bill passed to Appropriations.
AB 846, by Assembly Member Connolly, would streamline permitting for local wildfire preparedness and vegetation management projects in local responsibility areas by creating a faster review process at Fish and Wildlife and improving mapping coordination with Cal Fire. Local government, fire service, and agricultural witnesses supported the bill as a common-sense wildfire prevention measure, and it passed to Natural Resources with no opposition. AB 263, by Assembly Member Rogers, would extend emergency minimum-flow regulations for the Scott and Shasta Rivers for five years or until permanent rules are adopted; supporters said it protects salmon recovery, tribal subsistence, and the fishing economy during a transition period, while opponents argued it bypasses normal regulatory process and harms farmers. The committee approved it on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations, with one abstention and two no votes. AB 1044, by Assembly Member Bains, would create a new Tulare County groundwater sustainability agency for undistricted lands after other local agencies split off; the bill passed to Local Government. AB 1426, by Assembly Member Arambula, began testimony on creating a Diablo Range Conservation Program to fund habitat protection and restoration across the range.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPN-EIG, CPN DEFER, CPN DEFER Public Hearings 02-04-2026
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, yes, that we're subject to that per our regulations.
- Uh, yes, that we're subject to that per our regulations.
- And so of performance-based regulation.
- Guys gave a—you guys, PUC gave you guys input.
- </c> and make that information and data and make that information and data available<01:05:14.160><c>
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection
Summary:
The committee first reconvened on SB 2471 and SB 2829, both relating to the powers of artificial persons. After discussion with the Attorney General’s office and a prior Q&A period, the chair said the committee would defer decision-making again, with the intent to return with amended versions of both bills that could gain support from the administration and its lawyers. The measures were deferred to Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in Conference Room 229 at 9:30 a.m.
The committee then took up SB 2180, relating to deposits of public funds. Members noted late testimony from the prior day’s joint hearing with the Housing Committee and moved to pass the bill out with amendments, including a defective effective date. The motion carried unanimously among those voting: the chair, vice chair, Senator Lamosao, and Senator Awa voted aye; Senator McKelvey was excused. The measure was adopted.
A joint hearing followed on SB 2033, relating to renewable energy and a streamlined grid-ready homes interconnection process. The PUC supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about the time, resources, and stakeholder input needed to establish the proposed process, and asked for clarification of terms such as “grid-ready homes” and the role of HERA. Hawaiian Electric said it supported the intent but opposed the proposed process and HERA funding use. The Hawaii Solar Energy Association strongly supported the bill, arguing that faster interconnection is needed to meet rooftop solar goals and lower costs over time. Testimony totaled 27 in support, two in opposition, and four with comments. Members questioned costs, consumer protections, and whether the bill would burden low- and moderate-income households; the bill’s supporters said amendments could clarify the definition of grid-ready homes and add guardrails, while acknowledging that upfront costs and interconnection costs would still need to be addressed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Labor and Employment Committee Mar 18th, 2026
Labor and Employment
Transcript Highlights:
- Stephanie Chan, and I am the Director of Data and Research for Stop AAPI Hate.
- And this data still just represents the tip of the iceberg.
- Let me be clear: you cannot regulate what you cannot define.
- Let me be clear, you cannot regulate what you cannot define.
- So having employee input is critical.
Committee:
House Labor and Employment
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- He said county input is advisory and not controlling.
- County input is advisory and not controlling.
- Do you see some county or municipality actually input?
- Do we have that data? have on appraisal value of a neighboring property. Do we have that data?
- Sure, and I don't have the data here.
Committee:
House Utilities
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy Mar 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have the transparency around emissions data.
- The first is updating our regulations to reflect the changes that are in 279.
- ... ...us to consolidate reporting systems, and that would help our data intake.
- So that's a bit of knowledge and data that we are taking in.
- Do we have data to keep track of these SETs?
Summary:
The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy heard department budget overviews and several budget change proposals from CalRecycle, CalEPA, and DTSC. CalRecycle presented its 2026-27 budget and discussed priorities including edible food recovery, composting, beverage container recycling, and landfill response. Members asked about funding for food recovery grants, processing fees for wine and spirits containers under SB 1013, plastic packaging generation under SB 54, restaurant food waste requirements under SB 1383, and litter cleanup efforts. CalRecycle said edible food recovery has helped recover more than 300 million meals, but there is no sustained funding source; it also explained that beverage container processing fees are set by statute and that new producer responsibility and infrastructure investments are intended to improve recycling rates over time.
The committee then heard CalEPA’s overview, including the agency’s response to climate, air quality, water, toxics, and enforcement challenges. Secretary Garcia emphasized federal rollbacks, methane monitoring, AB 617 implementation, safe drinking water progress, Exide cleanup, and pesticide reduction efforts. Members questioned the agency about regional gasoline blends, authority and technical thresholds for landfill intervention, and the growth in the Secretary’s office staffing and budget. CalEPA said the budget increase reflects expanded coordination, technology modernization, hazardous materials response, and legal capacity. The committee also discussed a proposed landfill support, response, and enforcement package for subsurface elevated temperature events, with CalEPA describing a coordinated multi-agency approach and the need for stronger early response tools.
DTSC presented its department overview and several BCPs. Director Butler highlighted progress on permit backlog reduction, safer consumer products rulemaking, Exide cleanup, PFAS work, and planning for emerging waste streams such as solar panels and lithium batteries. The Board of Environmental Safety described its oversight role, public meetings, permit appeals, and fee-setting authority, and identified community concerns about cumulative impacts, hazardous waste planning, accessible data, and engagement. The committee also heard a proposal to expand DTSC’s Office of Policy into a statewide planning division to implement hazardous waste management plan recommendations and improve reporting systems. Members raised concerns about whether the new division duplicated existing work, but DTSC said it would fill identified gaps and improve coordination.
Public testimony largely supported the proposals, especially ongoing funding for edible food recovery, composting, safer consumer products enforcement, and the coordinated landfill response package. Witnesses from StopWaste, California Against Waste, Waste Management, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, and water advocacy groups urged continued or increased funding for these programs. No votes were taken; the chair held all items open and adjourned the hearing after public comment.