Transcript Highlights:

• You see it because of the grid, you see it because of water, and we would ask that you only deal with
• A recent poll shows that 82% of Texans need electric grid resiliency, or want electric grid resiliency
• But if you were to do this, and it also says the condemner has a right to sue for survey access.
• We don’t sue for survey access. We sue to prevent our right to conduct the survey.
• Constitution, every property owner has the right to deny anyone access, don't think? So, it's...

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 5695, which would create the Sayers Ranch Municipal Utility District in Bastrop County between Elgin and Bastrop. Representative Gurdis said Bastrop County commissioners unanimously supported the district. There was no public testimony, the bill was left pending, and later reported favorably to the full House on an 8-0 vote. The main debate centered on Senate Bill 291, which would require condemning entities to pay landowner attorney’s fees if they fail to provide 10 years of appraisal reports with an initial offer in an eminent domain case. Supporters, including Rita Beving and Charles Maley, argued the bill would add an enforcement mechanism and better protect landowners in a process they described as intimidating and lopsided. Opponents, including Tom Zabel and Lisa Kaufman, said current law already provides a remedy through abatement and attorney’s fees under Section 21.047 of the Property Code, and warned the bill could create inconsistency, delay public infrastructure projects, and increase costs. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard House Bill 5699, a simple MUD boundary change in Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 405 that would allow a tract to leave one district and join another. Representative Schofield said the landowner and district agreed to the change and to pay the tract’s share of debt. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably on an 8-0 vote. Later, the committee considered House Bill 5489, which would impose a four-year moratorium on impact fees. Representative Dyson framed it as an “active study” to test whether impact fees raise housing costs. College Station officials and other opponents argued impact fees help fund infrastructure for growth and that local governments should retain control; supporters said the fees are regressive and add to housing prices. The bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 292, which would update the Landowner Bill of Rights to add information on surveys, require separate offers for property not sought in condemnation, and require the rights document to be delivered with the initial offer. Supporters said it would improve transparency and fill gaps in the current document, while opponents said it was unnecessary because the law already exists and warned against revisiting a 2021 compromise. The transcript ends during that discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so the public would have access to that information. Thank you.
• Um, so the public would have access to that information. Thank you.
• would have access to the form. would have access to the form.
• <01:38:50.280> Um if the grid was to be overloaded. Um if the grid was to be overloaded.
• We have to ensure the safety of the grid and the people who are working on the grid, and that is what

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, all of that testimony and all of that information is in the, uh, website, and you can access
• Once that tax takes effect, it's going to reduce access to charging, particularly in rural areas.
• <00:41:41.520> to um it's going to reduce access to um it's going to reduce access to charging
• <01:10:28.159> Uh not have access to home charging. Uh not have access to home charging.
• Again, that creates the reliability and grid stability factors that we're looking for.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:21:46.480> Um contracts in order to access capital.
• Um contracts in order to access capital.
• I thought my house was off the grid.
• everybody everything I own off the grid. everybody everything I own off the grid.
• So therefore grid is a load reducer.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• FPH2 was established to revolutionize hydrogen accessibility and affordability, FPH2 was established
• to revolutionize hydrogen accessibility and affordability by connecting renewable hydrogen producers
• The bill also addresses a persistent barrier in grant programs: accessibility, by mandating that the
• The bill encourages better data centers that contribute to the grid and to their community.
• The bill helps expand child care availability, improve accessibility, and support working families.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with SB 1350 by Senator McNerney presented first. The measure would expand California’s use of renewable hydrogen in the power sector by allowing renewable portfolio standard credit for power plants using green hydrogen, with supporters emphasizing grid reliability, clean-energy goals, in-state investment, and construction jobs. Support came from labor, clean-energy, municipal utility, and local government representatives; NRDC Action Fund withdrew opposition after amendments, while a few groups remained opposed or neutral. The committee later took a roll call and SB 1350 passed out on a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard SB 1180 by Senator Allen, which would set operational rules for the Plastic Pollution Mitigation Fund created under SB 54, including clearer eligible uses, transparency, technical assistance, and access for tribes and smaller community groups. Environmental justice, ocean, conservation, and local government groups strongly supported the bill, saying it would ensure the fund addresses plastic pollution’s public health and environmental harms. Industry and manufacturing groups opposed unless amended, arguing the bill should stay tightly tied to plastic waste reduction and not broaden into source-reduction policy. After quorum was established, the committee approved SB 1180 on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. SB 1326 by Senator Wahab was then heard to strengthen tribal consultation and tribal cultural resource protections under CEQA by recognizing tribal registers and requiring feasible avoidance or mitigation measures when tribes identify resources. Tribal representatives and supporters said the bill would better protect sacred sites and tribal knowledge, while cities, counties, utilities, builders, and rural county groups opposed unless amended, citing implementation concerns, possible litigation, and uncertainty for infrastructure and housing projects. The committee voted the bill out on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. Finally, SB 954 by Senator Blakespear was presented as a cleanup of last year’s SB 131 advanced-manufacturing CEQA exemption, narrowing eligible projects and adding guardrails such as setbacks, air-quality limits, tribal consultation, labor standards, and habitat protections. Environmental and labor groups supported the bill as a needed correction to an overly broad exemption, while business, manufacturing, housing, and local-government groups opposed, warning it could make the exemption unusable and slow investment. Members debated the balance between environmental protection and manufacturing competitiveness, and the committee voted SB 954 out on a due pass recommendation to the Labor and Employment Committee; the transcript then moved on to SB 1031 on compostable plastics, which was introduced but not acted on in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a smart policy, reduces energy demand on the grid, and provides direct savings to ratepayers.
• storage technology we have, with a 75- to 100-year asset life and the ability to provide critical grid
• It helps keep costs down for ratepayers while giving California additional tools to maintain grid reliability
• Children cannot get access to the care that they actually need, and the project cost rises.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications met to hear several bills; ACA 9 was announced as postponed to a later hearing. The committee first approved the consent calendar, then heard AB 2458 by Assemblymember Bennett, which would extend California Energy Commission appliance efficiency standards to appliances that are rented or leased rather than only sold. Supporters from Ceres and Southern California Edison testified in favor, and Senator Caballero asked whether the bill would affect commercial food processors; the author said the CEC indicated it would not. The bill passed on a unanimous roll call and was sent to Senate Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 2476 by Assemblymember Ellis, which would remove an outdated pre-2020 state-funding requirement for pumped storage hydro projects to qualify for the state’s central procurement program, while keeping the 500-megawatt cap. The author and supporters from Rye Development, GreenGen Storage, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers argued the bill would expand competition for long-duration storage, support grid reliability, and help lower costs for ratepayers. Senator Rubio and others asked how the bill would produce savings, and the author explained that more eligible projects would increase competition in procurement. The bill passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations. Finally, the committee heard AB 2518 by Assemblymember Sharp-Collins, a San Diego County pilot program to speed utility connection timelines for affordable housing, hospitals, municipal projects, EV infrastructure, and other projects. The San Diego Housing Commission and SDG&E supported the measure, saying it would reduce costly energization delays; members asked about possible impacts on other customers and whether the bill conflicted with existing SB 410 work, and the author said it was intended to complement current utility timelines. AB 2518 also passed on a unanimous vote and was sent to Appropriations. The committee later reopened the roll to record an additional vote on AB 2518, confirming its passage before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• really in some ways saved the grid really in some ways saved the grid but<01:09:20.240> also<
• Even in expensive energy off the grid.
• You and your neighbors don’t have to get energy from the grid.”
• So solar reduces strain on the grid. That means the grid doesn’t get taxed as much.
• So solar reduces the strain on the grid. That means the grid doesn’t get taxed as much.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• grid Yes. grid Yes.
• And Primus is the their grid.
• And I also just want to grill grid.
• this issue on evaluating grid this issue on evaluating grid vulnerabilities<03:51:35.120> as<
• regional grid operator. regional grid operator. for<04:08:26.399> clarification.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Winter storm Uri in 2021 exposed significant vulnerabilities in Texas power grids leaving at least 3.5
• And a study of their impact on transmission networks, grid stability, and retail customers will provide
• Texas must be proactive in exploring all potential solutions to ensure grid resilience.
• When we went back and did the transparent information and be accessible to our customers.
• That helps protect consumers and enhances the safety and resiliency of our electric grid.

Bills: HB 13, HB143, HB144, HB145, HB366, HB470, HB805, HB912, HB13, HB143, HB144, HB145

Keywords: emergency communication, infrastructure, first responders, grant program, interoperability, Texas Interoperability Council, local governments, HB 143, Texas Railroad Commission, Public Utility Commission of Texas, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas, well site, surface facility, electrical power line, National Electrical Code, NEC, electrical safety, utility disconnect, service disconnection

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is a free program that our students have access to.
• from 5 to 15 to get access to the certificates to learn more of how they can be prepared for what is
• Has put Phoenix, Maricopa County, as what would be the grid system so people can travel so freely.
• We have access to, of course, a Latino community, which is also a strong bond that we're very proud of
• Anybody that likes... anybody that loves it also, of course, just camping and being off the grid, just

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House Committee on International Trade held its first meeting of the year, with members introducing themselves and the chair emphasizing Arizona’s role in foreign relations, especially with Mexico. The committee then heard presentations from the Nogales-Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce and related local partners about the region’s importance as a trade, tourism, agriculture, logistics, and mining corridor. Chamber representatives described efforts to support small businesses with bilingual resources, digital and procurement assistance, entrepreneurship training, Google certificates, and workforce development tied to the South32 mine and other emerging industries. They also highlighted tourism promotion efforts to counter negative perceptions of Nogales, noting increased online engagement and stronger visitor activity. Members asked about state and federal improvements that could help trade, and witnesses said the top needs were infrastructure upgrades, especially roads and port-of-entry access, along with more pedestrian-friendly crossings and housing to retain workers. The Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College District described its unusual provisional status, its contract with Pima College, and the challenge of limited spending authority despite expected revenue growth from mining. The college said it is expanding workforce training, especially in AI, advanced manufacturing, trades, and ESL support, and is working toward eventual accreditation. The committee also heard from cattle industry representatives from Cattlemex, T4 Ranch, and J.M. Fletcher Cattle Co. They urged the reopening of the U.S.-Mexico border to live cattle imports, arguing that Sonoran cattle are safe, traceable, and vital to Arizona’s economy and the national beef supply. Witnesses said the New World screwworm-related border closure has reduced imports, raised beef prices, hurt feedlots and packing plants, and shifted cattle trade to other states. They asked lawmakers to advocate with USDA for a Sonora-specific reopening and to support Arizona’s livestock infrastructure and grazing lands. No bills were heard and no votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said they are a lonely voice right now in the regional grid, and he thinks it is important for New
• It provides better access to remote learning opportunities through the internet, hotspots, etc.
• <05:02:06.638> to Etc it provides better access to Etc it provides better access to emergency
• and it also provides affordable access and it also provides affordable access to<05:02:13.798>
• They have access to them all the time.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The development of the technology and the ability to access really hot zones of the Earth's heat has
• The development of the technology and the ability to access really hot zones of the Earth's heat has
• We're opening up access and opportunity because of the fact that this is the most accessible way of providing
• We're giving opening up access and opportunity because of the fact that this is most accessible way of
• And because the land masses around our state primarily have large access by our tribes.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The fact that Lake County has not been able to access funds from the BRIC program suggests that it can
• And by the way, the mandate of EVs is an existential threat to the grid.
• And powerline stuff is related in the sense of, I mean, grid issues.
• So we should really stop overloading our grid and start adding reliable capacity to the grid.
• And at the very least, they should be able to access and maintain affordable coverage when they've taken

Keywords: homeowners insurance, natural disasters, insurance costs, climate change, disaster preparedness, federal policies, bipartisan solutions

Summary: The meeting reviewed critical issues surrounding the rising costs and accessibility of homeowners insurance across the United States, particularly in light of increasing natural disasters linked to climate change. Members engaged in extensive discussions regarding the implications for families and the economy, citing significant increases in premiums and decreasing availability of policies in high-risk areas. Supervisor Peysko highlighted the direct impact of federal policies on local communities, emphasizing the growing burden on homeowners as they face skyrocketing insurance costs amidst a backdrop of environmental challenges and regulatory constraints. The committee expressed a unified call to action for bipartisan solutions, focusing on improving building codes and enhancing disaster preparedness measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• this public private partnership along this public private partnership along with<00:04:34.160> grid
• Catalyst and the Minnesota with grid Catalyst and the Minnesota Department<00:04:36.120> of<00
• Next on our list of testifiers we have Nina Axelon, Grid Catalyst president and founder.
• I'm the president of Grid Catalyst. We're a Minnesota-based accelerator for energy startups.
• <00:53:20.799> to more communities gain gain access to more communities gain gain access to

Bills: HF1013, HF1598, HF1656, HF2162

Keywords: energy, economic development, funding, renewable resources, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota, air ventilation, geothermal, school financing, Minnesota Climate Innovative Finance Authority, geothermal energy, renewable energy, construction funding, Como Zoo, energy efficiency, HF2162, Minnesota, planning grants, renewable development account, clean energy, Department of Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• It has to have access to it.
• additional source of supply of water, but we need to get that grid.
• additional source of supply of water, but we need to get that grid.
• But we need to get that grid.
• It's not going onto the grid.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But today the mission of the PUC is to improve the lives of all Minnesotans by ensuring access to safe
• We're looking out 15 and 20 years ahead to help direct how the grid will evolve.
• 08:58.959> environment,<00:08:59.760> uh<00:08:59.920> clean<00:09:00.240> grid
• <00:09:00.560> alliance, and environment, uh clean grid alliance, and environment, uh clean
• grid alliance, and<00:09:01.600> was<00:09:01.839> also<00:09:02.080> in<00:09:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Their next number one priority is for a helipad and an access road to that helipad.
• For our rural communities to be able to have this type of access. And Mr.
• Members and constituents, resolving different concerns and access to resources. Mr.
• Opportunities, opening up access for everyone to follow or stand side by side with us.
• In order to do that, again, Madam Speaker, we had to open access.

Bills: HB145, HB164, HJR6, HR1, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB166, HB295, HB306, SB29, SB37, HB99, HB206, HB213, HB270, HJR5, SB104, SB193, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM39, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, lobbying, transparency, public records, government oversight, accountability, constitutional amendment, legislative sessions, veto override, New Mexico legislature, session length, House Resolution 1, HR1, House investigatory subcommittee, special committee, legislative investigation

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, but passing the community solar garden bill was not only important to expand access to solar to so
• to solar to so many but it really access to solar to so many but it really sent<00:03:28.239> a
• for community solar access or CCSA. for community solar access or CCSA.
• choice and access to clean energy. energy. energy.
• As energy chair, she authored the ... education, and improving access to education, and improving access

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House File 3556 was presented as a bill to rename Minnesota’s community solar garden program the Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden Program. The author described the measure as a tribute to Hortman’s leadership and her role in creating the program, which was said to have helped launch Minnesota’s solar industry and expand access to clean energy. The bill was moved to the general register before testimony began. Testifiers from the Public Utilities Commission, Department of Commerce, solar industry groups, clean energy organizations, and community solar developers all supported the bill. They described Hortman as the original legislative champion of the 2013 community solar law and a driving force behind the 2023 revisions that increased access for low- and moderate-income households. Several witnesses said the program has become a national model, has generated jobs and investment, and has enabled renters, small businesses, schools, nonprofits, and households without suitable rooftops to participate in solar. Witnesses also shared personal reflections about Hortman’s accessibility, preparation, and willingness to listen, saying she treated people with respect and helped shape a durable clean energy policy framework. No opposition testimony or votes on final passage were recorded in the excerpt, but the committee did act to advance the bill to the general register.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you don't mind me just building off of that, since you're referencing Grid Flow, one thing I'd just
• like to mention is that, as you mentioned, some of you met with Grid Flow yesterday, who is one of our
• With Chuck Call yesterday and Grid Flow, all of the awardees from the Advanced Energy Award have proven
• So Grid Flow yesterday was a DOE BOOST program company.
• A developer will be able to see what the power is to that site, what access to water, natural gas, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You wouldn't put that on the grid.
• You wouldn't put that on the grid.
• I think some companies are finding small amounts or be able to access small amounts, but that's not an
• I think it comes back actually to the transmission system and the transmission grid.
• There are some parts of any grid where you can add 1,000 megawatts and the grid will operate fine.

Summary: The committee met to review advanced nuclear energy issues in North Dakota, beginning with approval of the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon presented an overview of the advanced reactor landscape, distinguishing light-water SMRs, advanced Gen 4 reactors, and microreactors. The presentation emphasized that light-water SMRs are the most near-term deployable and use familiar low-enriched uranium fuel, while many Gen 4 designs may require high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALU), which is not yet supported by a mature U.S. supply chain. Nucleon also noted that advanced reactors are being developed primarily for industrial heat applications, while microreactors are niche, higher-cost systems for remote or mission-critical uses. Committee members asked about fuel availability, safety, recycling, and whether large reactors such as AP-1000s were evaluated; the presenter said fuel development is proceeding in parallel but remains a bottleneck, and that siting and grid capacity often make SMRs more practical than gigawatt-scale plants in North Dakota. Representatives from the National Association of State Energy Officials described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, regional coordination, grants, tax incentives, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and pilot programs. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and said states are focusing on multi-state coordination, demand aggregation, regulatory coordination, waste management, workforce readiness, and community engagement. They also discussed affordability tools such as construction work in progress (CWIP), financing incentives, and consumer protections, citing examples from Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Missouri, Utah, Tennessee, and others. In response to questions, they explained that pilot programs often involve site-readiness and feasibility studies, and that the federal Nuclear Innovation Campus process is moving forward with multiple submissions while broader waste and recycling policy may require congressional action. The Public Service Commission said it would likely have a major role in any North Dakota nuclear project through certificate-of-public-convenience-and-necessity review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted gaps in current law for small reactors, co-located facilities, NRC coordination, and long-term site stewardship. The commissioner said the commission has no authority over a private, self-contained reactor not connected to the grid. The Department of Environmental Quality explained that the state regulates radioactive materials under its agreement-state authority, but NRC retains primacy over fission reactors; DEQ would likely assist with emergency planning and could have a larger role if fusion reactors emerge. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, requiring a dedicated radiological emergency preparedness program, training, drills, public outreach, and likely additional funding and staffing, with industry expected to bear much of the cost. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota’s water laws and prior-appropriation system are adequate for nuclear siting, that the Missouri River is the best likely source, and that no statutory or budget changes are currently needed from a water perspective. The committee recessed for lunch after these agency presentations.