Transcript Highlights:

• Michelle Benson, energy policy director for the Minnesota Chamber.
• Michelle Benson, energy policy director for the Minnesota Chamber.
• Michelle Benson, energy policy director for the Minnesota Chamber.
• Michelle Benson, energy policy director for the Minnesota Chamber.
• Michelle Benson, energy policy director for the Minnesota Chamber.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• also other clean energy options and pairing those with nuclear.
• So Palisades in Michigan, what was formerly the Three Mile Island plant now called the Crane Clean Energy
• The Crane Clean Energy Center, I think it's about 840 megawatts, a little later, probably 2027, and then
• X-energy.
• John talked about this: Three Mile Island, now known as Crane Clean Energy Center, has been brought online

Summary: The meeting was an extended briefing from Idaho National Laboratory officials on the lab’s mission, its role in nuclear energy research, and the federal push to accelerate advanced reactor deployment. Speakers described INL’s size and capabilities, including test reactors, fuel and materials facilities, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure work, and partnerships with DOE, the NRC, the Department of Defense, and private companies. They emphasized that the lab is supporting both commercial nuclear development and national security work, while also training a large intern workforce. A major theme was the current federal effort to streamline nuclear regulation and speed up licensing and demonstration. The speakers said recent executive orders and DOE/NRC coordination are reducing redundant requirements, shortening environmental review timelines, and aiming for three new nuclear systems to reach criticality by July 4, 2026. They argued that regulatory uncertainty has been a major driver of nuclear cost and that the administration’s actions, along with DOE’s pilot and demonstration programs, are intended to rebuild the domestic supply chain and industrial base. The discussion also focused on advanced reactor types, including small modular reactors, microreactors, molten salt concepts, and liquid-metal designs. Officials said these technologies are being developed for data centers, military bases, remote communities, industrial heat, hydrogen production, and other nontraditional uses. They highlighted several projects and companies, including Oklo, Aalo, Radiant, X-energy, TerraPower, Kairos, and DOE’s MARVEL and Project Pele efforts, and said some reactors are expected to reach criticality or operation in the next few years. Questions from attendees covered safety, public health impacts, materials and heat management, waste or used fuel handling, costs, and whether nuclear could remain competitive against other energy sources; the speakers responded that advanced reactors are designed with passive safety features, that used fuel should be viewed as a resource, and that cost remains highly design- and supply-chain-dependent.

Transcript Highlights:

• secure energy future for Missouri, respectfully request the Division of Energy of the Missouri Department
• I understand that to be the case because of the state of the economy and the rising cost of energy statewide
• adversaries in the world are looking at with their energy structures.
• source of energy.
• The most reliable, renewable energy, if you will.

Committee: House Utilities

Summary: The Committee on Utilities first met in executive session and adopted a House Committee substitute for House Bills 2658, 2147, 2472, and 2546 by a roll call vote of 20 ayes and 1 no. The substitute expanded telephone solicitation language to include unsolicited real estate solicitations, adjusted reassigned-number compliance language, and refined spoofing-related definitions to focus on intent to cause harm or wrongfully obtain value. Members also discussed how the no-call list, existing business relationships, and political fundraising calls would be treated under the substitute. The committee then heard House Bills 1626 and 2122, both relating to nuclear energy and construction work in progress (CWIP/QIP) financing for nuclear projects. The sponsors argued the bills would remove an outdated barrier to nuclear construction in Missouri, especially for small modular reactors, by allowing utilities to recover construction costs during construction and thereby reduce interest and overall project cost. They emphasized ratepayer protections through clawback provisions, the role of the Public Service Commission, future energy demand, economic development, and keeping Missouri competitive with other states. Several members raised concerns about higher utility rates, the risk of cost overruns, the possibility of ratepayers paying for projects that are delayed or never completed, and whether the proposal was premature given that SMRs are not yet widely deployed in the United States. In response, the sponsors and supporters said the bill would include refund protections similar to Senate Bill 4 and that the PSC would oversee prudence and timing. Public witnesses in support included business, utility, and municipal representatives, as well as Missouri S&T’s chancellor, who stressed workforce development and the growing national and global move toward nuclear power. The hearing on House Bills 1626 and 2122 was then closed.

Transcript Highlights:

• and secure energy future for Missouri, respectfully request the Division of Energy of the Missouri Department
• I understand that to be the case because of the state of the economy and the rising cost of energy statewide
• to what adversaries in the world are looking at with their energy structures.
• Nuclear is the clean alternative that we have. It's a safe alternative.
• source of energy.

Committee: House Utilities

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next is Minnesota Zoo.
• Next is Minnesota Zoo.
• Clean Air Minnesota, which is a partnership of government, nonprofits, and the private sector to voluntarily
• </c> Minnesota along with the Minnesota Minnesota along with the Minnesota Indian<01:19:03.679><c> Affairs
• </c> large energy generating facilities. large energy generating facilities.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we all love our parks, our environment, value clean water and clean air.
• , uh value clean water and clean<00:25:46.320><c> air.
• </c><00:27:02.640><c> or</c> the economy uh uh emerging economy or the economy uh uh emerging economy
• </c> Minnesota sex offender program, St. Minnesota sex offender program, St.
• We've worked greater Minnesota.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , not a circular economy.
• , not to a circular economy.
• , not to a circular economy.
• Because, again, we've really built this to a linear economy, not to a circular economy.
• economy, boosting the recycling economy overall.

Bills: HB1420 , HB2233 , HB2271 , HB2212 , HB2284

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: textile responsibility, recycling, sustainability, environmental impact, consumer protection, waste reduction, environment, retail, bags, pollution, consumer products, plastic, environmental policy, postconsumer waste, microplastics, environmental protection, washing machines, water quality, litter reduction, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill McGovern with the Coalition for Clean Air.
• Mark Fenstermaker for Peninsula Clean Energy, a community choice aggregator serving San Mateo County
• Mark Fenstermaker for Peninsula Clean Energy, community choice aggregators serving San Mateo County and
• Alicia Priago, on behalf of San Jose Clean Energy, aligned her comments with the previous speaker and
• The Minnesota report came out in December. The Minnesota report came out in December 2025.

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, plug-in solar expands access to clean energy in a very practical way.
• Um, it also makes clean energy more affordable and approachable.
• So, plug-in solar expands access to clean energy in a very practical way.
• So, plug-in solar expands access to clean energy in a very practical way.
• Um, it also makes clean energy more affordable and approachable.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an announcement and support event for a Minnesota plug-in solar bill led by Rep. Larry Craft and Sen. Rob Coop. Craft described plug-in solar as a way to expand access to affordable solar for renters, people with shaded or unsuitable roofs, and others who cannot install traditional rooftop systems. He said the bill would define plug-in solar devices as up to 1,200 watts, allow storage, require certification to UL 3700 safety standards, and exempt these devices from utility interconnection agreements and submetering requirements. Sen. Coop said he was excited to sign on after hearing from a constituent interested in deck solar and after learning Craft already had a bill. He framed the proposal as both an affordability measure and a way to democratize solar access, especially for lower-income households and apartment residents. Supporters including Bobby King of Solar United Neighbors and Patty O'Keefe of Vote Solar said interest in plug-in solar is statewide, the policy would lower barriers and energy bills, and the systems are simple, safe, and well-suited to small spaces like balconies, decks, patios, and yards. John Gouki, an electrician from Duluth, submitted a statement supporting the bill on safety and resilience grounds, saying 1,200 watts is a safe limit for UL-listed plug-in solar and that the systems can provide backup power while reducing grid consumption. Craft and Coop also pointed to examples from other places, including Utah and Germany, as evidence that the technology is already spreading. The event ended with expressions of support and enthusiasm for moving the bill forward; no vote or formal committee action was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's where our Minnesota tree is in Thailand, with our name Minnesota on it.
• I'll just mention a few: the Clean Water Council, Conservation Corps Minnesota, the Drainage Work Group
• water Council Conservation Corps clean water Council Conservation Corps Minnesota<00:20:31.799><c> the
• </c> in Minnesota and that includes the Clean in Minnesota and that includes the Clean Air<01:24:25.120
• We have the state general fund and the Clean Water Fund as investments in soil health practices in Minnesota

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a state senator from District 41 here in Minnesota.
• They provide shade and they help clean the air.
• I just celebrated 43 years clean and sober.
• It solved my pain problems and gave me a boost in energy.
• Additional costs for waste disposal and energy add to that.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a lengthy hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills related to environmental health, PFAS, medical device chemicals, food access, lead poisoning, air quality, oral health, and school food additives. Chair Driscoll and Chair Decker emphasized that the hearing was for testimony only, no decisions would be made that day, and that written testimony could still be submitted. They also noted the high volume of speakers and asked witnesses to keep remarks brief. A major portion of the hearing focused on PFAS-related legislation, including bills to restrict PFAS in products and food packaging and to create a PFAS remediation trust fund. Municipal officials and advocates described the high costs of PFAS cleanup, especially for drinking water systems, citing Easton’s multimillion-dollar treatment investments and rate increases. Testimony from legislators and advocates argued that Massachusetts should act despite federal uncertainty, and that the state should stop PFAS at the source rather than leaving municipalities and residents to pay for remediation. The committee also heard strong support for a bill banning DEHP in medical devices, with physicians, nurses, and a bill sponsor saying the chemical can leach from IV bags and tubing and that safer alternatives already exist. The committee also heard testimony on bills to establish statewide food truck permitting, with food truck owners and a senator describing the current system as costly, duplicative, and inconsistent across municipalities. Another set of witnesses supported the “Bean New Deal,” which would expand plant-based food options in public institutions, senior nutrition programs, and WIC, citing health, equity, and cost savings. On lead poisoning, housing advocates and a representative backed bills to expand lead-safe housing requirements to all rental units, arguing the current law contributes to discrimination against families with children and leaves too much pre-1978 housing uncertified. The committee also heard support for an outdoor air pollution bill that would create an advisory committee, identify pollution hotspots, expand monitoring, and set reduction targets, with testimony from environmental justice groups, pediatricians, and legislators describing disproportionate asthma and other health harms in overburdened communities. Later testimony addressed oral health bills to create dental therapists and allow dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide, with supporters saying the measures would expand access, reduce costs, and help underserved patients. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to prohibit harmful food dyes in competitive school foods, with parents describing behavioral and health concerns tied to synthetic dyes. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:10.240><c> and</c> when our guests come to Minnesota and when our guests come to Minnesota
• Taylor highway system in Minnesota.
• And so while I Minnesota transit.
• Greater Minnesota Transit is kept whole. Greater Minnesota Transit is kept whole.
• </c> infrastructure, and protect our clean infrastructure, and protect our clean air<01:38:37.280><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, everyone out of Minnesota. Obviously, everyone out of Minnesota.
• I'm from Chaffel, Minnesota. I Noatne. I'm from Chaffel, Minnesota.
• </c> Minnesota and building regional economy Minnesota and building regional economy around<00:59:50.160
• Minnesota. Minnesota.
• </c> it heads to the Minnesota River. it heads to the Minnesota River.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides<00:33:34.880><c> Minnesota</c> provides Minnesota provides Minnesota businesses<00:33:37.519
• Minnesota. Minnesota.
• out into Minnesota.
• </c> Minnesota, multi-million dollar cuts. Minnesota, multi-million dollar cuts.
• Energy policy advocates. So I again. Energy policy advocates.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We're a 501(c)(3) that promotes renewables and energy efficiency.
• We're not growing anything there other than energy, but we don't grow any energy when the sun doesn't
• They sell that company to North Star Clean Energy out of Michigan.
• We're working on it in Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota.
• How much does it cost to produce solar energy by the kilowatt hour?

Keywords: 959, house, all

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> work done for the people of Minnesota. work done for the people of Minnesota.
• since Trump and Republicans have cut health care, food support, and clean energy investments, driving
• </c> cut healthcare, food support, and clean cut healthcare, food support, and clean energy<01:34:58.880
• Minnesota. Minnesota.
• </c> Minnesota has enjoyed large surpluses. Minnesota has enjoyed large surpluses.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not able to be used for manufacturing clean fuels.
• Who would like to be cleaning it and mining it for critical minerals.
• The economy slowly, right? That call... The economy is slowing, right? The economy is slowing.
• I remember if Illinois was on that list today of economies in trouble.
• water revolving fund, developing our circular economy, capital outlay administration.

Summary: The committee first recognized Mark Roper of the Economic Development Department for his long service and retirement, with members and the secretary praising his work on economic development across the state. Secretary Rob Black then presented EDD’s budget and special appropriation requests, describing strong recent job and income growth and outlining the department’s strategy around science and technology, site readiness, workforce development, foreign direct investment, and rural/community programs. He highlighted wins in advanced energy, quantum, space and defense, and biosciences, and asked for funding for quantum/DARPA matching funds, additional site readiness work, LIDA closing funds, JTIP training support, New Mexico Partnership, and healthy foods and other community programs. Members asked detailed questions about the quantum proposal, site readiness, the new mapping tool for industrial sites, workforce participation, trade missions, foreign investment, tariffs, water and produced water, tribal site evaluation, and public engagement on major projects. Black said the quantum request was intended to match federal dollars and build a workforce pipeline, that the site-readiness software would be a set enterprise license, and that the department was working with tribes and local partners on future site evaluations. He also said tariffs have created uncertainty but New Mexico’s infrastructure and foreign trade zones could help attract manufacturing, and he acknowledged concerns about transparency and community input while noting that some projects, such as Pacific Fusion, had gone through extensive public processes. The committee also discussed specific projects and funding balances, including Mantis Space’s move to Albuquerque, the status of Virgin Galactic’s spaceport lease, and the current LIDA fund balance and encumbrances. Black and Deputy Secretary Isaac Romero said the department was trying to use State Investment Council-backed venture funds to attract companies and that the new investments were already producing deals and jobs. Members generally supported the department’s direction but pressed for more targeted expertise, faster deployment, and stronger community involvement in future economic development decisions. Later, Secretary de Blassie of the Department of Health presented the department’s budget request and progress report. He said DOH had improved revenue cycle management, reduced old Medicaid-pending cases, increased census at facilities, improved budget and contract timeliness, and responded effectively to the measles outbreak. The department requested additional base funding for epidemiology and response, the DOH helpline, the Vital Records Virtual Vault, state labs, and the veterans home, along with special requests for respiratory vaccinations and marketing and lab equipment replacement. He also noted progress on MOUD and the medical psilocybin program, and said the department was not seeking to launch new programs given the limited time left in the administration.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd also want to point out that this is primarily a Greater Minnesota bill, as 75% of energy assistance
• I'm the director of the energy assistance program for the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
• I'm the director of the energy assistance program for the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
• I'm the director of the energy assistance program for the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
• Representative Craft said that the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy researched energy

Keywords: 919, house, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• So, they just like to save their energy like this and that's right here in Minnesota, same idea.
• </c> Minnesota Zoo. Minnesota Zoo. Go<00:01:52.640><c> ahead.</c> Go ahead. Go ahead.
• like this and that's right their energy like this and that's right here<00:03:21.880><c> Minnesota,<
• Minnesota. Minnesota.
• </c> the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• State Moorhead, Minnesota Duluth, St.
• State Moorhead, Minnesota Duluth, St.
• It certainly makes things clean.
• Energy providers, it turns out they're desperate for engineers.
• Again, I think those are probably two clean up things.

Summary: The committee met on the Minot State campus for a presentation from President Shirley and several university leaders on enrollment, academics, workforce initiatives, and partnerships. Shirley reviewed the university’s financial audits, noting mostly clean results with only minor technical findings in recent years, and highlighted Minot State’s major programs, specialized accreditations, and ties to Minot Air Force Base and NCAA Division II athletics. Members asked about education workforce shortages, athletic tuition waivers, dual credit incentives, and the university’s in-state tuition policy for all students. Shirley also discussed the university’s recruitment efforts, including the Hometown Pride and Academic Excellence scholarships, campus visit growth, and the Emerging Scholars dual-credit reimbursement program. A major focus was workforce development and new academic offerings supported by legislative Workforce Education Innovation Funds. Shirley described the new Innovation Engineering program, which was developed with industry input to train broadly skilled engineers for western North Dakota, and said it had already drawn more applicants than expected. Dr. Crystal St. Peter presented a new master’s program in counseling that integrates mental health and addiction counseling to address statewide provider shortages, with a hybrid format to reach rural students. Members asked about licensure requirements, internship hours, and job placement for graduates. Shirley also outlined a new nursing simulation center and health sciences space in downtown Minot, made possible by state support and the purchase of the former Trinity Health Center West building. The committee also heard about Minot State’s efforts to build pipelines into education and special education, including the Aspire program for rural high school students and an online paraprofessional-to-special-education degree pathway. Shirley said these programs, along with new articulation agreements and a large Bush Foundation grant, are intended to address teacher shortages and keep students in North Dakota. No formal committee votes or actions were taken during the presentation; the session consisted of informational updates and member questions.