Transcript Highlights:

• This is because we keep issuing new permits for water withdrawals.
• There's no limitation on permits. We don't try to preserve water in this state.
• permit limit.
• We are the water. We are your fresh water. We are their fresh water.
• , their permitted use of the water, there needs to be a way for them to pay.

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met and first took up CS/SB 1422, as amended, which focused on coral reef protection and surface waters. The strike-all amendment redesignated coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure, emphasized their role in disaster mitigation and climate resilience, and was described as helping streamline permitting and access to federal restoration funding. Audubon Florida waived in support, and the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered SPB 7034, a rule ratification related to DEP’s minimum flows and levels recovery strategy for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and Priority Springs. Senators questioned the rule’s effects on consumptive use, funding, and whether utilities or taxpayers would bear costs. Several speakers from the Florida Springs Council and local river advocates opposed the rule, arguing it delays restoration and relies too heavily on a single long-term wastewater reuse project, while DEP and utility representatives supported it. The committee approved the bill as a committee bill and reported it favorably, with Senator Smith voting no. Next, the committee heard CS/SB 1510, which made changes to DEP-related programs including springs basin management action plans, septic system requirements, resilience cost-share eligibility, permitting procedures, and land acquisition governance. A late-filed strike-all removed biosolids provisions and other items, and the main public concern centered on a 60-day delay before B-MAP changes take effect, which opponents said could delay springs restoration and allow conventional septic systems to be installed before new restrictions apply. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed CS/SB 1196, which restricts new ash-producing incinerators and waste-to-energy facilities within two miles of certain federally authorized water impoundment areas, after debate over impacts on local waste disposal options and environmental protections; and CS/SB 912, the Safe Battery Collection and Recovery Act, which creates a producer stewardship framework for battery collection and recycling, with support from industry and recycling groups citing battery fires and growing waste-stream concerns. Finally, the committee recommended confirmation of Gary Jennings to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I was just permitting process.
• systems and water line installation to expand access to clean drinking water.
• part permitting permitting third part permitting third-party<04:36:54.000><c> payment</c><04:36:54.320
• </c> drinking water for these towns. drinking water for these towns.
• </c><05:24:45.120><c> lines</c> water systems by extending water lines water systems by extending water

Committee: House Resources, Recreation and Development

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Like I said, Century Code lays out the process for how we permit water in North Dakota.
• permit.
• A consumptive use of water is water that is withdrawn.
• This is the unit that we use when we permit water.
• We need cheap power to pump water and make water affordable and abundant.

Summary: The Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee met to review prior minutes and hear a series of presentations on advanced nuclear technology and state readiness. The committee approved the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon’s William Bridge outlined the advanced nuclear landscape, distinguishing near-term light-water SMRs from more advanced Gen 4 reactors and microreactors, and emphasized that fuel supply, especially HALEU, remains a developing supply chain. He said light-water designs are the most deployable in the near term, while advanced reactors may be better suited for industrial heat applications and could face a 2- to 3-year delay from fuel availability. Representatives from NASEO described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, pilot programs, financing tools, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and regional coordination. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and stressed that states are focusing early on emergency preparedness, community engagement, waste management, affordability, and consumer protections. They also noted that some states are creating nuclear-ready community programs and cost-recovery guardrails, while public utility commissions are examining long-term lifecycle costs and rate impacts. North Dakota agencies then outlined their potential roles. The Public Service Commission said it would likely be involved in public-interest review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted current statutes may not fully address long-term nuclear projects, co-location, or decommissioning. The Department of Environmental Quality said it would continue to regulate radioactive materials and likely support emergency planning, while fission reactor oversight remains federal. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, needing a radiological emergency program, training, exercises, equipment, and possibly industry funding. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota has sufficient surface water, especially from the Missouri River, but that water planning would be important; it did not recommend statutory or budget changes at this time. The committee recessed for lunch after these presentations, with no additional votes or actions taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Committee on Water and Land.
• Thank you for your time. said expedite this permit but I'm also said expedite this permit but I'm also
• of the water resources of the condition of the water resources of Aahu?
• </c> water resources. Mahalo. Aloha. water resources. Mahalo. Aloha. Thank<01:54:46.880><c> you.
• We are adjourned. permitting agency does. The federal permitting agency does.

Committee: House Water & Land

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills on water, land, housing, permitting, and historic preservation. For SB 746/SD2/HD1 on invasive species, DLNR and the Department of Agriculture supported the intent but warned that a bounty approach for coconut rhinoceros beetle could have unintended consequences, divert resources from biocontrol research, and be vulnerable to abuse; Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the measure. The committee also heard SB 1541 on the WoE water system, with testimony from ADC, Kunia Village Title Holding Company, and Farm Bureau in support, emphasizing the importance of the system for agriculture and the high cost of water on lands already dedicated to farming. The most extensive discussion was on SB 66, relating to building permit review and county permitting authority. DPP opposed the bill, saying the problem is not just agency review time but the broader permitting process, including applicant corrections, outside-agency review, staffing shortages, and low pay that make it hard to fill vacancies. DPP said it already meets or beats existing review deadlines for residential permits and is using tools like electronic plans and AI to help applicants submit better plans. Several supporters, including Iron Workers Local 625, an individual witness, and Hawaii Food Industry Association, backed the bill but urged a pilot program or other safeguards; some also asked for broader permit coverage beyond single-family homes. Committee members questioned DPP about whether applicant correction time should count against the clock, whether self-certification could be used, and whether the state should fund any new mandate. The committee then took up SB 26 on affordable housing, with HHFDC, OPSD, and HCDA in support and no opposition noted. Finally, on SB 1263 relating to historic preservation, HHFDC and DLNR supported the bill, while OHA offered comments and requested amendments, especially on the new risk-based review process for high-, medium-, and low-risk areas. OHA said the new procedure should be implemented carefully and allowed more time, describing it as a pilot that should be done well to be useful while still protecting cultural and historic resources. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the DNR is in charge of issuing permits for groundwater and surface water.
• and the DNR is in charge of issuing permits for groundwater and surface water.
• We also know that because so many of these data center proposals piggyback existing municipal water permits
• The DNR is sometimes not aware of a potential water-intensive project until a permit application or amendment
• of a potential water intensive project until<01:19:49.080><c> a</c><01:19:49.239><c> permit</c><01:19

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• to the only reasonably available water.
• an animal relying on that water.
• Also, environmentally, generally these water sources that we develop are in areas that run water, so
• Run water. So then the stock tanks can catch water when a storm comes through.
• But we do issue specific permits under a quota system... ...issue specific permits under a quota system

Committee: House House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several wildlife-related bills. HB 2197, concerning camping near watering facilities, was amended to change the distance standard and remove language tied to domestic stock access; supporters said it would help protect ranch and wildlife water sources, while one member opposed it over expanded criminal penalties. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a do pass recommendation by a 6-1 vote. HB 2497 would establish a statutory right to lawfully hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife and limit restrictions on those activities. Supporters described it as an affirmation of existing rights and wildlife heritage, while opponents argued it would weaken Game and Fish authority and conflict with the 2010 voter rejection of similar language. After a technical amendment, the committee approved the bill 5-3. The committee also advanced HB 2147, which requires landowner deer permits under certain conditions to address crop damage and wildlife conflicts; Game and Fish said population management hunts are already being used, while opponents warned against privatizing wildlife. HB 2158, which would classify bears, cougars, mountain lions, and wolves as predatory animals, drew strong opposition from Game and Fish and conservation groups over science-based management and endangered species concerns, but was still recommended do pass 5-3. HB 2159, allowing landowner permits for Mexican gray wolves and a compensated trapping program, was likewise opposed as conflicting with federal law and the Endangered Species Act, but was approved 5-3. The committee then began HB 2162, which would require at least one Game and Fish commissioner to be a cattleman or rancher; Game and Fish opposed it, saying ranchers already have representation through the appointment process, and testimony continued as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• state, as well as managing water quality for the state's water system.
• EPA granted us primacy to enforce drinking water standards and we regulate over 7,000 and public water
• Committee and this legislature does for water and produced water will be very, very important for the
• to deal with water in this state, and particularly flow back. water is really important to this to this
• Move the authority to permit the discharge of produced water. to land for agricultural crop, those types

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• water table.
• treatment, water disposal, water transportation, just dealing with waste water in the oil field.
• We were doing, we had the exact same conversation with water point source permitting for water right
• We have a permitting. Process for water. I don't know.
• You mean baseline water data, I guess, so. Water quality data.

Committee: House Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• . ...and restore either existing or restored wetlands and surface waters.
• It requires local governments to open a permitting office as soon as they can and operate that permitting
• And so we wanted to take some of that for permitting.
• And so we wanted to take some of that for permitting.
• So the water is treated to advanced treatment requirements.

Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee heard and acted on several bills related to wetlands, emergency management, fishing licenses, disaster recovery, the Florida Keys, brownfields, wastewater treatment, and spring protection. HB 1175 on mitigation banking drew the most discussion, with supporters saying it would create more predictable release of mitigation credits and help address shortages, while opponents warned it could weaken watershed-based wetland protection and allow credits to be used farther from the impact site. The committee adopted a strike-all amendment making the changes prospective after July 1, 2025, and then reported the bill favorably with committee substitute by a 12-3 vote. The committee also considered HB 1535, a broad emergency management strike-all that would expand local storm-preparedness information, debris removal coordination, shelter planning, permitting procedures after storms, limits on post-storm fee increases and moratoria, and changes to election procedures after disasters. Members raised questions about FEMA coordination, shelter standards, impact fees, and the 100-mile post-storm land-use restrictions. After adopting the strike-all, the bill was reported favorably with committee substitute on a 17-0 vote. HB 673, which would extend the same fishing-license convenience to freshwater guides that saltwater captains already have, and HB 705, which extends a public-records exemption for disaster recovery assistance applicants, were both reported favorably without amendment. Later, the committee approved HB 995 for the Florida Keys, which combines affordable-housing incentives, a Habitat for Humanity bond exemption, an extension of the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, and a modest increase in hurricane evacuation time to allow additional residential permits; it was reported favorably on a unanimous vote. HB 733 on brownfields received a technical strike-all and was also reported favorably. HB 645 creating a general permit for distributed wastewater treatment systems passed unanimously, and HB 691 on a reclaimed-water project tied to Outstanding Florida Springs passed 16-1 after concerns were raised about cost, water quality, and whether the bill could broaden the intent of existing spring-protection law. The meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pipeline that will deliver water to 250,000 people along the Navajo Gallup water pipeline.
• When it comes to water delivery and water treatment systems, which are fundamental to reusing in that
• water cycle.
• We do have to protect our waters.
• PFAS in their drinking water.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the city engineer can receive a special building permit application relating to storm water, and
• Any beneficial use of water in Wyoming requires a permit from the FCO.
• Typically, direct-flow surface water permits, including those for industrial use, are generally limited
• <c> for</c> water permits including those for water permits including those for industrial<01:35:17.360
• 36:48.960><c> water</c> must submit a water supply and water must submit a water supply and water yield

Committee: Joint Select Water Committee

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you want to go back and replant grapes, grape demand rebounds, in terms of water, in terms of permitting
• , water rights.
• Water rights, process required. Water rights, process required. All right. All right.
• of water quality protections, and then streamline the permitting process to increase transparency, as
• It includes tiers one through four, based on permitted annual winery process water and the discharge

Summary: The Senate Select Committee on California’s Wine Industry held its first meeting at Napa Valley College, with Chair Christopher Cabaldon and Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry opening the hearing by stressing the wine industry’s importance to California’s economy, communities, and tourism. They said the purpose of the hearing was informational rather than legislative, with no votes or bill actions taken, and framed the day as a fact-finding session to inform future legislation, budget work, and oversight. The first panel focused on research and trends, with Dr. Damien Wilson of Sonoma State, UC Davis professor Ben Mumpeteet, and wine economist Chris Bitter describing the industry as facing structural change rather than a temporary downturn. The research panel highlighted falling wine production and sales, rising costs, and changing consumer behavior. Wilson argued the industry has relied too heavily on premiumization and technical elitism, pricing out younger consumers and needing to focus more on new customer acquisition, accessible brands, and evidence-based business decisions. Mumpeteet emphasized external threats such as grapevine diseases, extreme weather, water shortages, and wildfire smoke, and called for more public investment in viticulture and enology research, especially through California’s university system. Bitter said growers are dealing with depressed grape demand, a grape glut, vineyard removals, and sharply higher production costs driven largely by regulation and labor, and he urged review of regulatory costs, trade conditions, vineyard removal support, and barriers to replanting. Committee members then asked about how the industry can adapt, whether change will come through existing producers or market turnover, and how California might use its research capacity to improve regulation and compliance. Witnesses said the industry needs cultural change, better marketing to younger consumers, more data on health and consumption trends, and more efficient, science-based regulation. The second panel, with representatives from growers and the Wine Institute, described severe market stress: unharvested grapes, vineyard removals, and closures in some regions. Michael Miller said growers are seeing fruit left on the vine and called for relief on regulatory and trade pressures, while Honor Comfort described Wine Institute’s Share Wine Co-Lab, an open-access marketing platform aimed at helping wineries reach younger consumers through digital and data-driven strategies. A final panel addressed tourism, farmworkers, and water regulation. Visit Napa Valley’s Lindsay Gallagher said Napa remains relatively strong but is broadening its message beyond wine to cuisine, wellness, and outdoor experiences, while noting international visitation, especially from Canada, has fallen sharply. Sonia DeLuca of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation said declining sales and rising costs reduce hours and income for farmworkers and called for targeted relief, wage-loss support, and continued workforce training. Annalisa Kiara of the State Water Board provided an update on the Winery General Order, explaining that it was created to streamline and standardize wastewater permitting while protecting water quality; she said 56 wineries have enrolled and 122 more are under review, and noted ongoing coordination with industry sustainability programs. Throughout the hearing, members and witnesses repeatedly returned to the need for updated regulations, better data, and collaborative solutions, but no formal action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• , so we have delegation to issue permits for discharge of highly treated produced water into waters of
• You do you're asked to do a lot of things air quality water permits and whatnot the the it would be had
• This helps from a variety of ways through permitting, environmental flow management. water planning,
• In Corpus Christi alone, they lost $2 billion in lost water, in lost water. water in 2023.
• From flood to irrigation, water supply, drainage, as well as water users and those that support the water

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, what we're going to do is we're talking about permitted water only.
• We're not under permitted underground water users only.
• And so, we're just asking that we know how much water they're using. They're permitted.
• They're given a permit by the OwRB to use so much water and so, all I'm asking is that we measure that
• All permitted water users would eventually require a meter or alternative measuring device at An example

Committee: House Energy

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This will fund permitting positions.
• This $4.4 million proposal increases water use permit and application fees and water use fee rates, which
• will increase DNR's permitting responsiveness and the ability to evaluate complex permitting projects
• To increase the daily permit fees from $7 to $10 and the annual permit fee from $35 to $45.
• As part of a statewide watershed-based approach to water management, the DNR's Clean Water Fund budget

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• from that jurisdiction if it's in the city, a building permit.
• Certainly, our houses don't sell if there isn't water to them.
• the development community or whoever finding new water sources and bringing it in.
• There's a 45-day shot clock for building permits.
• , sewer, which we talked a little bit about water services earlier.

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Transcript Highlights:

• city or elsewhere, a building permit.
• And then once you get your building permit, you start the building process.
• In the plans and permitting process, I have heard horror stories about...
• community or whoever to find new water sources and bring it in.
• Is it water, sewer, which we talked a little bit about water services earlier? Thank you.

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead of requiring a take permit and then effectively issuing a relocation permit, this... ...bill
• of Palmdale Water District, San Bernardino County Supervisor Don Rowe, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency
• , and 29 Palms Water District.
• of Palmdale Water District, San Bernardino County Supervisor Don Roe, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency
• Tim Worley, on behalf of the Community Water Systems Alliance, as well as Palmdale Water District, San

Summary: The committee heard SB 1393, an omnibus update to the Fish and Game Code covering steelhead trout and Dungeness crab management. Supporters from The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, CalTrout, and the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations said the bill would strengthen the steelhead report card program, refine crab fishery rules, and clarify vessel transit through closed crab areas. There was no opposition, and the bill was accepted with amendments and moved on a 4-0 vote to the Appropriations Committee. The committee also heard SB 1250, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning and asset management, with performance targets and coordination with wildlife agencies. The author and supporters argued it would improve ecosystem connectivity, reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, and save money by integrating crossings, culverts, and fencing into planned projects. The California Building Industry Association moved to neutral after amendments clarifying the bill would apply to transportation rights-of-way and not create exactions on private property. The bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. Members then considered SB 1212, which would repeal California’s ban on importing and selling kangaroo products. The author argued kangaroo harvest in Australia is tightly regulated and that California’s ban is outdated, while opponents from Humane World for Animals, Animal Legal Defense Fund, and others said the bill would reopen the market to products from a cruel commercial slaughter industry and undermine long-standing wildlife protections. No motion was taken at that point. The committee also heard SB 1268, codifying the Outdoors for All initiative, which supporters said would protect and expand equitable access to parks and outdoor recreation; it advanced 3-0. Finally, the committee heard three Western Joshua Tree bills from Senator Arreguín: SB 1061, SB 1062, and SB 1063. Supporters from water agencies, local governments, and industry said the bills would reduce fees and streamline permitting for tree relocation, public infrastructure, and basic utility hookups in desert communities. Opponents withdrew or softened opposition on the first two bills after amendments, but objected to SB 1063 as too broad. SB 1061 and SB 1062 each passed 2-0 to Appropriations, while SB 1063 was still under discussion at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• They also received federal permits from the Corps of Engineers under the Clean Water Act, with water
• They also received federal permits from the Corps of Engineers under the Clean Water Act, with water
• They also received federal permits from the Corps of Engineers under the Clean Water Act, with water
• You know, the MPCA storm water program and the storm water permits that we issue are to municipalities
• You know, the MPCA storm water program and the storm water permits that we issue are to municipalities

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Minna, ranking member of Waters.
• to permit applicants on the agency's website.
• Predictability in permitting matters.
• Waters? Nay, do not pass. Representative Waters votes nay, do not pass.
• Waters? Aye. Representative Waters votes aye. Representative Walsh is excused. Chase? Aye.

Bills: HB2198 , HB2401 , HB2462 , HB2419 , HB2210 , HB2205 , HB2249

Committee: House State Government & Tribal Relations

Keywords: regulatory efficiency, permitting, licensing, executive order, state government, commission, gender equity, boys, men, advocacy, state policy, unpiloted aircraft, drones, regulation, airspace safety, privacy, address confidentiality, administrative law judges, privacy protection, staff employment