Video & Transcript Research : 'subsurface energy'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Aug 29th, 2025
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- a roll call SB 541 Becker electrical load shifting do pass as amended to remove requirement that Energy
- energy energy ization to pass out on an a-roll call SB 3 13 Cervantes birth certificates parents place
- SB 567, gravity-based energy storage wells, do pass with author's amendments to strike section one.
- voting SB 5 sorry 4 5 4 McNerney PFAS mitigation fund do pass out on an a roll call policy and clean energy
- SB 500 Stern, Building Energy Use Tool, do pass out on an A roll call.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Apr 15th, 2025
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Fourth, and most importantly, Alabama is of course an energy choice state.
- In the past use a covered energy source.
- choice and increasing burdens on other choice and increasing burdens on other energy industry partners
- who don't have the infrastructure in place to provide energy to the citizens that would be affected.
- If the committee wants to ensure that everyday Alabamians can continue to access the affordable energy
Keywords:
local redevelopment, tax payments, transient occupancy, state revenue, authority powers, transparency, discretionary accounts, government accountability, public access, online publication, liquefied petroleum gas, safety regulations, public gathering places, cylinder storage, proximity regulations, drycleaning, environmental remediation, pollution, hazardous waste, trust fund
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Russell Vought, of Virginia, to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Jan 22nd, 2025
Senate Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- So when it comes to energy production, will you pledge to try to make it easier for America to soundly
- We're energy independent.
- So I think it's both an energy Phenomena.
- Eliminating the low-income housing energy program.
- We've got to go after ensuring that we are producing as much American energy as we possibly can.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee Jun 3rd, 2026
Energy, Utilities and Communications
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, let's call the Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications to order.
- in California by requiring our oil refineries to report specific data to the CEC, our California Energy
- I'm Siva Gunda, currently serving as the Vice Chair of the California Energy Commission for the record
- And what we are trying to do at the Energy Commission, as per the statute, the second special session
- And I think this is the problem we have with the Energy Commission as of the last year.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 25, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Chamblelin, and committee members, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to present HB 1239, Energy
- As Florida's economy, energy demands, and population continue to grow, we need to recognize energy solutions
- Florida currently uses seven times more energy than it actually produces, causing us to rely heavily
- The bill's intention is to encourage utilities to invest in and advance Florida's energy resources to
- We have to make sure we have the energy to be sufficient, self-sufficient in the state.
Summary:
The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee heard several transportation and infrastructure bills. HB 1239, Energy Infrastructure Investment, would let the Public Service Commission create a mechanism for utilities to recover costs for renewable natural gas infrastructure; supporters said it could diversify energy supply and help agriculture, while members raised concerns about consumer rates and asked whether savings from RIN credits should be passed to customers. The bill drew supportive public testimony and was reported favorably after debate, with members noting the PSC would set costs and that the sponsor was open to further discussion on consumer protections.
The committee then took up HB 313, which exempts Purple Heart recipients from paying Florida tolls. With no questions or opposition, it passed unanimously. The committee also considered HB 567, a broad transportation omnibus/strike-all bill covering EV tax revenue for roads, airport and MPO changes, workforce funding, traffic signal modernization, speed limits, and a pilot to streamline airport permitting. A major amendment added utility right-of-way notice, response, and incentive/penalty provisions, and another amendment authorized local governments to set age and ID rules for e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices after testimony about a fatal crash. The bill was reported favorably after extensive debate and public testimony from transportation and utility stakeholders.
HB 112, dealing with municipal sewer collection systems, would allow cities to use sewer revenues to expand wastewater infrastructure. Sponsors said it was aimed at helping cities like Hollywood reduce septic use and improve water quality; testimony supported the measure as a way to unlock funding for sewer expansion, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also approved HB 7009, preserving public records and meeting exemptions for 911 and public safety radio communications systems and expanding them to next-generation 911. Finally, PCS for HB 1397, a large transportation package addressing airport, seaport, spaceport, and workforce issues, was amended and passed 14-1 after questions about federal testing notifications, removal of certain business preference language, and a provision redirecting some transit funds to highway projects if not timely used.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Regulated Industries Mar 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, members, we have to presenters from Duke Energy.
- Current state Duke energy has about 74% of our customers on some form of automation.
- Chip went with worth vice president of electric Delivery for Teco Energy. Good afternoon.
- But the economic benefits using the Department of Energy Ice Calculator.
- We also have propane distribution with sharp energies for regulated operations.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Turning the page to page 3, Item 1 discusses the Texas Energy Fund.
- Recommendations include $5 billion in additional funds to the Texas Energy Fund, also known as the TEF
- Item 4, the Texas Nuclear Energy Fund and Texas Nuclear Energy Supply Chain Fund...
- This growth includes four new teams: the Office of Public Engagement, the Texas Energy Fund Division,
- the Energy Efficiency Division, and the market data analytics team.
Bills:
SB1
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee met to review Article 8, regulatory agencies, and began Article 9, general provisions, before recessing for floor action. The committee first heard budget presentations from the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and the Office of Public Utility Counsel (OPUC). The PUC budget recommendation was about $5.07 billion in all funds, including an additional $5 billion for the Texas Energy Fund, plus funding for staffing and technology needs tied to contested cases, infrastructure resiliency, and outage mapping. PUC witnesses emphasized the agency’s growing workload, the need for more staff and modern systems, and oversight of the Texas Energy Fund. OPUC’s recommendation was about $6.9 million, with a reduction in authorized FTEs to better match actual staffing; the agency requested additional funding for salaries, expert witnesses, and budget flexibility, and members highlighted OPUC’s role representing residential and small commercial consumers in utility proceedings.
The committee then heard from the Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC), whose recommendation was just over $11.2 million. BHEC’s main requests included funding to fill vacant positions, money for continuous National Practitioner Data Bank queries, and a proposed Texas-owned psychology licensing exam in response to concerns about changes to the national exam. Agency leaders also discussed a rider request that would shift responsibility for certain judgments or settlements to the comptroller. Members asked about prior complaint backlogs, and BHEC said those backlogs had been cleared. The Board of Chiropractic Examiners followed, with a recommendation of just under $2.4 million; the board sought support for staffing, training, broadband, and salary retention, and described its work regulating chiropractors and workers’ compensation-related doctors.
The Board of Dental Examiners was the last agency heard before the committee recessed. Its recommendation was just under $10 million, and it requested a 10% salary increase for eligible staff, three additional licensing staff, one staff member to handle required background checks, an additional attorney, and an executive director salary adjustment. Dental board witnesses said licensure growth, increased complaints, and low salaries were straining licensing and enforcement operations, even though the agency reported strong performance and high case completion rates. The chair ended the hearing early because the Senate had to return to the floor, and the committee remained in recess.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, March 25, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy, relating to energy conservation program, energy
- to energy Department of Energy, relating to energy conservation<02:28:17.760>
program, <02:28: - 18.479>
energy conservation program, energy conservation program, energy conservation<02:28:19.520 - Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy, relating to energy conservation program standards
- Energy, Department of Energy, relating to energy conservation program, energy conservation standards
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Session - Senate Floor Session - Part 3 - 06/09/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All of utility to supply the energy.
- energy.
- That is the add any clean energy.
- One of our goals in our energy ideology One of our goals in our energy ideology in<00:14:21.760>
the - <00:19:42.000>
regulatory environmental and energy regulatory environmental and energy regulatory
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 4th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Assembly Bill 1280 by Assembly Member Garcia and others, and related to energy.
- Members, I rise today to present AB 1280, incentivizing thermal energy in California.
- They certainly can be helpful, particularly as we move to renewable energy.
- They certainly can be helpful, particularly as we moved to renewable energy.
- Fusion and hydrogen and electric and clean energy, that's awesome. But we've got to get there.
Summary:
The Assembly convened with a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long daily file of bills. Early procedural motions included a failed attempt to suspend the rules for AB 1219, followed by consideration of numerous measures on housing, veterans, education, elections, energy, wildfire prevention, public safety, and consumer affordability. Several bills drew bipartisan support and passed overwhelmingly, including AB 878 on safety accommodations for survivors of violence, AB 948 on school district facility maintenance, AB 81 and AB 88 on veterans’ mental health and student aid, AB 640 on school board fiscal training, AB 660 on housing permit timelines, AB 1048 on workers’ compensation billing disputes, AB 1119 on dual credentialing, AB 1172 on inhalable anti-seizure medication access, AB 1227 on wildfire prevention, AB 1285 and AB 696 on lithium-ion battery safety, AB 1417 on offshore wind transparency, AB 1530 on disaster recovery assistance, and AB 353 on affordable home internet. Some measures drew opposition or more divided votes, including AB 704 on sealing certain misdemeanor records, AB 1249 on early voting access, AB 1280 on thermal energy incentives, AB 1448 on offshore oil protections, AB 380 on price gouging, AB 402 on Cal Grant increases, AB 1074 on CalWORKs reunification, and AB 1084 on expedited gender-change and name-change court orders. The Assembly also granted reconsideration on AB 435, a child passenger safety bill, and passed it after debate on the five-step safety-seat standard.
The floor debate featured recurring themes of affordability, housing, wildfire preparedness, election access, veterans’ services, and public safety. Supporters of the election bill AB 1249 argued it would simply add a Saturday early-voting option in non-VCA counties, while opponents raised concerns about verification and county staffing. AB 30, authorizing E15 gasoline in California, was presented as an urgency measure to lower fuel costs and passed unanimously on the urgency and the bill. AB 1466 on groundwater disputes was also taken up, with the author arguing it would reduce frivolous litigation and better represent all water users; the vote was 42 ayes and 17 noes. After completing the file, the Assembly recessed for lunch, later returned, and continued with additional file items, with many measures passing on strong bipartisan votes.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 2nd, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They do siting for all the energy production and energy transmission facilities.
- And energy transmission facilities. They do oil and gas, pipeline siting.
- , on transmission of energy.
- products are fairly priced and that we have an opportunity to transmit our energy.
- And the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee concurs with that language.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, pledge, roll call, and a quorum present, then approved a motion to lay over House Bill 1525 for one legislative day. It also voted not to concur with House amendments on Senate Bills 2294, 2297, 2070, 4017, and 2262, appointing conference committees for each. The chamber then took up a series of House bill amendments and final-passage votes.
On amendments, the Senate adopted changes to House Bill 1229 on fleeing law enforcement and driving-record transparency after debate over insurance impacts and public safety; House Bill 1510 on teacher retention, on-site child care, and licensure study language; House Bill 1160 to restrict student personal electronic devices during instructional time; House Bill 1429 to address drone harassment and stalking of animals; House Bill 1203 to harmonize medical marijuana provisions; House Bill 1600 to create a UND immigration clinic with reporting requirements; House Bill 1130 to broaden K-12 funding formula changes and reduce state fiscal impact; House Bill 1279 to modify the coal conversion tax exemption; House Bill 1442 to adjust membership and scope of a state task force; and House Bill 1464 to convert a maternal care services proposal into a study and remove the appropriation. The Senate rejected an amendment to House Bill 1022 concerning the Retirement and Investment Office bonus program, then passed the bill. It also passed House Bill 1234 on a $90 million transfer to reduce PERS liability, while rejecting a floor amendment to it.
On final passage, the Senate passed House Bills 1008 (Public Service Commission budget), 1218 (temporary moratorium and study on economic analysis for drain projects), 1234 (PERS funding transfer), 1146 (PERS defined contribution cleanup and emergency clause), 1355 (expanded notice for administrative rulemaking), 1470 (Game and Fish fee changes and guide/outfitter updates), 1029 (Capital Grounds Planning Commission duties), 1017 (Game and Fish budget), 1374 (township supervisor open-meeting exemption for on-site inspections), and 1064 (NC-SARA membership and distance education regulation). It defeated House Bill 1583 on false political advertisements with civil-action language and House Bill 1393 on earned wage access provider regulation. The transcript ends as the Senate begins consideration of House Bill 1326 on self-defense and unlawful firearm possession by felons.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- across the state to experience significantly lower energy bills.
- across the state to experience significantly lower energy bills.
- Afternoon, Craig Scholar, on behalf of Ava Community Energy, in support.
- We want people to lower their energy bills, and this bill will help.
- This leads to long-term energy reductions and savings in energy costs over the lifetime of the building
Summary:
The committee heard several housing-related bills, beginning with SB 1003, which would create pro-housing enhanced infrastructure financing districts to help local governments fund infrastructure needed for housing developments. The author and supporters argued that infrastructure costs often prevent projects from penciling out, while the chair expressed support and said the bill would be taken up later when quorum was available. SB 1014 followed, proposing new disclosure requirements for local jurisdictions to provide good-faith estimates of on-site and off-site improvements within 30 days of application, with supporters saying it would reduce late surprises and opposition from several cities citing implementation concerns with the 30-day timelines.
The committee then took up SB 802, a Sacramento-region bill requiring a joint powers authority to coordinate housing and homelessness services. Senator Ashby and former Mayor Darrell Steinberg argued that Sacramento’s fragmented system has failed for years and that a JPA would improve accountability, coordination, and use of state funds. The bill drew broad support from local officials, service providers, business groups, and advocates, while some county and city representatives registered opposition or neutral concerns about state-mandated local governance. Several committee members said they were persuaded by the need for regional coordination, though some raised concerns about local control; the chair noted the bill would be moved when quorum allowed.
The committee also heard SB 1092 and SB 1093, both focused on mobile home park residents after disasters or park sales. SB 1092 would give residents a right of first opportunity to match a sale offer for a park, with supporters saying it protects vulnerable seniors and preserves affordable housing, while park owners and their representatives argued it would devalue property and raise constitutional and financing concerns. SB 1093 would require more transparent communication, access to property, and consideration of rebuilding or closure after a disaster; supporters cited the long uncertainty faced by Palisades residents, while opponents warned about liability, safety, and burdensome review requirements. Members split along similar lines, with some emphasizing property rights and market impacts and others stressing the need to protect residents and preserve scarce affordable housing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House agriculture committee hears testimony on sustainable aviation fuel 2/10/25
Transcript Highlights:
- extremely excited about the opportunities that SAF presents for our agricultural, forestry, and clean energy
- Department of Energy. In the United States, that is the state standard.
- <00:20:56.679>
that <00:20:56.799>in by the US Department of energy that in by the - There was a time when Xcel Energy had a very large wood biomass energy production facility in Becker
- electricity and steam at District energy electricity and steam at District energy um<01:02:29.839
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and Minnesota’s efforts to build a SAF industry. Andrea Veble of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture said the Walz administration strongly supports SAF because it could benefit agriculture, forestry, clean energy, and rural economies. She highlighted the 2023 state SAF tax credit and sales tax exemption for facility construction, describing the credit as a nation-leading incentive designed to stack with federal IRA credits and attract producers and blenders to Minnesota.
Jeff Davidman of Delta Airlines said aviation is difficult to decarbonize and that SAF is the airline industry’s best available tool to reach net-zero goals by 2050. He explained that SAF is a certified drop-in fuel that can be blended with conventional jet fuel and used in existing aircraft and infrastructure, and he cited growing global demand and limited supply. He said Minnesota has many potential feedstocks, including used cooking oil, corn, soybeans, and camelina, and praised the state’s SAF tax credit and the Minnesota SAF Hub as important steps toward making Minnesota a leader in the sector.
Peter Fros of Greater MSP described the Minnesota SAF Hub as a public-private partnership aimed at building an industrial-scale SAF value chain in Minnesota. He said the state has key advantages, including airport demand, corporate partners, research institutions, and agricultural inputs, and estimated that three SAF biorefineries could create tens of thousands of jobs and significant emissions reductions. He also said the Hub is working on blending infrastructure, private demand commitments, a winter camelina expansion study, and efforts to secure additional refineries before 2030. Members raised questions about how sustainability is measured, and Fros said the Hub relies on the federal GREET model but wants a clearer, transparent, and standardized national method that also accounts for issues like water quality and biodiversity.
Amanda Bellik of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association said corn-based ethanol is a strong fit for SAF production through the alcohol-to-jet pathway because it is abundant, affordable, and supported by existing infrastructure. She said SAF development could create a new value-added market for corn without requiring new acres, but emphasized the need for significant capital investment, stable tax policy, and efficient permitting. She also said the group has worked with a consultant on third-party sustainability assessments of corn production practices to help fill data gaps and support the carbon-intensity requirements tied to SAF incentives.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources & Energy.(6-4-26)
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- or one from the uh envir energy or one from the uh envir energy environment<00:39:48.480>
cabinet - We're going to set drinking water..." energy, electronics, energy, electronics, you<01:04:22.960>
- Um, Commonwealth Kentucky's Energy Planning and Inventory Commission's report, excuse me, Kentucky Energy
- 48.239>
Planning Um, Commonwealth Kucky's Energy Planning Um, Commonwealth Kucky's Energy Planning - <01:15:54.080>
and excuse me, Kentucky Energy and excuse me, Kentucky Energy and Environment
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Tarr: expanding agricultural contribution to renewable energy. Amendment number 19 by Mr.
- Tarr: expanding agricultural contribution to renewable energy. Senator Tarr. Thank you, Mr.
- On the one hand, we say that we need every possible source of renewable energy to meet our ambitious
- On the one hand, we say that we need every possible source of renewable energy to meet our ambitious
- I know he cares about energy use costs, so do I.
Summary:
The Senate resumed debate on An Act Fostering Agricultural Resilience in Massachusetts and considered a series of amendments focused on farm economics, land preservation, energy, labor, and agricultural education. Senator Tarr’s Amendment 5, allowing local-option tax exemptions for newly constructed farm buildings for up to five years, was adopted by a roll call vote of 38-0. Several other Tarr amendments were debated but not adopted, including proposals on APR criteria and climate resilience, a one-stop permit and grant portal, a foreign-ownership farmland registry, horse-riding instructor licensing, expanding farm-based renewable energy, a farm stand waiver process, non-agricultural conversion notice requirements, and a health and wellness amendment. Senator Mark’s Amendment 20, creating a Massachusetts Food Tourism Task Force to support marketing and procurement of agricultural goods, was adopted. Senator Gomez’s Amendment 41 on farmworker fairness and wage protections was withdrawn after discussion, with Senators Eldridge and Comerford speaking in support of continued work on the issue. Senator Fattman’s Amendment 34, directing a study of agricultural schools and regional workforce needs, was adopted by roll call vote 37-0.
The chamber also took up several procedural matters and extension orders. The Senate adopted a Ways and Means amendment and then ordered the agricultural bill to a third reading before passing it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 39-0. Separately, the Senate adopted extension orders for the Committee on Revenue and the Committee on Financial Services, with Senators Eldridge and Feeney explaining the need for additional time on revenue and financial services bills; Senator Tarr raised concerns about the scope and duration of some of the extensions. The Senate also approved an extension for a financial technology services bill.
In addition to legislative action, the Senate observed a moment of silence in memory of Mark K. Harris after a motion by Senators Collins and Miranda, and recognized guests for Youth Mentoring Day and the Mass Mentoring Program. The chamber also passed a memorial overpass designation for U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torville and a local alcohol-license bill for the town of Topsfield. The session concluded with an order to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m., with the adjournment also dedicated to the memory of Mark K. Harris.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Press Conference 3/10/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate just last week, uh, co-authored by House DFL leadership, um, that would massively increase energy
- costs, not only energy costs, but costs on everything that Minnesotans have to deal with.
- So, we'll talk more about affordability issues tomorrow as well. massive new energy tax that was massive
- new energy tax that was in<00:18:58.040>
the <00:18:58.120>Senate <00:18:58.520>just - <00:19:07.720>
costs, uh energy cost not only energy costs, uh energy cost not only energy
Summary:
House Republican leaders and Speaker Melissa Hortman held a press event promoting House File 3490, which would opt Minnesota into a federal education tax credit program. They argued the bill has no state cost and would keep donations made by Minnesotans benefiting Minnesota students and schools rather than out-of-state scholarship organizations. Supporters said the funds could help with tutoring, extracurriculars, school supplies, special education-related services, learning loss, and other school needs, and they repeatedly urged Governor Tim Walz to opt in or publicly explain why he would not.
Rep. Andrew Myers, the bill’s chief author, said the proposal is personal to him as a parent and legislator and described recent school budget pressures, including staff and resource cuts and larger class sizes. Rep. Ben Bakeberg, a middle school principal, said the bill could generate significant funding if many taxpayers participate and argued it could help offset school district shortfalls and the Blue Ribbon Commission. Rep. Griesbach also backed the bill, calling it a “no-brainer” and saying he would not work with the governor on other budget items unless the governor opted in.
In response to questions, supporters said scholarship-granting organizations could be created by a variety of entities, including education foundations, and could support both private-school tuition and public-school-related costs such as extracurricular fees, field trips, and transportation for summer learning. They rejected the idea that the bill pits public and nonpublic schools against each other, saying it is meant to expand educational opportunity for all students. No vote or formal committee action was taken during the event; it ended with questions from reporters on the bill and other Republican priorities such as rental assistance, gas taxes, and energy costs.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (03/09/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:28:54.239>
but subsidizing certain kinds of energy but subsidizing certain kinds of energy - facilities that can provide that energy. facilities that can provide that energy.
- and power with a minimum energy and power with a minimum energy efficiency<01:29:58.880>
of and power with a minimum energy and power with a minimum energy efficiency<01:33:43.520>of that governs distributed energy that governs distributed energy resources<02:27:24.800>are
Summary:
The committee began a work session on House Bill 1600, concerning access to the centralized voter registration database on election days. Secretary of State David Scanlan testified that the state already has a new statewide voter registration system connected to town clerks and supervisors of the checklist, and that the bill was probably unnecessary but acceptable if the legislature wanted it. He raised concern about language that could require direct electronic access in every polling place, noting that some polling locations lack reliable internet or cell service and that municipalities can change polling locations, which could make a rigid requirement expensive and impractical. Members discussed whether the bill should be clarified to allow direct or indirect access, including use of a phone-based workaround, and the secretary said that would address his concern.
The committee then voted on HB 1600. Representative Maguire moved ought to pass with an amendment adding “direct or indirect access” on page one, line seven, and the motion was seconded. The amendment was adopted 9-0 by voice vote, and the committee then voted 9-0 to OTP the bill. The chair stated that HB 1600 would be placed on consent.
The committee next took up House Bill 1197F FN, a technical correction to insurance laws. Members noted it had already passed the House with amendment and that the fiscal note was effectively indeterminate but would not affect the general fund because the insurance agency is self-funded. The committee voted 9-0 to OTP the bill; the chair said consent calendar placement would be decided by the full committee.
Finally, the committee opened a work session on House Bill 11:30 FN regarding judicial performance evaluations. Representative Lynn, the bill’s sponsor, argued that the fiscal note overstated the immediate cost and said the judicial branch could likely manage through the current biennium while implementing the new system. He also supported making judges’ names public and said the bill’s anonymity provisions were aimed at protecting the identities of questionnaire respondents, not the judges being evaluated. Members asked about public disclosure, internal access to evaluation materials, and the removal of language allowing the governor and executive council to receive evaluations on request; discussion continued on those points, but no final vote on HB 11:30 FN was taken in the portion provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- One discusses the Texas Energy Fund.
- Item four: The Texas Nuclear Energy Fund and Texas Nuclear Energy Supply Chain Fund.
- Highlights: recommendations to add a new rider for the Texas Energy Fund as discussed in section three
- This growth includes four new teams: the Office of Public Engagement, the Texas Energy Fund Division,
- the Energy Efficiency Division, and the Market Data Analytics Team.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Minerals, Business & Economic Development Interim Topics Meeting, March 4, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll start off with removing obstacles to achieve energy dominance in Wyoming.
- removing obstacles to achieve energy removing obstacles to achieve energy dominance<00:02:14.280
- the Energy Dominance Fund. the Energy Dominance Fund.
- And that is with our energy sovereign And that is with our energy sovereign zones<00:14:07.840>
using - 31:26.120>
Development <00:31:26.560>in Energy Capital Economic Development in Energy Capital
Summary:
The joint Minerals Committee met to select interim topics and announced its meeting dates for April 27-28 in Casper, June 4-5 in Casper, and August 27-28 in Cheyenne. Members heard public testimony on several economic development and minerals-related topics and were asked to identify their top priorities for later ranking and consensus. No formal votes were taken during this portion of the meeting.
A major topic was removing obstacles to energy development in Wyoming, including possible regulatory, bonding, and permitting barriers. Testimony from the Mining Association and Energy Capital Economic Development supported revisiting barriers to development, similar to the earlier Regulatory Reduction Task Force. Another related topic was industrial siting exemptions on coal mine property, with testimony arguing that mineral-related projects such as rare earths, uranium conversion, and ferroalloys should not have to go through the full industrial siting process when communities have already dealt with similar development. Members also discussed industrial siting bonding requirements, including whether bonding or advance payments should be used to cover impacts on local services and emergency response, especially for projects like solar farms or battery storage.
The committee also discussed coal bed methane industrial sovereign zones, tied to House Bill 120, with testimony seeking to include coal bed methane in value-added manufacturing zones. The sponsor said the goal was to create industrial zones that support economic development while protecting scenic values and limiting industrial sprawl. Another topic was sourcing curling stones in Wyoming, which was presented as a lighthearted but potentially useful way to promote Wyoming stone and broader dimension-stone quarrying; a state geologist testified that Wyoming has granite with similar mineralogy to stone used for curling stones elsewhere. Child care as an economic driver was withdrawn. The committee also heard support for a Business Council restructure review, though several members said the Minerals Committee should do the substantive review because the Business Council falls within its jurisdiction, while still coordinating with Appropriations. Finally, the committee heard a proposal for a domestic preference in residential general service contracts, extending Wyoming preference concepts beyond construction into goods and services, with testimony emphasizing local economic multipliers and possible exceptions for federal funding or other procurement limits.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The brain is the number one... client for energy use.
- And that is that we are compromising the energy resources. for the nervous system.
- So all. of these share that common energy failure. So cognitive decline.
- utilization and we're going to have alternate sources for that energy.
- So your body can either use glucose for carbohydrates. as energy or it can use ketones.