Transcript Highlights:

• We had a number of engine captains, or resource foremen as they're classified, that we were trying to
• We use that fund to purchase engines, command... ...out of that fund.
• Also, I would note the very last fund on the list there on line W, the Water Pollution Control Fund,
• The Water Pollution Control Fund is the fund that the legislature transferred general fund monies to
• Just real quick, some clarification on the Water Pollution Control Fund.

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard budget presentations for the Endowment Fund Investment Board, the Department of Lands, and the Department of Environmental Quality. The EFIB presentation emphasized its small staff, low administrative costs, and a modest request for a laptop replacement. The Department of Lands presentation focused heavily on fire suppression funding, the fire suppression deficiency fund, and the agency’s endowment and forest management work. Director Dustin Miller said 2025 fire costs were just over $40 million, noted that the Legislature had previously funded the deficiency account, and warned that current holdbacks could reduce staffing for fire operations, especially in eastern Idaho. He also explained a proposed shift of 1.25 FTE and $160,000 from the Abandoned Mines Lands Fund to the Navigable Waterways Fund, and discussed House Bill 511 as a possible future fire-preparedness funding source. Committee members asked detailed questions about how the fire suppression deficiency fund works, when it can be used, and whether it can cover prevention or only active fires. Staff explained that the fund is for active suppression and that any negative balance would later be settled through a supplemental request. Members also asked about staffing, vacancy rates, and the impact of budget reductions on fire readiness and forest health work. Miller said the agency had filled many key vacancies but still faced recruitment challenges, and he described the Eastern Idaho Forest Protective District and the agency’s growing Good Neighbor Authority work with the U.S. Forest Service. The Department of Environmental Quality presentation covered staffing, water infrastructure funding, loan and grant programs, air and water quality, and solid waste oversight. Director Jess Byrne said targeted pay increases had reduced turnover and vacancies, and that DEQ had distributed more than $835 million in grants and low-interest loans over five years, mostly to small communities. He also said the agency has fewer staff than 25 years ago despite a much larger population, leading to permit backlogs and reduced monitoring. Byrne explained that the Drinking Water Loan Fund is built from federal capitalization grants, state match, and repayments, and that its rising balance reflects awarded but not yet reimbursed projects rather than unused money. He also said DEQ is considering fee increases in air quality and drinking water programs, and supported a proposed solid waste transfer only if it includes a fee structure. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• providing diversified farm income, creating jobs, and protecting against nutrient runoff that can pollute
• Maybe just walk me through what the distinction is, like why delete the lines regarding air pollution
• Fuel consumption, air pollution, or greenhouse gas emissions.
• Hunter from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida waving in support.
• Hunter, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida, waving in support.

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• for decades and rank near the top of CalEnviroScreen metrics for pollution and air toxics.
• for decades, and rank near the top of Cal enviroscreen metrics for pollution and air toxics.
• However, I do also understand that, you know, the number one polluter is jet fuel.
• We have one of the worst pollution of other states, yeah.
• This is not a polluter project.

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Transcript Highlights:

• activities, and those assessments must be reviewed and stamped by a third licensed professional engineer
• It's the same test that's taken by on-site wastewater engineers and designers.
• And as you've heard, under the CCA, EITEs have been receiving all of their pollution allowances at no
• So this bill is a critical first step in assessing how EITEs reduce their pollution.
• Joel Creswell, manager of the Climate Pollution Reduction Program at the Department of Ecology, here

Bills: SB6013 , SB6291

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: ski areas, winter sports, terminology, recreation, economic development, SB6291, on-site wastewater treatment, onsite wastewater treatment, septic system, sewage treatment, wastewater inspection, environmental health, local board of health, public health, professional engineer, land surveyor, certificate of competency, inspection standards, design review, supervised practice

Transcript Highlights:

• But they also and we also forever polluted the water and land of that region.
• But they also and we also forever polluted the water and land of that region.
• </c> not pollute the environment around it. not pollute the environment around it.
• Copper sulfide mining has a terrible history of polluting around the world.
• Copper sulfide mining has a terrible history of polluting around the world.

Transcript Highlights:

• SECONDLY A MUNICIPALITY MAY ESTABLISH JOB ENGINE CHARTER SCHOOL FOR THE PURPOSE OF A JOB ENGINE CHARTER
• IF THE STATE WANTS TO DAY WITH POLLUTION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT.
• CARRYING PLASTIC BAGS, FOAM CONTAINERS AND OTHER POLLUTION.
• FOAM PACKAGING EASILY BREAKS APART AND IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO CLEAN UP THIS POLLUTION BUT THIS POLLUTION
• I ASK POWER TO REDUCE POLLUTION AND TRASH IN THEIR COMMUNITIES.

Transcript Highlights:

• Capillary, a senior engineer who will be speaking in support of AB 773. Go ahead.
• These industrially engineered foods are not. simply delicious.
• Microplastics are not just polluting our beaches and oceans, they are also polluting people and are impacting
• The stormwater is the single largest source of water pollution in urban communities.
• This pollution doesn't just impact the environment, it has real cost to Californians.

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Transcript Highlights:

• So can I call that the Engineers and Architects Full Employment Act?
• I call that the Engineers and Architects Full Employment Act. You could do that.
• I call that the Engineers and Architects Full Employment Act. You could do that.
• Can you give me, in the chambers, the definition of a non-point pollution?
• And I think it gets... ...determine where the pollution is coming from.

Transcript Highlights:

• These industrially engineered foods are not simply delicious.
• Plastic pollution is a major problem.
• Microplastics are not just polluting our beaches and oceans; they are also polluting people and impacting
• It carries the pollution straight into our rivers and lakes.
• Addressing stormwater pollution and increasing stormwater capture are laudable goals.

Summary: The committee heard a series of environmental safety and toxic materials measures, with several bills moving forward on unanimous or near-unanimous votes to Appropriations. Early in the meeting, the consent calendar was approved, including AB 372, AB 455, AB 1096, AB 1102, and AB 754. AB 362 by Assembly Member Ramos, which would recognize tribal beneficial uses of water and strengthen consultation and protection for tribal water uses, drew strong support from tribes and environmental groups. Water agencies and local government representatives opposed unless amended, raising concerns about CEQA requirements, co-management language, and conflicts with existing water law. The bill advanced to Appropriations, with some members voting aye and others not voting or absent. AB 728 by Assembly Member Lee would require age verification for the sale of certain anti-aging skin care products to minors. The author and a youth witness described social media-driven use of adult skin products by children and alleged skin damage, while supporters argued age checks are a reasonable consumer protection. Dermatologists and retailers opposed the bill, saying it could restrict legitimate acne and other medical uses of over-the-counter products, create compliance problems, and lacked a clear scientific basis. The committee discussed possible ambiguity in the bill’s definition of anti-aging products, but the measure still passed to Appropriations. AB 532 on low-income water rate assistance, AB 773 on copper-based anti-fouling paint, AB 998 on household hazardous waste disposal of vape pens, AB 1031 on geothermal hazardous waste fees, and AB 864 on solar panel hazardous waste and recycling all received strong support and advanced to Appropriations. Supporters for AB 532 emphasized water affordability and local program authority; AB 773 supporters said conflicting state water and pesticide rules are creating confusion for harbors and cities; AB 998 was presented as a practical way to let schools and local facilities dispose of confiscated vape devices safely; AB 1031 was framed as reducing DTSC fee burdens on geothermal development in Imperial County; and AB 864 would ease recycling and reuse of end-of-life solar panels. The committee also began hearing AB 1264 on ultra-processed foods in school meals, with the author and supporters arguing it would phase out the most harmful ultra-processed foods from school meals by 2032, but the transcript cuts off before the full discussion and any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• still the largest contributor to ozone and particulate matter pollution in this state.
• Those are the smog-forming pollutants that jeopardize public health outcomes.
• through investments in pollution-reducing technologies and infrastructure.
• ZEVs reduce pollution for everyone. ZEVs also reduce pollution...
• ZEVs reduce pollution for everyone.

Transcript Highlights:

• a 30-year career at IBM Lexington in development engineering.
• My wife Kathy and I have engineering.
• </c> lower noise and environmental pollution lower noise and environmental pollution are<00:14:10.560
• </c> any uh uh environmental pollution here. any uh uh environmental pollution here.
• </c> ways, even with combustion engine ways, even with combustion engine vehicles,<00:22:55.280><c> I

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met with a quorum, approved the June 3, 2026 minutes, and then heard a presentation from Mike Proctor of Evolve Kentucky on electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. Proctor described Evolve Kentucky as a nonprofit formed in 2016 to promote EV adoption and charger deployment, said the group has helped place more than 135 chargers at 65 locations, and reported that Kentucky EV registrations have grown rapidly but still represent about 1% of the state’s roughly 3 million vehicles. He also outlined the group’s view that EV drivers and charger operators already contribute to state revenue through annual vehicle fees, charger taxes, utility taxes, and related business taxes, and cited figures showing rising revenue collections as EV adoption increases. A major theme of the presentation was that EV owners are paying their “fair share” rather than being overcharged. Proctor said the current $126 annual EV fee is roughly comparable to the fuel tax a typical gasoline vehicle would pay, and noted that public charging can add additional tax burdens for drivers who cannot charge at home, such as those living in apartments or condos. He also argued that EVs provide broader benefits, including lower noise and air pollution, grid-stabilizing nighttime charging, tourism spending at destination chargers, and reduced road wear for passenger EVs compared with much heavier vehicles. Members questioned Proctor about whether EV owners are paying more than their fair share, how the fee compares with gasoline taxes, and whether apartment and condo residents are disproportionately affected because they rely on public chargers. Proctor responded that the fee was intended to bring EV owners into parity with gas vehicles, not to overcharge them, and said some public chargers are free while others are used by drivers who cannot charge at home. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond the minutes approval.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:45.040><c> and</c> adversely affected by pollution and adversely affected by pollution and
• </c><00:10:07.920><c> and</c> pre-design design engineering and pre-design design engineering and construction
• , that see the effects of pollution every day.
• </c> groups that have been hared by pollution groups that have been hared by pollution that<00:28:59.720
• </c><00:29:01.679><c> every</c> that see the effects of pollution every that see the effects of pollution

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• Exhaust scrubbers are often described as a pollution control technology, but they are actually a pollution
• Exhaust scrubbers are often described as a pollution control technology, but they are actually a pollution
• These pollutants persist up the food chain, reaching people through seafood.
• Essentially, scrubbers turn air pollution into water pollution.
• Stormwater treatment captures pollution from all vehicles.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on three main bills. House Bill 2284 on reducing litter would remove a scheduled increase in plastic bag thickness, preserve the existing penalty on thicker bags, and create a litter solutions task force to use existing data and recommend further actions. Supporters from business, retail, agriculture, food industry, and the Department of Ecology said the bill takes a data-driven approach and could help reduce litter without imposing a full bag ban, while Ecology noted it already has a statewide litter study underway and raised cost and membership concerns. Opponents and other commenters generally favored the bill’s direction but emphasized the need for more study and careful implementation. No vote was taken. House Bill 1652 would require certain ocean-going vessels in Washington waters to use fuel with no more than 0.1% sulfur, with recordkeeping, Ecology oversight, penalties, and a substitute clarifying vessel coverage and exemptions. The prime sponsor and environmental and public health advocates said the bill would reduce air and water pollution from scrubbers and protect the Salish Sea, orcas, salmon, and nearby communities. Ports, shipping interests, and industry groups raised concerns that the bill could effectively discourage scrubbers, create burdens for irregular callers and cargo traffic, and affect port competitiveness, while some said the bill should be narrowed or further stakeholdered. The hearing also included discussion of a proposed substitute and possible impacts on vessels and port operations. House Bill 2367 would end special coal-related exemptions by limiting the cap-and-invest exemption to pre-2026 emissions, removing limits on additional greenhouse gas regulation for the coal plant, and repealing coal sales and use tax exemptions. Supporters said the bill would align state law with the planned closure of the Centralia coal plant, reinforce Washington’s climate policies, and remove outdated carve-outs. Business and petroleum representatives warned that if the plant were brought back into the cap-and-invest program, the allowance market could be affected and Ecology might need flexibility to adjust the program. The committee heard extensive testimony on all three bills but took no recorded votes or final action in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first agency is the Pollution Control Agency.
• </c><01:19:10.760><c> to</c> disproportionate impacts of pollution to disproportionate impacts of pollution
• </c> are scientists so uh Engineers are scientists so uh Engineers hydrologists<01:27:34.080><c> soil
• </c> potential solutions for water pollution potential solutions for water pollution problems<01:31:30.400
• </c> to address that historical pollution to address that historical pollution within<01:50:11.080><c

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Army Corps of Engineers.
• Army Corps of Engineers.
• Engineers. They provided an assessment Engineers.
• </c><00:03:07.920><c> project</c> The US Army Corps of Engineers project The US Army Corps of Engineers
• </c> PAS so it doesn't continue to pollute PAS so it doesn't continue to pollute those<01:13:17.120><

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• And the second question I have is that bottles and cans are big items that pollute our rivers and ocean
• To address and mitigate legacy plastic pollution and impacts from plastic pollution in communities, that
• That sort of brings up the question: do you have the scientific resources or engineering resources?
• Secondly, PFAS pollution efforts. I know there's a lot of interest in this among the legislature.
• Secondly, PFS pollution efforts. I know there's a lot of interest in this among the legislature.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy heard department budget overviews and several budget change proposals from CalRecycle, CalEPA, and DTSC. CalRecycle presented its 2026-27 budget and discussed priorities including edible food recovery, composting, beverage container recycling, and landfill response. Members asked about funding for food recovery grants, processing fees for wine and spirits containers under SB 1013, plastic packaging generation under SB 54, restaurant food waste requirements under SB 1383, and litter cleanup efforts. CalRecycle said edible food recovery has helped recover more than 300 million meals, but there is no sustained funding source; it also explained that beverage container processing fees are set by statute and that new producer responsibility and infrastructure investments are intended to improve recycling rates over time. The committee then heard CalEPA’s overview, including the agency’s response to climate, air quality, water, toxics, and enforcement challenges. Secretary Garcia emphasized federal rollbacks, methane monitoring, AB 617 implementation, safe drinking water progress, Exide cleanup, and pesticide reduction efforts. Members questioned the agency about regional gasoline blends, authority and technical thresholds for landfill intervention, and the growth in the Secretary’s office staffing and budget. CalEPA said the budget increase reflects expanded coordination, technology modernization, hazardous materials response, and legal capacity. The committee also discussed a proposed landfill support, response, and enforcement package for subsurface elevated temperature events, with CalEPA describing a coordinated multi-agency approach and the need for stronger early response tools. DTSC presented its department overview and several BCPs. Director Butler highlighted progress on permit backlog reduction, safer consumer products rulemaking, Exide cleanup, PFAS work, and planning for emerging waste streams such as solar panels and lithium batteries. The Board of Environmental Safety described its oversight role, public meetings, permit appeals, and fee-setting authority, and identified community concerns about cumulative impacts, hazardous waste planning, accessible data, and engagement. The committee also heard a proposal to expand DTSC’s Office of Policy into a statewide planning division to implement hazardous waste management plan recommendations and improve reporting systems. Members raised concerns about whether the new division duplicated existing work, but DTSC said it would fill identified gaps and improve coordination. Public testimony largely supported the proposals, especially ongoing funding for edible food recovery, composting, safer consumer products enforcement, and the coordinated landfill response package. Witnesses from StopWaste, California Against Waste, Waste Management, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, and water advocacy groups urged continued or increased funding for these programs. No votes were taken; the chair held all items open and adjourned the hearing after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, my question is this: Is this the consensus of all city engineers, county engineers?
• </c> account with our engineering judgment. account with our engineering judgment.
• </c> to ROI, and to reducing pollution. to ROI, and to reducing pollution.
• </c> pollute based on their geography. pollute based on their geography.
• and the county the city engineers and the county engineers engineers engineers uh<02:09:40.960><c> on

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, Eric Rood with the Operating Engineers Local 12, in support. Good afternoon.
• Eric Rood with the Operating Engineers Local 12 in support. Good afternoon.
• Rob Carey on behalf of the Operating Engineers Local 3. We are in support.
• We need more engineering safeguards and things that are put on our highways to make sure that everyone
• Older vehicles have accounted for the highest levels of pollution and have disparate...

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several transportation and climate-related bills. AB 954 would create a Caltrans pilot program for bike highways in two metropolitan areas and require a report to the Legislature; supporters said it would expand protected regional bike networks and help climate and equity goals, while some members objected that it would divert gas-tax-funded transportation dollars away from road repairs and rural needs. The bill passed on a 7-3 vote, with the roll held open for later additions. AB 289 would authorize automated speed enforcement in active highway construction zones to protect workers. The author and labor and contractor witnesses described repeated work-zone crashes and fatalities and argued the cameras would supplement, not replace, CHP enforcement. Some members raised concerns about civil penalties and enforcement policy, but the bill advanced on a 9-? initial vote and later was approved 15-1 after the roll was completed. AB 674 would update the Clean Cars for All program to prioritize pre-2004 high-polluting vehicles in disadvantaged and low-income communities and improve reporting and incentive rules. Supporters said older vehicles produce a disproportionate share of emissions and that the program has already retired thousands of cars; the committee approved the bill unanimously on the floor vote and sent it to the Committee on Natural Resources. AB 1237 would let LA Metro and VTA add a $5 fee to primary ticket sales for 2026 FIFA World Cup and NCAA championship events to fund transit service, with ticket holders able to use transit on event day. Supporters said the fee would help manage congestion and security needs, while the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association argued it was an unconstitutional tax requiring voter approval. The bill passed and was re-referred to the Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism. AB 891 would create a Caltrans quick-build pilot for temporary safety improvements on state highways for pedestrians and bicyclists; supporters emphasized rapid, low-cost safety fixes, while opponents said the program could divert gas-tax funds and was not appropriate for rural areas. It passed 11-4 and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also approved a six-bill consent calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• still the largest contributor to ozone and particulate matter pollution in this state.
• And those are the smog-forming pollutants that jeopardize public health outcomes.
• Sylvia Solis Shaw here on behalf of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.
• through investments in pollution-reducing technologies and infrastructure.
• ZEVs reduce pollution for everyone. ZEVs also reduce pollution. ZEVs reduce pollution for everyone.

Summary: The meeting began with a budget subcommittee hearing on a proposed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit trailer bill. Assembly Members Ávila Farías and another member spoke in support, emphasizing union jobs, refinery investments, and the need to decarbonize aviation. The Department of Finance said the Governor’s proposal would provide a $1 to $2 per gallon credit against the diesel excise tax for SAF sold in California from 2026 to 2036. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended rejecting the proposal, arguing it is a relatively expensive way to reduce emissions, has uncertain environmental benefits, could significantly reduce transportation revenues, and conflicts with the spirit of voter restrictions on transportation taxes. Committee members questioned whether the credit would mainly benefit out-of-state producers, whether firms would have diesel tax liability to use the credit, and whether the proposal would shift production away from renewable diesel and raise fuel prices. Administration and CARB staff said the credit is intended to support aviation decarbonization, preserve jobs, and help keep California on track toward its 2045 climate goals. LAO and UC Berkeley testimony countered that the policy could mostly subsidize existing technologies, that feedstock supply is limited, and that the net emissions benefit may be small relative to the cost. Members also asked about the effect on local streets and roads, SHOP, and trade corridor funding; Finance estimated a $165 million annual revenue impact would reduce those programs, while LAO said the reductions would mean fewer projects over time. No vote was taken, and the chair said the issue would remain open for further discussion. The committee then moved to a zero-emission vehicle incentive trailer bill proposing a one-time $200 million appropriation to CARB for a new point-of-sale incentive program focused on first-time buyers and leases of new and used light-duty ZEVs. Supporters said the program would help offset the loss of the federal EV tax credit, maintain momentum in California’s ZEV transition, and use a one-to-one match with participating automakers to double the state’s investment. LAO recommended rejection, saying the proposal does not meet the high budget bar this year, lacks enough program detail to evaluate, is unlikely to move sales significantly given the size of the appropriation, and could duplicate existing state and utility programs. Members asked about current incentives across light-, medium-, and heavy-duty sectors, the recent decline in ZEV sales, and whether the program would help lower-income buyers rather than subsidize purchases that would have happened anyway. CARB said the proposal is meant to fill a gap in the light-duty market, where sales fell sharply after the federal credit expired, and noted existing programs for other vehicle classes. The Department of Finance also addressed a separate question about the Motor Vehicle Account, saying a previously planned GGRF transfer was no longer needed because updated forecasts showed the fund had sufficient balances, though LAO said the account still has a structural long-term imbalance. The discussion ended before any vote or action on the ZEV proposal.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I am here to present AB 1243, the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act of 2025.
• Courts have repeatedly upheld laws that retroactively require polluters to remedy pollution harms, even
• Are you considering them, considering them a pollutant as well?
• deeply and those who are suffering the greatest at the hands of pollution and for decades-long pollution
• , that's the air pollution control officers from all 35 local air districts.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on AB 1243, the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act of 2025, which would direct CalEPA to identify major fossil fuel companies, study California’s climate damages, and assess fees on large polluters to fund resilience, recovery, and related projects. The author and supporters argued the bill would shift costs from taxpayers to the companies most responsible for climate harm, while dedicating funding to disadvantaged communities, home hardening, school resilience, clean energy, and jobs. Supporters included environmental justice groups, health advocates, youth activists, labor-aligned climate groups, and many individual witnesses who described climate impacts in their communities and urged polluters to pay. Opposition came primarily from the building trades, business groups, and petroleum-related organizations, who argued the bill would raise fuel and consumer costs, create uncertainty for business, and accelerate refinery closures and job losses. They said California already has cap-and-trade, which they described as a better tool for funding climate action and reducing emissions, and warned that retroactive liability for past emissions was legally and economically problematic. Committee members questioned both sides on consumer impacts, job effects, and whether cap-and-trade already addresses the problem. After discussion, the committee voted 6-1 to pass AB 1243 to the Judiciary Committee, with Assembly Member Ellis voting no and Assembly Member Muratsuchi not voting. The chair and members noted the bill would continue to be discussed, and the author closed by emphasizing the need to fund climate resilience while holding polluters accountable. The transcript then began a separate presentation on a wildfire mitigation bill, with the author introducing committee amendments and describing wildfire prevention and recovery needs, but that item was not completed in the excerpt.