Video & Transcript Research : 'affordable energy'

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HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

AEN Public Hearing 03-20-2026

Agriculture and Environment

Bills: HB1979
Summary: The committee held an AEN hearing on Friday, March 20, in Room 224 with remote participation streamed live. The first measure, HB 1880 HD3, would prohibit, beginning January 1, 2030, the use or application of pesticides containing 1,3-D (Telone). Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and HAPA, argued that 1,3-D is a probable carcinogen, can drift off target, and poses risks to farm workers, nearby families, children, and vulnerable communities, while safer alternatives exist. Opponents, including the Western Plant Health Association and Dole Food, said the product is federally registered and regulated, is needed for pineapple production, and that banning it could threaten jobs, local food production, and the pineapple industry; Dole also noted a petition signed by 95 employees opposing the bill. The chair recorded 73 in support, seven opposed, and two comments for the measure. The committee then took up HB 1931 HD2, which would establish a state noxious weed coordinator, update the process for designating and managing noxious weeds, allow public proposals to change designations, require notice and reporting, classify weeds into three categories, and strengthen enforcement and penalties. Testimony was generally supportive, with DLNR and DAB submitting support and CGAPS backing the bill as a modernization of outdated 1950s-era statutes, arguing that more flexible administrative rules would better address changing agricultural and invasive species conditions. The measure received 38 supportive testimonies, with no opposition or comments recorded. Because the committee did not have quorum, no final decision was made on the measures. The chair announced that decision-making would be rolled to Wednesday, March 25, at 3:05 p.m. in Room 224, and the hearing adjourned.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

AEN-WLA-EIG, WLA-AEN-EDT, WLA-AEN, WLA-AEN-PSM Public Hearings 03-20-2026

Agriculture and Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • construction of affordable housing or clean<00:01:19.200><c> energy</c><00:01:19.520><c> projects</c
  • construction of affordable housing or clean<00:01:31.520><c> energy</c><00:01:31.920><c> projects</c
  • For these two specific types of actions, affordable housing and clean energy installations, where an
  • Things to focus on to prioritize these clean energy projects and affordable housing projects that we
  • While transitioning rapidly to clean energy and providing affordable housing are both critical to meet
Bills: HB1979
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1979 HD3, which would shorten the time to file certain judicial challenges to environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for affordable housing and clean energy projects, and would also affect transfer of some environmental court appeals to the Supreme Court. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the amended bill, saying the changes were improved from earlier versions and that the shorter filing period was reasonable for these priority projects. Hawaii Gas asked that the bill’s clean energy definition be broadened to align with existing renewable energy law so emerging technologies like renewable hydrogen and renewable gas would be included. Kauai Island Utility Co-op and Greenpeace Hawaii testified in support and opposition, respectively, with supporters arguing the bill would reduce litigation uncertainty and opponents saying the shorter deadline would limit public participation and not solve the real causes of project delays. Opposition testimony came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, 350 Hawaii, and others, who argued the bill could chill legitimate public-interest claims, especially where there is limited public notice, and that environmental review was being unfairly blamed for delays caused by permitting, financing, or infrastructure problems. Several speakers said the measure would reduce transparency and make it harder for communities to respond in time. One testifier from Earthjustice said the environmental review process itself is not the problem and should not be weakened for projects that still need public disclosure and community engagement. The committee then moved to decision-making and, citing the volume of opposition and concerns about public participation, transparency, and whether the bill would actually improve timelines, the chair deferred HB 1979 HD3 indefinitely. The hearing was adjourned after the vote decision was announced. The transcript then shifted to HB 2585, relating to tourism and statewide standards for agritourism. Testimony was mixed: farmers and agricultural groups described agritourism as essential to keeping small farms and ranches viable, while also urging safeguards so it would not be abused or displace real agricultural production. Some speakers warned the bill’s revenue-based limits could unintentionally shut down existing farm stays and related operations, especially in Maui County. The Hawaii Farm Bureau said it supported the intent but wanted clearer protections for bona fide agriculture and more flexibility around revenue requirements and force majeure situations. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/10/26

Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • It prioritizes safe, reliable, and affordable energy.
  • Keeping energy affordable a shared goal.
  • Affordability should energy future.
  • > reasons</c> energy affordability for the reasons energy affordability for the reasons Representative
  • keep</c><00:36:57.920><c> the</c> afford home energy service, keep the afford home energy service, keep
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/05/2026 - House Rural Economic Development

Rural Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • In rural Arizona, we are desperately in need of affordable housing.
  • We are desperately in need of affordable housing.
  • Not affordable in terms of no more than 30% of your...
  • Not affordable in terms of no more than 30% of your income for lower-income people.
  • One being affordable housing, and another being housing affordability, which are two different things
Bills: HB2388, HB2804, HB2926
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26

Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> government funds affordable housing. government funds affordable housing.
  • It is about one energy source.
  • </c> the lack of um of affordable financing. the lack of um of affordable financing.
  • But because affordable asset.
  • </c> preservation around affordable housing. preservation around affordable housing.
Bills: HF4234, HF484, HF483, HF2614
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Feb 25th, 2026 at 04:00 pm

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • They expect it to save on energy.
  • This budget doesn't talk about affordability.
  • This budget doesn't talk about affordability.
  • a pittance back in low-income energy assistance.
  • a pittance back in low-income energy assistance.
Bills: HB2289
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Feb 23rd, 2026 at 04:00 pm

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • and affordable housing construction.
  • and affordable housing construction.
  • Thank you for adding $30 million for energy assistance.
  • It's also important that we make it possible to site and move clean energy through clean energy siting
  • We are very excited to see funding for one-time energy assistance, which helps ease the energy burden
Bills: HB2289
Summary: The House Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on the proposed substitute House Bill 2289 operating budget. Staff briefed the committee on the budget outlook, including near-general-fund resources, assumed revenue legislation, transfers from the Budget Stabilization Account, maintenance costs, policy-level spending and savings, and the chair’s administrative reduction policy. Members asked for clarification on the higher education building-account/Climate Commitment Act financing mechanism, and staff explained how the operating, capital, and surplus-fund pieces interact. Amendment deadlines were also announced. Public testimony was extensive and largely focused on the budget’s impacts on K-12 education, early learning and child care, higher education, long-term care, behavioral health, disability services, public defense, local government, and climate-related programs. Many speakers opposed cuts to transition to kindergarten, local effort assistance, Running Start, school bus depreciation, and higher education support, while others urged restoration of funding for child care, energy assistance, victim services, the Recovery Navigator program, therapy services under Medicaid, assisted living and skilled nursing, and services for people with developmental disabilities. Several witnesses also supported wildfire prevention and forest health funding, public health and reproductive health investments, and civil legal aid. A number of agencies and organizations thanked the committee for preserving or restoring specific items, including wildfire response funding, court interpreter and visitor programs, public health services, and some behavioral health and long-term care investments. Others urged changes, such as restoring the Public Works Assistance Account, maintaining the organized retail crime pilot, funding mentoring and youth services, and extending support for the Washington College Grant for certain vocational students. No votes or final committee action were taken during the hearing.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

TRS Public Hearing 02-03-2026

Transportation

Summary: The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a two-minute oral testimony limit and that decision-making would follow after testimony. It then took up SB 20008, which would set 55 mph as the maximum speed limit on all parts of the DKI/Saddle Road highway. The bill’s introducer described it as a response to safety concerns and noted prior public opposition when the speed limit was lowered from 60 mph; the Hawaii Police Department was listed in opposition, while DOT and several individuals testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided. The committee next heard SB 20009, requiring new plates/tags or emblems for used motor vehicles transferred between private individuals, and SB 2026, which would require drivers approaching stationary vehicles on the shoulder or roadside to slow down and, if necessary, change lanes. The Attorney General supported SB 2026 but recommended narrowing and clarifying the language by removing references to shoulder/roadside, collision or mechanical problem, and other limiting definitions so the duty would apply more broadly and be easier to enforce; AAA and OMA also supported the measure. Members discussed the practical need for a mandatory move-over rule, especially for roadside workers and tow operators, and the committee heard concerns about enforceability on two-lane roads and in accident scenes. SB 2053 was then heard, authorizing electronic signatures on supporting documents used to transfer ownership of total-loss vehicles to insurers without notarization and requiring insurers to indemnify the finance director for claims arising from those electronic title issuances. The Hawaii Insurers Council, Copart, the City and County of Honolulu, and others supported the bill, with Copart describing it as a modernization that would reduce delays for total-loss settlements; technical amendments were requested. The committee also heard SB 2172, which would allow all-terrain vehicles to operate at night if equipped with lights and a slow-moving vehicle emblem, adjust helmet requirements, define utility terrain vehicles, and include ATVs in motor vehicle insurance law. DOT said it could support the bill only if limited to low-speed areas, and the insurance industry warned it could create a new insurance scheme; the City and County of Honolulu opposed while the Hawaii Farm Bureau and an individual supported. Finally, SB 2253 was introduced to expand first-degree negligent injury to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers, with DOT, county prosecutors, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office in support; Honolulu prosecutors said they would oppose a proposed amendment because they wanted the language to preserve the offense as a lesser included offense tied to negligent homicide.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 4/14/26

Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> it comes to energy. it comes to energy.
  • that can provide communities with energy that can provide communities with affordable,<00:40:50.640>
  • Using less energy also makes us less vulnerable to energy shocks, whether they're global energy shocks
  • Using less energy also makes us less vulnerable to energy shocks, whether they're global energy shocks
  • Using less energy also makes us less vulnerable to energy shocks, whether they're global energy shocks
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

EEP Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST

Energy & Environmental Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • Often affordable housing projects encompass more than just affordable housing.
  • want to try to facilitate affordable housing and clean energy but not have an overly broad definition
  • want to try to facilitate affordable housing and clean energy but not have an overly broad definition
  • want to try to facilitate affordable housing and clean energy but not have an overly broad definition
  • want to try to facilitate affordable housing and clean energy but not have an overly broad definition
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to waste, recycling, and environmental review. On HB 1924, which would establish a mattress stewardship program, the Department of Health said it stood on written testimony and offered comments, while Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and one individual supported the bill and the International Sleep Products Association opposed it. No questions were raised and the committee moved on. A large portion of the hearing focused on HB 2121, which would prohibit the sale of disposable vapes in Hawaii. The Department of Health supported the measure but suggested the bill may be better placed in a different part of state law because the cited waste-management section regulates products after consumption, while still praising the effort to remove disposable vapes from the market and environment. Testimony in strong support came from the Coalition for Tobacco Free Hawaii Youth Council, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii COPD Coalition, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, the City and County of Honolulu, and many individuals; supporters emphasized youth vaping, toxic waste, lithium battery fire risks, and environmental harm. There was at least one opposing individual and the International Sleep Products Association was listed in opposition. The committee noted there were many written testimonies and no immediate vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 1928 on the deposit beverage container recycling program. The Department of Health stood on written testimony. The Solid Waste Task Force of Hawaii Environmental Change Agents and Upstream supported the bill but urged amendments to better integrate reuse and reusables, strengthen enforcement, clarify definitions, and protect existing redemption centers. The Hawaii Food Industry Association supported the concept of a backdrop program but preferred strengthening the existing program and raised concerns about undefined fees, existing infrastructure, and future audit costs. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supported the bill, and the chair said the measure needs work and that decision-making would occur in a few days. Finally, the committee took up HB 979 on environmental review and HB 1650 on environmental assessments. For HB 979, OPSD offered amendments, HCDA supported the bill but suggested clarifying the affordable-housing definition, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative supported it, and Earthjustice was asked about the court process for environmental challenges; the chair asked about shortening the challenge period and the relationship between environmental court, the intermediate court of appeals, and the Supreme Court. For HB 1650, OPSD and the State Historic Preservation Division stood on written testimony, OHA asked to retain historic sites, and several groups and individuals testified in support or opposition. Opponents argued that removing Wiki special district and historic sites from Chapter 343 trigger language would weaken environmental review and risk impacts to iwi kūpuna and historic resources.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/11/2026 - House Appropriations

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • In rural Arizona, we are in desperate need of affordable housing.
  • So that was a goal or mark of how much affordable housing you will bring in.
  • Most efficient way to increase the availability of affordable housing.
  • , out of homes that they could no longer afford to maintain.
  • them, and so they’re moving into lower affordable housing.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Capital Budget Feb 26th, 2026 at 09:00 am

Capital Budget

Transcript Highlights:
  • This particular budget has a strong emphasis on affordable housing.
  • This particular budget has a strong emphasis on affordable housing.
  • Climate Commitment Act dollars and our investments there, as well as trying to create much more affordability
Bills: HB2295
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Capital Budget Feb 24th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Capital Budget

Transcript Highlights:
  • We appreciate your robust investment in affordable home ownership in the Housing Trust Fund.
  • Chair Tharinger, we are sending loving, healing energy, and Vice Chair, and members of the committee.
  • Chair Tharinger, we are sending loving, healing energy, and Vice Chair, and members of the committee.
  • The Housing Trust Fund is the backbone of Washington's affordable housing system.
  • Preserving the affordable homes we already have is just as important as building new ones.
Bills: HB2295
Summary: The Capital Budget Committee held a hearing on proposed substitute HB 2295, the supplemental capital budget. Staff briefed the committee that the proposal totals nearly $911 million in spending, including about $400 million in bonds and significant new Climate Commitment Act funding, with major investments in housing and homelessness, K-12 construction, human services facilities, and clean energy/decarbonization projects. The chair noted the hearing would be run at one minute per testifier due to the large number of speakers. Testimony was broadly supportive of the House proposal, with many witnesses asking the committee to preserve or increase specific items in final negotiations. Speakers highlighted funding for affordable housing and homeownership, weatherization, manufactured housing preservation, early learning facilities, behavioral health and substance use treatment, school modernization and seismic safety, community health hubs, and tribal and local infrastructure projects. Several tribal, local government, and nonprofit representatives thanked the committee for projects such as the Quinault tribal courthouse replacement, Thurston County’s justice center request, the Skokomish land return, community forests, and floodplain restoration, while urging continued support in conference with the Senate. Other testimony focused on project-specific requests, including Cascadia College’s next building, Eastern Washington University’s solar array and maintenance needs, WSU deferred maintenance and health education space, the Port of Tacoma’s cleanup grant language, and the City of Kent’s request for rooftop solar funding. Environmental and climate advocates supported investments in flood resilience, clean energy, and CCA-funded programs, while some cautioned against using CCA dollars to backfill existing obligations. At the close of the hearing, the chair said the committee would not take amendments, would work on a technical fix striker, and planned to vote the bipartisan capital budget out on Thursday.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Jan 27th, 2026 at 01:42 pm

Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's tied to affordable multifamily housing.
  • About 70% of that 42,000 is actually on the affordability scale.
  • The units being developed need to be affordable, and the buyer is a qualifying grantee under the Affordable
  • I love that the FIR says that twice, both in terms of affordability, requiring that the affordability
  • needs to be affordable. 100% can be affordable, but they have or more, the project needs to be affordable
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

WAL Public Hearing - Tue Feb 17, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST

Water & Land

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><01:13:16.480><c> for</c> policies that make Hawaii affordable for policies that make Hawaii affordable
  • Um, as you can can afford to stay here.
  • Next, we have Hawaii Solar Energy Association.
  • Next, we have Hawaii Solar Energy Association.
  • Um and I also see, affordable housing.
Summary: The committee heard HB 1817, which would create a daily bag limit for amaa/ama fish to protect Hawaii’s fisheries. DLNR said the biggest stressor on amaa populations is diversion of freshwater flows that cut off food sources for juvenile fish, and suggested that place-by-place rulemaking with fishers and stakeholders would be the most effective approach. A teacher and several Waialua Elementary students testified in strong support, describing research on declining catch data, cultural importance, and the need to preserve the fish for future generations. Other supporters said the fish is being outcompeted by invasive species and cited historical declines, including testimony that bag limits in Hilo Bay have helped increase populations. Committee members asked DLNR about traditional and cultural gathering rights, whether the bill’s bag limit would apply to native Hawaiian practices, and whether the limit was 10 per day or per season. DLNR said constitutional Hawaiian practices are protected, but also noted that if the bag limit is set in statute it would limit the department’s flexibility to tailor rules by area. Members also asked about other conservation efforts, and DLNR said fish pond revitalization and amaa production are underway statewide. One member raised concern that a statewide statutory limit might not fit conditions on every island, and DLNR said it has authority to adopt area-specific rules through rulemaking, though that process can take months to more than a year. The committee then moved to HP 206, an appropriations measure for the City and County of Honolulu involving school land transfers, and HP 266B relating to Banyan Drive. On HP 206, the county said the request is a one-time item and estimated costs were about $3.25 million, with the city and county already spending more than $350,000 on the transfers. On HP 266B, HCDA said it is conducting a master planning effort for Banyan Drive and plans a community visioning exercise this summer. Testimony from the Banyan Drive redevelopment agency emphasized the need for more flexible land-tenure rules, while OHA supported the bill with amendments to include cultural specialists and lineal descendants in the redevelopment process and to protect ceded lands. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CPC Public Hearing - Wed Mar 4, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Consumer Protection & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • affordable is this bill.
  • 59.680><c> in</c> Hawaii Solar Energy Association in Hawaii Solar Energy Association in support.
  • affordable is this bill.
  • affordable is this bill.
  • affordable is this bill.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1984 HD2, which would require government entities issuing building permits to create a self-certification process for certain behind-the-meter rooftop solar and energy storage systems, allowing approved applicants to proceed without waiting for standard permit review. The Public Utilities Commission and DLNR offered comments, and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Holoholo Energy, Photon Works Engineering, Malama Solar, RevoluSun, and others testified in strong support. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, lower costs, and help meet Hawaii’s renewable energy goals while still relying on licensed engineers, electricians, and county inspections for safety. Committee members asked about risk, existing county pilot programs, and whether self-certification had been used before; witnesses said the professional liability remains with licensed signers and that current automated review systems often flag minor issues that slow projects. The committee also noted 16 additional written testimonies in support. The committee then took up HB 1593 HD1, which would require HHFDC-financed affordable rental housing projects to allow residents to own or keep common household pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society testified that the bill is a top priority because housing restrictions are a major reason pets are surrendered and because many unhoused residents with pets avoid housing that does not allow animals. In response to questions, the Humane Society said concerns about pet-related damage are overstated, suggested pet behavior screening as a safeguard, and said it would be willing to work on broader private-market pet-friendly housing policies. Members raised concerns about whether allowing pets in public housing could create problems for residents who later transition to the private market, and the witness said California has a similar law and no major negative effects had been identified. Finally, the committee heard HB 2423 HD2, which would require that by January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in Hawaii for on-highway vehicles contain at least 5% biodiesel by volume. The Hawaii State Energy Office offered comments, and Hawaii Transportation Association and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies testified in support. Pacific Biodiesel argued the mandate would improve energy security, stabilize fuel prices amid global supply disruptions, and support local clean-fuel production. In response to questions, the company said its nameplate capacity is 5.5 million gallons per year and it has produced over 6 million gallons annually, but much of its output is tied up in standby generator contracts that can fluctuate. Witnesses said the mandate would provide a stable market signal and could support future investment in expanded local biodiesel production, including agricultural feedstock development and a possible second refinery. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session Feb 19th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Resolution 114 by Menendez, recognizing February. 19th 2025 as Texas Affiliation of Affordable
  • state I see here in the West gallery if they they can stand up, members of the Texas Affiliation of Affordable
  • And it is a shared priority for all of us in this state to find ways to provide people safe. affordable
  • Since 1997 they have been an important partner to advocates of affordable housing across the state.
  • Glad to have you and I hope you have a great day telling people about the importance of affordable housing
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Feb 5th, 2026 at 04:18 pm

Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • Now affordability is the barrier.
  • Not every household can afford the access that we are building to provide.
  • We would like to see that the affordable program be opened up to non-ETCs.
  • We would like to see that the affordable program be opened up to non-ETCs.
  • other energy resources.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/12/2026 - House Rural Economic Development

Rural Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • So it's going to help support and uphold affordable housing.
  • Affordable projects make up a very small percentage of overall housing builds.
  • Affordable projects make up a very small percentage of overall housing builds.
  • A county attorney provides you a lawyer if you cannot afford one on your own.
  • And she said, and I quote, A lawyer if you cannot afford one on your own.