Transcript Highlights:

• And plus, we also service the Asian market, which does pretty well.
• So we're looking at hopefully we could stabilize that market.
• But it's going to, I think, be very exciting in the global market.
• Establishing this program now sends a clear market signal.
• So it's a tough market to enter.

Bills: SB5816, SB5971

Keywords: juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, green fertilizer, low-carbon, sustainability, incentive program, 904, all

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5816, which would add juice grapes to Washington’s Agricultural Marketing and Fair Practices Act so grape producers could form an accredited association to negotiate with processors. Staff explained the bill’s negotiation timelines and a modest fiscal note. Senator Torres said the measure was intended to help juice grape growers obtain fairer prices, and the sole testifier, a third-generation grower, described large price gaps between Washington and New York, limited buyer options, and little ability to negotiate before harvest. The public hearing closed with 47 people signed in pro and one con. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5971, which would create a green fertilizer incentive program for low-carbon nitrogen fertilizer production and use in Washington. Staff described the bill’s 80 percent emissions-reduction standard, rulemaking timeline, and fiscal note. Senator Benke and supporters from the Tri-Cities, Atlas Agro, NRDC, labor, ports, and agricultural groups argued the program could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, stabilize fertilizer supply and prices, support jobs, and help Washington compete for federal clean hydrogen tax credits. WSDA said the bill was implementable with consultation and that the Climate Commitment Act could be a funding source, while noting rulemaking costs. Testimony also included support from the League of Women Voters, the Washington State Potato Commission, and a potato farmer. The public hearing closed with 202 pro, 737 con, and one other comment. The work session focused on commercial shellfish fee increases adopted by the Department of Health. The department explained that fees had not been raised for many years, that general fund support had declined, and that the new structure is intended to move toward full cost recovery in phases, with the first year set at 50 percent of the increase and further rulemaking underway to examine impacts on small businesses. Shellfish growers and industry representatives strongly opposed the increases, saying the fee calculations were confusing, the increases were extreme for small farms and processors, and the department had not fully implemented recommendations from the Green Economics report, including possible efficiencies and shifting biotoxin testing costs to the state. Several testified that the new fees could force closures, consolidation, or reduced operations. Committee members questioned the size of the increases, the fee methodology, and whether the legislature had contributed to the problem by relying on general fund backfill in prior years.

Transcript Highlights:

• market.
• using a rate schedule or utility-specific carbon intensity.
• And they said, no, it's a carbon number. So I like the sports team analogy.
• New formulas are blending low-carbon cement into traditional...
• Control price signals from global markets. We can't.

Bills: SB6172, SB6246, SB5932

Keywords: Washington climate policy, greenhouse gas, GHG emissions, cap-and-invest, carbon market, emissions trading, allowances, covered entity, coal-fired power plant, coal plant, electric utility, electric generating facility, fossil fuels, natural gas, imported electricity, emissions leakage, air pollution, renewable energy transition, industrial emissions, railroad emissions

Summary: The Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee heard public testimony on three bills. SB 6246 would direct Ecology to recommend a long-term allowance allocation approach for emissions-intensive trade-exposed facilities under the Climate Commitment Act, require facility-specific emissions and decarbonization reporting, and condition future no-cost allowances on those submissions. Supporters said the bill preserves the CCA’s anti-leakage intent while improving accountability and planning for industrial decarbonization; opponents argued it adds burdens, may threaten competitiveness, and could worsen leakage or job losses. Ecology said it generally supports the bill’s approach but recommended streamlining duplicative reporting and noted the work would require significant agency resources. No vote was taken. SB 5932 would provide certainty for low-to-zero-carbon alternative jet fuel production by changing how electricity carbon intensity is calculated for SAF facilities under the Clean Fuels Program and by setting an earlier trigger date for SAF tax preferences, July 1, 2031, if the production threshold is not met first. The bill’s sponsor and industry witnesses from 12 and the City of Moses Lake said it would support investment in Washington’s first SAF facility and future expansion. Ecology and climate advocates opposed the Clean Fuels Program changes, saying they would weaken incentives for new renewable electricity and could increase pollution or create special treatment for one fuel, though Ecology said it had no position on the 2031 tax date. The committee heard extensive testimony but took no vote. SB 6172 would end remaining statutory preferences for a coal-fired generating plant after its scheduled closure date, including the cap-and-invest exemption, limits on additional state emission standards, and a sales tax exemption for coal used at the plant. The sponsor said the bill simply removes now-unneeded transition provisions and affirms Washington’s move away from coal. Environmental groups strongly supported the bill, while utility and business witnesses were generally neutral but raised concerns about possible allowance-market impacts and potential costs to ratepayers if the plant were ever called on in an emergency. The hearing closed without a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 5932 relates to providing certainty for low-to-zero-carbon alternative jet fuel production
• As a reminder, the bill directs Ecology to apply a carbon intensity in the Clean Fuels Program for electricity
• Senator Lees, which removes the section and associated intent language regarding modifying Ecology's carbon
• opportunity, have a level playing field and competitive nature with other states that we're seeing in this market
• We're seeing in this market as well. Urge a yes vote. I'm going to ask for a no vote.

Bills: SB6124, SB6171, SB6284, SB5609, SB6172, SB6246, SB5932, SB6269, SB6223, SB5975

Keywords: appliance affordability, cost index, energy efficiency, consumer protection, Washington state, energy facilities, large energy consumers, regulation, environment, sustainability, artificial intelligence, data privacy, technological impacts, cultural resources, land use, environmental policy, exemptions, state laws, Washington climate policy, greenhouse gas

Summary: The Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee took executive action on 11 bills, with staff briefing each measure and members considering multiple proposed substitutes and amendments. The committee advanced bills on an Appliance Affordability Index study (SB 624), emerging large energy use facilities/data centers (SB 6171), AI systems (SB 6284), cultural resource protection under SEPA (SB 5609), coal plant treatment under cap-and-invest and tax law (SB 6172), emissions-intensive trade-exposed facilities (SB 6246), low-to-zero-carbon alternative jet fuel production (SB 5932), motor fuel definitions (SB 6269), community-scaled weatherization projects (SB 6223), lead in cookware (SB 5975), and electric transmission system modernization (SB 5466). Several bills were described as technical or policy updates tied to climate, energy reliability, consumer protection, and land-use review. Members debated a number of substantive changes. On SB 6171, the committee rejected an amendment to remove the proposed fee on data centers and instead advanced a substitute that retained tariff, reporting, and utility-related provisions; testimony emphasized both competitiveness for data centers and ratepayer protection. On SB 6284, the committee advanced a substitute that refined definitions, added human-consideration language, extended risk-management duties to developers with exemptions for smaller entities and certain sectors, and clarified enforcement. On SB 5609, an amendment to delay or restructure cultural-resource requirements was not adopted, and the committee moved forward a substitute requiring local ordinances and a governor-led task force; supporters stressed protecting irreplaceable cultural resources, while opponents raised housing and implementation concerns. The committee also adopted an amendment to SB 6172 related to emergency DOE orders for a coal facility, then advanced the bill; it moved SB 6246 forward without amendment; and it adopted a substitute for SB 5932 intended to preserve tax incentive certainty for alternative jet fuel producers over a 10-year period. For SB 5975, the committee rejected one substitute and adopted another that tightened lead restrictions in cookware and shifted future regulation to the Safer Products Program. On SB 5466, the committee rejected several amendments on wildfire risk, corridor planning, landowner consultation, eminent domain, and liability, then advanced the proposed second substitute to Ways and Means. Most bills were reported out of committee with due pass recommendations, several to Ways and Means and others to Rules, and the meeting adjourned after all executive actions were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, it is the most effective policy to reduce carbon emissions because it corrects an existing market
• Uh, carbon cashback does not cut carbon emissions.
• Uh, they use Sweden as an example of how they've reduced carbon emissions by having a carbon tax, but
• </c> does not uh cut carbon emissions. does not uh cut carbon emissions.
• </c> a lot and this is the carbon cash back. a lot and this is the carbon cash back.

Bills: SB2309, SB2317, SB2318, SB2319, SB2321, SB2323, SB2332, SB2405, SB2485

Keywords: agricultural loans, financial support, Hawaii agriculture, food security, revolving fund, agriculture, insurance, small producers, state support, biosecurity, farm coverage, public-private partnerships, agricultural policy, agricultural statistics, data collection, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, economic analysis, market development, grant funding, climate resiliency

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related measures, beginning with SB 2309, which would require the agricultural loan division to sell portions of its loan portfolio and use the proceeds to expand the agriculture loan revolving fund. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the bill, along with several other organizations and individuals. A committee question focused on the risk of not finding a qualified buyer for the loan portfolio; DAB said a mandatory sale of the full amount could force a less favorable rate, while flexibility to sell different amounts could produce a more equitable return. The measure drew eight supporters and no opposition. The committee then took up SB 2317, which directs DAB to study insurance coverage for small producers and report back to the Legislature. DAB and multiple farm groups supported the bill. In response to a question about cost, DAB estimated about $250,000 would be needed, with the study likely covering crop, health, and liability insurance. The next measure, SB 2318, would establish an agriculture statistics program in statute. DAB said it strongly supported the bill and could ramp up quickly if positions were provided; the committee discussed whether a first report could be completed by year’s end if the bill became law midyear, and DAB said yes. SB 2319, which would fund and make permanent a full-time grant writer position at DAB, also drew strong support from DAB, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Ulupono Initiative, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, the local food coalition, and others, with testifiers emphasizing the position’s return on investment and success in bringing in federal funds. The committee also heard SB 2321, establishing a two-year pilot program to respond to the twoline spittlebug. DAB, ranching groups, and many others supported the bill, citing the pest’s spread and the need to act before it becomes unmanageable. A DAB pest control manager said he would need to research past response details and provide them later. Members emphasized the importance of early intervention. For SB 2323, which creates a farmland transition commission to study barriers to farmland access and recommend solutions, DAB offered comments and support for the intent, while farm groups generally supported the concept but raised concerns about the proposed age range and whether a separate commission was necessary. DAB said the Board of Agriculture likely would not have the capacity to perform the commission’s duties and estimated there would be costs to establish it, though no figure was available at the hearing. Finally, the committee heard SB 2332, which reestablishes the agriculture and food security special fund, creates a carbon emissions tax and dividend fund, gradually raises carbon-related tax rates, and provides a refundable carbon cashback credit. DAB supported the measure and deferred to Taxation on details; the Department of Taxation said it would stand on its comments, and the Attorney General’s office offered comments and recommendations. Carbon Cashback Hawaii and the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development supported the bill, arguing it would reduce emissions, protect lower-income households, and be relatively simple to administer.

Transcript Highlights:

• It emits carbon dioxide.
• , the low-carbon portfolio, or the...
• Say the carbon, the low-carbon portfolio, or the zero-carbon portfolio, or what it says is renewable.
• And that is intended to be an offset, a carbon emission offset equivalent to the carbon emissions being
• As far as carbon emission, you know, carbon-burning, you know, carbon-burning climate-killing fuels,

Bills: SB78, SB235, SB22, SB310

Keywords: nuclear energy, renewable energy, sustainability, carbon emissions, energy regulation, microgrid, zero carbon resources, Public Regulation Commission, energy generation, electric utilities, motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 78, which would classify nuclear energy as renewable energy. Senator Thornton and supporters argued that New Mexico needs dispatchable, baseload power and that nuclear should be added to the state’s renewable portfolio standard because wind and solar are intermittent and require extensive land, mining, and battery storage. Supporters also emphasized nuclear’s zero-carbon profile, the safety record of U.S. Navy reactors, the possibility of small modular reactors, and the fact that New Mexico already uses nuclear-generated electricity from out of state. Opponents, including Senator O’Malley and Senator Charlie, argued nuclear is not renewable because it relies on finite uranium and creates long-lived radioactive waste, and they raised concerns about uranium mining impacts, waste storage, and the bill’s lack of a limiting principle. The committee voted 5-4 to do not pass the bill, with Senators Cervantes, Hamblen, O’Malley, Lopez, and Charlie voting yes on the do-not-pass motion and Senators Ezell, Scott, and Thornton voting no; the chair then explained that the vote reflected disagreement over whether nuclear should be labeled renewable, not opposition to nuclear power itself. The committee then heard Senate Bill 235, the Microgrid Oversight Act, with a committee substitute. Sponsor Senator Steinborn said the substitute would restore existing renewable benchmarks for microgrids, require large microgrids to meet zero-carbon targets by 2045, add reporting and PRC oversight, and close a loophole that could let utilities buy microgrid power and shift costs to ratepayers. Supporters, including environmental groups and community advocates, said the bill was needed to regulate large data-center microgrids such as Project Jupiter in Doña Ana County, which they said could drive major emissions, ozone, and nitrogen oxide pollution, strain water supplies, and undermine state climate goals. They also argued the bill would protect ratepayers and ensure transparency and community benefits. Opponents, including Americans for Prosperity, the Chamber of Commerce, oil and gas associations, Xcel Energy, PNM, Consumer Energy Alliance, and economic development groups, argued the bill would impose unnecessary regulation on private microgrids, slow investment, raise costs, and reduce flexibility for reliability projects and industrial development. They said microgrids are already regulated for safety and interconnection, and that the bill could discourage projects in New Mexico. In response, Steinborn said the bill was necessary because current law leaves a loophole for large polluting microgrids and because several major projects are already planned or underway. The committee heard extensive public testimony on both sides, but the transcript ends before a final vote on SB 235 is taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• It emits carbon dioxide.
• Zero carbon emissions.
• , the low-carbon portfolio or the...
• Say the carbon, the low-carbon portfolio, or the zero-carbon portfolio, or what it says is renewable.
• And that is intended to be an offset, a carbon emission offset equivalent to the carbon emissions being

Bills: SB78, SB235, SB22, SB310

Keywords: nuclear energy, renewable energy, sustainability, carbon emissions, energy regulation, microgrid, zero carbon resources, Public Regulation Commission, energy generation, electric utilities, motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County

Transcript Highlights:

• As Representative Hepburnon stated, other community solar markets have already implemented this, particularly
• They compared those projects before net crediting existed, when it was a dual-bill market like Delaware
• Wetlands are powerful carbon storage systems.

Bills: SB9

Keywords: wetlands protection, nontidal wetlands, Delaware, environmental sustainability, climate change, carbon sink, permitting process

Summary: The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met and first considered SB 321 with Senate Amendment 1, the community solar utility billing bill. The sponsor explained that it would consolidate the two-bill system for community solar subscribers into one utility bill, with the utility forwarding the subscriber fee to the solar facility through an escrow mechanism so costs are not shifted to other ratepayers. Testimony from the solar industry, the Public Advocate, and environmental advocates supported the measure, emphasizing easier enrollment, fewer barriers for low-income customers, and guaranteed savings. The committee initially lacked enough members present to release the bill, but after a roll call vote it was released from committee. The committee then heard SB 9 with Senate Amendment 1, a wetlands protection bill creating a state non-tidal freshwater wetlands permitting program. The sponsor and DNREC described a framework of exemptions, general permits, and individual permits based on wetland type and value, with an advisory committee to develop regulations. Witnesses explained that “exceptional value” wetlands would include unique wetland communities and high-functioning wetlands, and that the bill was intended to preserve important habitat while allowing farming, drainage, and other exempt activities to continue. Some members raised concerns about flooding, land classification, and the balance of the advisory committee, while supporters said the bill was the product of broad stakeholder consensus and would protect wetlands without unduly harming agriculture or development. Public comment on SB 9 was strongly supportive from environmental groups, the Delaware Native Species Commission, the Home Builders Association, the Farm Bureau, The Nature Conservancy, and affordable housing advocates, who said the bill balanced conservation with practical land use concerns. After remote testimony, the committee took a roll call vote and SB 9 was released from committee. The meeting concluded with remarks thanking the chair for her service and instructions for members to sign the backers before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• As Representative Hepburnon stated, other community solar markets have already implemented this, particularly
• For that, we compared those projects before net crediting existed, when it was a dual-bill market like
• Wetlands are powerful carbon storage systems.

Bills: SB9

Keywords: wetlands protection, nontidal wetlands, Delaware, environmental sustainability, climate change, carbon sink, permitting process

Summary: The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met to consider two Senate bills. SB 321, with Senate Amendment 1, would change community solar billing so subscribers receive one consolidated utility bill instead of separate bills from the utility and the solar provider. Supporters said the bill would simplify enrollment and payment, improve customer retention—especially for low-income customers—and include safeguards such as guaranteed savings and an escrow mechanism to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers. After public testimony from solar developers, the Public Advocate, the Sierra Club, and others, the committee initially lacked enough members present to release the bill, so the vote was circulated to absent members and the bill was later reported out for floor action. The committee then heard SB 9, with Senate Amendment 1, a long-negotiated wetlands protection bill. The sponsor and DNREC explained that it would create a state non-tidal wetlands program with exemptions for certain agricultural, conservation, and routine activities, general permits for some lower-impact projects, and individual permits for higher-value wetlands. Witnesses described the bill as a compromise among environmental, agricultural, development, and local government stakeholders, while some members raised questions about flooding, landowner impacts, wetland delineation, and the role of the regulatory advisory committee. Public testimony was broadly supportive from environmental groups, the Farm Bureau, builders, engineers, and affordable housing advocates. The committee then voted to release SB 9 from committee. At the end of the meeting, members offered thanks and remarks recognizing the chair’s service and leadership on environmental and energy issues. Both bills were ultimately released from committee and reported out.

Transcript Highlights:

• Players in the market.
• That's why last year they essentially rescinded their carbon cash back, their version of carbon cash
• But Canadian of carbon cash back.
• Finally, carbon cash back is based on an unproven theory that carbon taxes will reduce carbon emissions
• Finally, carbon cash back is based on an unproven theory that carbon taxes will reduce carbon emissions

Bills: HB1617

Keywords: carbon emissions, tax credit, fossil fuel, agriculture, food security, environmental tax, greenhouse gas, 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on HB 1949, which would create a public dashboard for the green fee to improve transparency and accountability. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, and many community and conservation groups was generally supportive, with several speakers urging that the governor’s project recommendations remain largely intact and that community-driven projects continue to guide spending. One amendment was suggested to place the dashboard at the Department of Budget and Finance for fiscal expertise, while other testimony favored keeping it with the commission. Members asked about procurement, ETS involvement, recurring hosting costs, and whether the dashboard could be funded from green fee revenues; the commission said it could work with ETS and that green fee funds could reasonably be used. The committees then voted to pass HB 1949 with amendments. The committees also heard HB 2618, which would require the governor to submit a separate bill for amounts tied to any increase in the transient accommodations tax and, in later discussion, was expanded into a broader restructuring of future green fee allocations. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, and others supported the bill and emphasized the value of more predictable, dedicated funding for conservation and climate-related work. During decision-making, the chair described amendments creating several special funds under DLNR, including a watershed biodiversity and wildfire risk reduction fund, an aquatic resources conservation fund, a coastal restoration fund, a cesspool conversion revolving loan fund, and a green fee special fund for remaining revenues, with recommended amounts discussed for some of the funds. The committees voted to pass HB 2618 with amendments. The hearing then moved to HB 1644, a consumer protection measure for residential solar sales that would require compliance with consumer protection laws, licensing or contractor affiliation for sellers, and a standardized disclosure form. Testimony in support came from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and several solar companies and individuals. Supporters said the bill would address complaints about third-party sales practices and improve disclosure, especially around financing. The committee then began hearing HB 2243, which would require electric utilities to provide public, electronic customer bill impact analyses and annual reports to the Public Utilities Commission; the Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC offered comments supporting the measure’s intent.

Bills: HF9

Keywords: energy policy, renewable energy standard, carbon-free standard, solar standard, hydroelectric, hydropower, electric utility, Public Utilities Commission, PUC, renewable portfolio standard, carbon capture and sequestration, CCS, greenhouse gas emissions, climate policy, nuclear power plant, certificate of need, fossil fuel plant demolition, utility compliance delay, beneficial electrification, sales tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• vote in November for a constitutional amendment to either be for, uh, allowing Class 6 gas wells or carbon
• </c><00:09:21.519><c> gas</c><00:09:21.839><c> whale</c><00:09:22.240><c> or</c><00:09:22.800><c> carbon
• </c><00:09:23.279><c> dioxide</c> class 6 gas whale or carbon dioxide class 6 gas whale or carbon dioxide

Bills: SB266, SB287, SB266, SB287

Keywords: contract review, legislative oversight, state agencies, funding transparency, professional services, Sheriff, Barbour County, law enforcement, qualifications, training, executive education, Covington County, Alabama constitutional amendment, local amendment, carbon dioxide sequestration, carbon capture and storage, CCS, Class VI well, underground injection well, Underground Injection Control Program

Transcript Highlights:

• that we have the possibility to bring in, the little underexposed markets, and do the same thing with
• to bring in the little the little to bring in the little the little underexposed<01:01:27.520><c> markets
• > and</c><01:01:28.960><c> do</c><01:01:29.200><c> the</c><01:01:29.440><c> same</c> underexposed markets
• and do the same underexposed markets and do the same thing<01:01:29.839><c> with</c><01:01:30.160><c
• </c> opportunities, what are their market opportunities, what are their market needs.<01:01:50.559><c

Bills: HB0116, HB0056

Keywords: water rights, beneficial use, industrial production, hydrogen, applications, public welfare, carbon capture, energy standards, public utilities, environmental regulation, state law, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that jet the markets are for.
• </c> So the market definitely has changed. So the market definitely has changed.
• I'll take questions. of low carbon standards. of low carbon standards.
• </c> low-carbon energy. low-carbon energy.
• <01:08:33.799><c> capture</c><01:08:34.880><c> methodologies</c> carbon capture methodologies carbon

Bills: HB0116, HB0056

Keywords: water rights, beneficial use, industrial production, hydrogen, applications, public welfare, carbon capture, energy standards, public utilities, environmental regulation, state law, 916, all

Bills: HB393, HB61

Keywords: tax abatement, incentive programs, NAICS code, economic development, business, Covington County, carbon dioxide, underground wells, nonhazardous fluids, environmental protection, constitutional amendment, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 5816 adds juice grapes to the Washington Agricultural Marketing and Fair Practices Act.

Bills: SB5816, SB5838, SB5930, SB5960, SB5971, SB6075, SB6097, SB6104, SB6216, SB6233, SB6318, SJM8015

Keywords: juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, tribal representation, natural resources, board of natural resources, environmental policy, community involvement, irrigation districts, director contracts, beneficial interests, transparency, governance, ungulate populations, wildlife management, habitat restoration, conservation, sustainability

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard staff reports on a series of bills covering agricultural marketing, tribal representation on the Board of Natural Resources, irrigation district ethics, ungulate population management, a green fertilizer incentive program, agricultural mitigation and impact statements, conservation futures participation by tribes, timber sale efficiencies, wildlife penalty assessments, shellfish fees, and a joint memorial on federal wildfire response. Staff outlined fiscal notes and several proposed substitutes or amendments, including changes to tribal board representation, limits on the green fertilizer program, and revisions to the agriculture protection bill. During executive session, the committee adopted a proposed substitute for SB 5838 after rejecting amendments that would have required tribal board members to have forest-management experience or would have alternated representation between eastern and western Washington. The committee also adopted substitutes for SB 5971 and SB 6097, and advanced SB 5816, 5971, 6097, 6216, 6233, 6318, and SJM 8015. SB 5930, SB 5960, SB 6075, and SB 6104 were taken no action on. SB 6233 drew discussion about possible unintended consequences and the need for clearer definitions, while SB 6318 was supported as a way to avoid fees that could harm shellfish growers. Several members explained their votes, particularly on SB 5838, where concerns were raised about conflicts of interest and the need for relevant forestry expertise on the Board of Natural Resources. On SB 6233, supporters said the bill updated penalty amounts tied to endangered species enforcement, while opponents wanted more specificity. The committee concluded that all listed executive-session items had been either moved forward or dropped, and the meeting adjourned after the board signing process.

Bills: SB1333, SB1191, SB1439, SB1314, SB1509, SB1319, SB1346, SB1613

Keywords: water infrastructure, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, revolving fund, grants, environmental compliance, SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, fossil fuels

Summary: The Oklahoma Senate convened, the clerk called the roll, and a quorum was declared. The session opened with prayer, followed by a gallery introduction recognizing the Convention of States Organization and related guests in the North Gallery for Capital Freedom Day and the 250th anniversary of the nation. The Senate also granted unanimous consent for an entourage to come to the floor. Senator Bullard presented a citation of valor honoring multiple law enforcement officers from Atoka County, Stringtown, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and Tulsa Police Department for their response to a dangerous May 2025 incident involving a high-speed pursuit and armed confrontation. The citation praised their courage, coordination, and actions that helped protect civilians and resolve the situation safely. The Senate extended its gratitude to the officers, and members of law enforcement present were recognized on the floor. Several floor introductions and announcements followed, including recognition of a UCO student intern, Senator Alvord’s mother-in-law, and caucus and committee notices. Announcements included Republican caucus meeting plans, committee meetings for Business and Insurance and Energy, a Diabetes Caucus meeting, a Women’s Caucus social event, and a note that the Senate won the prior day’s blood drive competition. No legislation was debated or voted on, and the Senate adopted a motion to adjourn until Monday, February 9, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota's carbon-free by 2040 statute provides an existing framework for transitioning to carbon-free
• Data centers are developed by market, not on a project-specific basis.
• Some will claim positions on businesses operating in the free market. There's no free market here.
• their inter-regional market.
• Lastly, I'll just add that the carbon reduction will deliver a carbon-neutral building in this urban

Bills: HF2928, HF2912, HF2297

Keywords: water appropriation, data centers, environmental review, energy conservation, permit application, carbon-free energy, geothermal energy, renewable energy, Macalester College, appropriation, sustainability, solar energy, pollinator programs, license plates, agrivoltaics, environmental sustainability

Transcript Highlights:

• In a new market like distributed.
• </c> that this type the level of carbon that this type the level of carbon accounting<00:42:44.160><c
• their interregional market.
• Um, the path to carbon heating.
• :59:36.480><c> a</c> uh carbon reduction will deliver a uh carbon reduction will deliver a carbon<00:

Bills: HF2928, HF2912, HF2297

Keywords: water appropriation, data centers, environmental review, energy conservation, permit application, carbon-free energy, geothermal energy, renewable energy, Macalester College, appropriation, sustainability, solar energy, pollinator programs, license plates, agrivoltaics, environmental sustainability, 1183, house

Bills: SB1333, SB1191, SB1439, SB1314, SB1509, SB1319, SB1346, SB1613

Keywords: water infrastructure, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, revolving fund, grants, environmental compliance, SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, fossil fuels

Transcript Highlights:

• We adopted the Low Carbon Energy Initiative In 2012, and we formed this board to sort of oversee and
• We're not doing anything to undo any of the work of the Low Carbon Initiative Act itself.
• To you, to simply remove that board but without tampering with the Low Carbon Initiative Act at all.

Bills: SB1191, SB1314, SB1319, SB1333, SB1346, SB1439, SB1509, SB1510, SB1613

Keywords: SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, groundwater, indemnity fund, well drilling, pollution prevention, regulatory compliance, SB1319