Video & Transcript Research : 'environment'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/10/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Keywords:
energy efficiency, construction standards, building codes, environment, sustainability, 1183, house
TX
Bills:
HB5085
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WLA-HWN, WLA-HOU, WLA Public Hearings 04-17-2026
Water, Land, Culture and the Arts
Transcript Highlights:
- my work with those groups is that the health of our forests affects every single aspect of our environment
- <00:19:31.520>
our affects every single aspect of our affects every single aspect of our environment - . and ultimately the health environment. and ultimately the health and<00:19:34.240>
the <00:19 - I just want to emphasize that healthy forests are a foundation to sustaining Hawaii's environment, and
- Hawaii's environment and I fully believe Hawaii's environment and I fully believe that<00:21:23.440><
Bills:
HCR31
Keywords:
rangelands, pastoralists, Hawaii, livestock, environment, sustainability, ecosystem services, Paniolo traditions, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The joint committees on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts and Housing first heard HCR 85, which urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources to transfer parcels in the East Oahu area. DLNR, OPSD, HHFDC, and HCDA testified, and the chairs noted an intent to keep revenues from the lands with DLNR while agencies collaborate until parcels are ready for substantive transfer. Both committees then voted to pass the measure as is, with the recommendation adopted.
The committees also heard HCR 101 and HCR 166. HCR 101 was recommended to pass unamended and was adopted by both the Hawaiian Affairs and Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committees. HCR 166, which asks DLNR to identify state lands in East Oahu suitable for planting native Hawaiian trees, received no opposition in testimony and was also recommended and adopted unamended by both committees.
Later, the Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committee took up several resolutions. HCR 36, establishing a sister-state relationship with Okayama, Japan, drew support from DBED, which highlighted educational, agricultural, and airport-related opportunities, and the committee moved it forward. HCR 19, designating March as March for Water Month, was supported by the Board of Water Supply. HCR 162, creating an arts data mapping task force, received support from DBED and arts advocates, including the Hawaii Youth Symphony. HCR 61, urging investment in reforestation policies, workforce, and nursery capacity, drew broad support from DLNR and multiple community testifiers emphasizing climate resilience, native forests, and storm recovery.
The committee also heard HCR 106 on designating Waikīkī as a world surfing reserve, with support from the University of Hawaii, and HCR 14 on a perpetual non-exclusive easement for existing drainage improvements at Waikīkī, which DLNR said had already been approved by the board and only needed legislative passage to execute. HCR 178, concerning a county set-aside for East Maui public trust water resources, drew testimony from the East Maui Water Authority and others supporting local control and public stewardship, while HCR 179, directing the Aamoku Advisory Committee to follow its rules and comply with Sunshine Law, drew testimony both in support and urging amendments to preserve Aamoku’s independent, semi-autonomous role. Because quorum was not available, decision-making on the later measures was deferred to the end of the 3 p.m. agenda.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Environment Prot, Cons and Water Res - Room 409, 5 March, 2026; 9:30 A.M.
Environment Prot, Cons and Water Res
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Environment Prot, Cons and Water Res - Room 210, 2 February, 2026; 3:30 P.M.
Environment Prot, Cons and Water Res
Summary:
The committee first organized by electing Senator McClendon as secretary and adopting the chairman’s rules, with reconsideration motions allowed to be disposed of the same day they are entered. A quorum was confirmed present. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2418, which would prohibit geoengineering in the state by defining it as the intentional injection, release, or dispersion of chemicals or other substances into the atmosphere to affect temperature or sunlight. The bill sponsor said it was intended to safeguard public health and noted he had received constituent concerns and photographs of alleged chemtrails. Senators raised questions and proposed amendments, including one to exempt research by IHL centers and another to clarify that ordinary agricultural pesticide, herbicide, and fungicide use would not be affected. The committee adopted the research amendment and rejected the agriculture amendment, then reported the bill out as amended.
The committee next considered several Department of Environmental Quality bills. Senate Bill 2414 made cleanup changes to an advisory council by replacing a reference to the Mississippi Manufacturers Association with the Mississippi Business Alliance and adjusting the number of industry representatives; it was passed and reported. Senate Bill 2415 revised DEQ public hearing procedures to allow hearings in Hinds County, in the county or municipality where a permit is sought, or online, and removed a $10 water well permit fee; the committee adopted the committee substitute and reported the bill. Senate Bill 2760 removed a specific office reference in DEQ law to give the agency more flexibility in assigning staff and programs, and it was reported without opposition.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2761, described by DEQ as a modernization of the state’s lead-based paint program to align it with current and future federal law, similar to changes made last year for the asbestos program. That bill was reported out. The last measure, Senate Bill 2252, would authorize DEQ to consider permitting a commercial hazardous waste injection facility; the sponsor said the bill would only allow DEQ to evaluate and potentially permit such a facility, not require one, and that the agency remained neutral. After adopting a committee substitute, the committee voted to report the bill, and the meeting ended with a motion to rise and report.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The student union has long been an integral part of UTEP's learning environment, nurturing generations
- This bill helps ensure that the physical environment matches the mission and reflects the excellence,
Keywords:
special prosecutor, state law, criminal justice, accountability, law enforcement, stormwater management, counties, regulation, environment, water quality
Summary:
The Committee on Higher Education met to hear several bills and first corrected the minutes from its April 1, 2025 meeting to reflect that a committee substitute for HB 271 had been adopted before the bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 3326, which would help Texas higher education employees, especially adjunct faculty, qualify for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness by counting classroom hours toward full-time status, requiring institutions to verify employment within 60 days, and requiring annual notice to eligible employees. No witnesses testified against the bill, and it was left pending.
Members then heard HB 2853, authorizing UTEP to phase in a student union fee increase to fund demolition and reconstruction of its aging student union. Representative Perez and UTEP student and university witnesses said the current facility is outdated and insufficient for a campus of more than 25,000 students, while some members raised concerns about the size of the fee increase and its impact on low-income students. UTEP representatives said most students receive aid, the fee would be phased in over time, and the project was student-approved; the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4066, a one-line bill to abolish the Texas Research Incentive Program after the state cleared its backlog of matching obligations, with the author saying the program was no longer needed in light of newer research funding approaches. The bill was left pending.
The committee spent substantial time on HB 125, which would create the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Supporters, including Tarleton leadership, the founding dean, a rural hospital CEO, and a feasibility consultant, argued the school would address severe rural physician shortages by recruiting Texas and rural students, training them in rural settings, and developing new residency slots rather than competing for existing ones. Members asked about affordability, residency placement, and whether the school would draw students from rural Texas; Tarleton said it would seek to keep tuition and debt low, had already raised private donations, and would request $25 million in state support over the biennium. The bill was left pending.
Finally, the committee heard HB 42, which would increase the annual Higher Education Fund appropriation and adjust its allocation methodology. The chair and university witnesses described rising deferred maintenance, inflation, cybersecurity needs, and enrollment growth at HEAF-eligible institutions, with witnesses from Texas Tech, Sam Houston State, and UNT saying the additional funding would help address aging facilities and technology needs. After testimony, the committee left HB 42 pending and recessed.
MS
Mississippi 2025 Regular Session
Environment Prot, Cons and Water Res - Room 216, 17 March, 2025; 4:00 PM
MS
Mississippi 2025 Regular Session
Environment Prot, Cons and Water Res - Room 210; 30 January, 2025: 11:00 AM
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Conservation Feb 12th, 2026 at 09:03 am
Senate Conservation
Transcript Highlights:
- We are under an AOC order from the Environment Department for our discharge into the Mora River.
- So, for example, over the years, the Environment Department has conducted what are called TMDL studies
- Department, whenever they are specifically saying, And putting the onus on the Environment Department
- Madam Chair, it's also stating, and this is through their analysis, New Mexico Environment Department's
- Will make a big difference in what the Environment Department will be in charge of.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- long and hard about what our role is as legislators when it comes to setting energy policy in the environment
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee BR Sub. on Econ. Dev., Public Protection, Tourism and Energy (2-5-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Sloan from the Department of Natural Resources within the Energy and Environment Cabinet.
- Sloan from the Department of Natural Resources within the Energy and Environment Cabinet.
- We have on our website, in the Energy and Environment Cabinet, what we call the energy dashboards.
Keywords:
00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call
00:30 Energy and Environment Cabinet
18:56 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The Tourism and Energy committee received a presentation from Gordon Sloan, Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources, and Deputy Commissioner David Fields on the Division of Mine Safety. They outlined the division’s structure, saying it has four branch offices in Madisonville, Harlan, Hazard, and Pikeville, with 36 inspectors total, plus administrative staff and several headquarters specialists. They also explained that four additional inspectors are on sick leave or workers’ compensation and will not be backfilled, and confirmed that inspectors work from offices rather than from home.
The presentation focused on mine safety duties and staffing needs. Sloan said underground licensed mines must receive six inspections annually, including mine safety analyses, an electrical inspection, roof inspections, and regular inspections of airways, returns, belts, and miner safety equipment. He also described the division’s mine rescue responsibilities, including providing rescue coverage where operators do not have their own teams, maintaining teams within an hour’s drive of mines, and supporting training and certification. The division also conducts 17 training courses and about 8,000 to 9,000 trainings per year.
Members were given updated mine and employment figures. Sloan reported 126 licensed mines in 2024 across the branch areas, with 61 active all year and others idle or later abandoned. He said Kentucky had 4,683 miners in 2024, with average employment of 4,509, and noted that the state had gone 34 months without a mining fatality since March 2022. He also said the division provides rescue services for 16 underground rock quarries, three highway tunnels, and three underground military training sites. In response to questions, Sloan said the division does not plan to refill the four vacant inspector positions because staffing is adequate statewide, and he said he would provide additional historical mine data later. The committee took no formal action and adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/27/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- long and hard of what our role is as legislators when it comes to setting energy policy in the environment
- long and hard of what our role is as legislators when it comes to setting energy policy in the environment
- long and hard of what our role is as legislators when it comes to setting energy policy in the environment
- long and hard of what our role is as legislators when it comes to setting energy policy in the environment
- When it comes to setting energy policy in the environment of a 2040 bill, which—that's Representative
OK
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Conservation Jan 29th, 2026 at 09:13 am
Senate Conservation
Transcript Highlights:
- No matter the driver, whether it is weather, environment, something about the people here, we're trying
- The Environment Department did, or is in the process of, cleaning up four uranium sites, and I believe
- These sites pose ongoing risk to public health, water quality, and the environment, and as we have seen
- I think our Environment Department and our Attorney General's office need to heavily engage this from
- And is the Environment Department going to be overseeing what is happening whenever they do say we're
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 4/13/26
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And they can receive environment.
- The chair gave final comments, saying they had heard this at a hearing last week in environment and that
- Uh, so, our next bill is with Chair Hansen, who is currently in environment presenting another bill.
- What in their process would eliminate any excess of that that it'd be fine to leave in the environment
- leave in the environment on that level? leave in the environment on that level?
Keywords:
bioincentive payments, agriculture, job creation, environmental compliance, financial reporting, waste handling, sewage sludge, PFAS regulation, environment, record retention, fertilizer disposal, pesticide disposal, environmental impact, safety regulations, burning prohibition, 1183, house
HI
Keywords:
government leases, state entities, real property, affordable leasing, budget impact, green infrastructure, urban development, sustainability, environment, climate change, public health, Hawaii State Planning Act, land records, registration, surveys, subdivision, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The joint committees on Water and Culture and the Arts and on Hawaiian Affairs heard SB 3173, which would create a cultural training pilot program in the Department of Land and Natural Resources, administered by DOBOR, for commercial permit holders operating in Lahaina Harbor. Testimony was largely supportive from Lahaina Strong, which said the bill responds to community concerns and would help commercial operators return with greater cultural understanding and respect. Supporters framed the measure as a way to rebuild Lahaina intentionally and strengthen relationships between industry and community.
Opposition came from Trilogy Excursions and the Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii. They said they already provide or encourage cultural education, but argued the bill as written is too broad, potentially mandatory, and could create hiring and operational problems for businesses trying to restart after the fire. They asked that any program be voluntary, collaborative, and practical, with clearer details on who must take the training, how often it would be offered, and how it would be coordinated. In response to questions, a witness said most operators would likely participate if the training were accessible and well-marketed, but that the harbor’s limited current operations and staggered rebuilding make timing important.
After testimony and questions, the chairs said they appreciated the comments but wanted to move the bill forward without amendments because of a filing deadline, noting that timing and other issues could be worked out in later committees with DLNR, OHA, and stakeholders. Both committees then voted to pass SB 3173 unamended, with one member excused in each committee.
HI
Keywords:
cesspool, wastewater systems, public health, environmental protection, affordable upgrades, coral reefs, water quality, Hawaii legislation, cesspools, wastewater, environment, pollution, Hawaii, sustainable development, sewerage system, real estate, disclosure, environmental impact, wastewater management, housing
Summary:
The committee heard several agriculture-related bills. HB 1953 would create a two-year conservation and environmental stewardship pilot program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB); testimony from Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii supported investing in conservation agriculture and farm practices that protect waterways and native species. HB 248 would establish a climate-resilient food systems grant program, with DAB explaining the types of equipment and processing investments such grants could support, such as coffee roasting, packaging, harvesting equipment, and other value-added infrastructure. HB 2246 would create a grant administration program and revolving fund to help DAB manage grants; DAB said the bill would help leverage federal, state, county, and private funding by retaining part of the indirect cost recovery to meet matching requirements. HB 2549 would create a clean plant program to produce and distribute disease-free plant material, and reforestation advocates said it would support large-scale reforestation efforts. HB 2551 would fund an area fruit fly suppression program; DAB described sterile fruit fly technology and said the program could help reduce fruit fly populations statewide. HB 2216 would authorize DAB to package and sell part of its loan portfolio to third parties, and HB 2152 would clarify liability and penalties for dog attacks on livestock, with the Hawaii Sheep and Goat Association discussing proposed language and the Hawaiian Humane Society’s suggested amendment on euthanasia procedures.
Testimony was largely supportive across the measures, with DAB, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and other agriculture and conservation groups generally backing the bills. There was some discussion on funding levels and implementation details, including DAB’s estimate of about $750,000 for three clean plant stations and a question about the appropriations needed for the fruit fly suppression program. For HB 2152, the chair noted an amendment incorporating Hawaiian Humane Society language that would require surrender of a dog found to have caused livestock loss or damage for humane euthanasia within 24 hours.
In decision-making, the committee voted to pass all of the measures discussed, most with technical amendments or date-defect amendments to July 1, 2050. HB 1953, HB 2548, HB 2549, HB 2551, HB 2216, and HB 2152 were all adopted unanimously by the members present, and HB 2246 also passed with technical amendments. The chair’s amendment to HB 2152 was specifically adopted to include the humane euthanasia language.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- You still have to put it in the environment.
- You still have to put it in the environment.
- You still have to put it in<00:07:35.640>
the <00:07:35.720>environment. - And that is the in the environment.
- there for a county, we environment there for a county, we talked<00:08:26.840>
somewhere <00:08
Keywords:
cesspool, wastewater systems, public health, environmental protection, affordable upgrades, coral reefs, water quality, Hawaii legislation, cesspools, wastewater, environment, pollution, Hawaii, sustainable development, sewerage system, real estate, disclosure, environmental impact, wastewater management, housing
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several cesspool-related measures. HB 1730 HD2 would create a cesspool conversion implementation working group to help the Department of Health review rules and practices and develop changes to make conversions more affordable. DOH and DLNR stood on written testimony, while environmental and wastewater advocates strongly supported the bill, emphasizing the need for dedicated staffing, technical expertise, and smaller, more focused advisory groups. Members discussed the high cost of upgrades and the need for new technologies that reduce excavation and leach field costs. The bill was passed with amendments, including clarifying the DOH director’s discretion over the size of the working group, and the committee noted DOH’s appropriation request for consideration.
HB 1985 HD1 would extend certain cesspool conversion deadlines and authorize funding for consultants, while also advancing outreach and education. Testimony split sharply: advocates supported the education component but opposed deadline extensions as premature, arguing the state still has many years before the 2050 mandate and should not weaken the conversion timeline. The committee agreed to amend the bill to delete the deadline-extension portion, keep technical changes, and note DOH’s position request. HB 1749 HD2 would require sellers to disclose cesspools to buyers before a real estate purchase contract is executed and direct DOH and the Real Estate Commission to create a standardized form. Realtors supported the intent but asked to avoid duplicative statutory form requirements, and advocates stressed that disclosure should be prominent and not buried in paperwork. The committee adopted amendments removing the standardized-form mandate and passed the bill.
HB 1921 HD2 would allow certain existing cesspools in priority level three areas to continue serving dwellings with additional bedrooms under conditions. DOH brought the measure, and supporters from the real estate and environmental sectors discussed innovative wastewater technologies, retrofits, and composting toilets as ways to reduce costs while improving treatment. The committee amended the bill to require DOH director-approved wastewater technology using solid waste separation for bedroom-count increases and to clarify priority-level determinations using block-level data from the Hawaii cesspool prioritization tool, then passed it. The committee also heard HB 2310, an emergency appropriation for the Department of Human Services to restore funding used to keep SNAP benefits flowing during the federal shutdown; DHS, public health, children’s advocates, and others supported it, and members questioned why it was not handled through the budget. The discussion clarified that the bill sought new money to move quickly for ACA-related premium support. No final vote on HB 2310 was shown in the excerpt.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider S.154, to amend the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015, to reauthorize the Colorado River System conservation pilot program, S.362, to allow certain Federal minerals to be mined con Apr 9th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Keywords:
conservation, water management, Colorado River, environment, sustainability, mining, federal minerals, Bull Mountains, Montana, coal, land management, environmental impact, mining regulation, hardrock mining, land use, environmental protection, Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund, critical minerals, energy regulation, material designation
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Conservation Feb 10th, 2026 at 09:05 am
Senate Conservation
Transcript Highlights:
- So that would have a tremendous impact on that local environment.
- Madam Chair, there seems to be a significant amount of confusion with regard to the regulatory environment
- And we can do this for the prosperity and benefit of our constituents. ...without hurting the environment
- Increasing strain on New Mexico's grid threatens public safety and the environment.
- And so we see the bill that created this microgrid environment passed in the final chaotic hours of the
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