Video & Transcript Research : 'environmental cost'

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HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

EEP Public Hearing - Fri Apr 17, 2026 @ 10:05 AM HST

Energy & Environmental Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • Convening the Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection.
  • establishment of dust monitoring stations in and around Waimanalo Gulch to protect public health and environmental
  • best path comprehensive analysis on the best path to<00:11:01.839> maximize<00:11:02.520> cost
  • <00:11:02.920> reduction<00:11:03.440> and<00:11:03.600> minimize to maximize cost
  • reduction and minimize to maximize cost reduction and minimize financial<00:11:04.560> risk<00
Summary: The Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection held its final hearing of the session on April 17, 2026, and took up a series of Senate concurrent resolutions focused on environmental protection, waste reduction, and energy policy. Measures discussed included SCR 142 on dust monitoring near Waimanalo Gulch, SCR 39 on a mattress stewardship program, SCR 40 on banning disposable bodyboards, SCR 83 on a lithium-ion battery disposal facility, SCR 168 on a demolition waste reduction working group, SCR 96 on reporting on the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, SCR 166 on PUC considerations for a generational energy commitment, and SCR 172 on a comprehensive analysis to reduce costs and financial risk while meeting state goals. Testimony was generally supportive of the environmental and waste-management measures. The Department of Health supported SCR 39 and provided comments on SCR 142; Climate Protectors Hawaii supported SCR 39, SCR 83, SCR 168, and SCR 172; the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and Hawaii Reef and Ocean's Coalition submitted comments or support on SCR 168; and the Public Utilities Commission provided comments on SCR 96 and SCR 166. On SCR 166, Greenpeace Hawaii testified in opposition to LNG, arguing it would worsen pollution and climate impacts, while Earthjustice supported the intent but suggested amendments. Earthjustice also supported SCR 172 and offered friendly amendments to improve the study language. In decision-making, the chair recommended deferral of SCR 142 because an existing regulatory framework already addresses the issue. The committee then voted to pass SCR 39, SCR 40, SCR 83, SCR 96, and SCR 166 unamended. SCR 168 was passed with amendments to reflect OPSD's requested changes and to make the working group temporary, with a two-year term and annual reports due before session. SCR 172 was passed with amendments accepted from Earthjustice. Rep. Quinlan was noted as excused for the votes, and the committee adjourned after adopting the final recommendation.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CPC Public Hearing - Wed Apr 22, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Consumer Protection & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • impetus behind this is that if we went all the mail order, there probably going to be a reduction in cost
  • the Public Utilities Commission to conduct a comprehensive analysis on the best paths to maximize cost
  • members, Maria to on behalf of Michelangelo, we will stand on our written testimony with comments. cost
  • reduction and minimize financial cost reduction and minimize financial risk<00:25:16.640> to<
  • <00:29:36.480> Mahalo<00:29:36.960> newa and environmental interest.
Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard several Senate concurrent resolutions related to utilities, pharmacy access, critical infrastructure, and energy policy. STR 96 SD1 asked the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to report on the progress of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator; the PUC offered written comments and the measure later advanced as is. STR 109 SD1 urged the insurance commissioner to study expanding mail-order pharmacy use. Testimony was split: DCCA’s insurance division, HMSA, and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans supported the study, while Shipa and the Hawaii Pharmacist Association opposed it, arguing mail-order pharmacy is already available and that in-person pharmacist counseling should be preserved. The measure was ultimately deferred. The committee also heard STR 164 SD1 on protecting Hawaii’s critical infrastructure from foreign influence. Greenpeace Hawaii and 350 Hawaii strongly supported the resolution, framing it as a consumer protection and resilience measure tied to reducing dependence on imports and strengthening local food and energy systems. No opposition was presented, and the resolution was moved out as is. STR 172 SD1 HD1 directed the PUC to conduct a comprehensive analysis of ways to maximize cost reduction and minimize financial risk while meeting state goals. DCCA, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC offered comments, and Earthjustice supported the measure; it was also advanced as is. For STR 166 SD1, which concerns how the PUC should evaluate generational energy commitments, DCCA, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC provided comments, while 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others opposed any move toward LNG, arguing it would harm ratepayers and conflict with Hawaii’s renewable goals. After discussion, the committee amended the resolution to add language directing the PUC to evaluate any LNG or other imported-fuel proposal for its potential effects on or delays to the state’s renewable portfolio standards, including the 2045 deadline. The amended resolution then passed, and the committee adjourned.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Natural Resources (Part I) May 14th, 2025

Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Railroad Commission will review these costs in a rate proceeding.
  • The Railroad Commission will review these costs in a rate proceeding.
  • This is the kind of bill that helps to take those hidden costs out.
  • This is the kind of bill that helps to take those hidden costs out.
  • substantiate all of those costs and, and.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources heard several House bills dealing with environmental regulation, oil and gas safety, landfill permits, and utility cost recovery. HB 1237, by Rep. Geren and sponsored by Sen. Zaffirini, would extend TCEQ occupational license renewal deadlines from 30 days to 90 days, allow renewal up to one year with higher fees, and require a new application after longer expiration; the committee substitute clarified that applicants may continue working only until renewal is approved or denied and set a 180-day cutoff for renewal. HB 3071, sponsored by Sen. Hancock, would require TCEQ to cancel certain long-dormant municipal solid waste permits; members discussed concerns about precedent, ownership changes, and whether the bill should be narrowed, and the bill was left pending with a committee substitute expected. The committee also heard HB 2663, sponsored by Sen. Birdwell, which would require operators of inactive oil and gas wells to remove or de-energize electrical equipment after 10 years and authorize Railroad Commission penalties for false compliance. Testimony from landowners, cattle raisers, and the Sierra Club supported the bill as a wildfire-prevention measure, and the bill was left pending. HB 4384, also by Rep. Darby and sponsored by Sen. Birdwell, would let natural gas utilities defer certain infrastructure costs for later recovery through the GRIP process; utility representatives supported it as credit-positive and consistent with existing accounting, while consumer advocates opposed it as increasing rates without enough oversight. The committee discussed possible amendments to add more cost controls, and the bill was left pending. Later, the committee voted HB 2563, the companion to SB 2510, favorably to the full Senate by a 5-0 vote and ordered it certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then took up HB 143, which would codify interagency procedures for addressing electrical power line safety at well sites and related facilities after wildfire concerns; members said a committee substitute had been negotiated with agencies and stakeholders to clarify responsibilities, timelines, and inspection authority while reducing fiscal impact. No final vote was taken on HB 143, and the committee recessed with several bills still pending.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • The Railroad Commission will review these costs in a rate procedure.
  • cost deferrals.
  • I understand the point that growth is causing a backlog and costs.
  • I mean, what is the practical impact of that cost of money? Would it...?
  • so you substantiate all of those costs and...
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Energy Resources Apr 7th, 2025

Energy Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • It extends and costs the state more as well.
  • Reductions in existing plant costs are needed to balance the incremental gross plant cost deferrals.
  • It's going to affect their amount of debt costs.
  • I see this as an environmental train wreck.
  • I think the cost calculations that the Railroad Commission uses are not true costs, they're not true
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Environment and Natural Resources Jan 20th, 2026

Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • What is the cost of that?
  • What is the cost of that?
  • It's going to cost us, conservatively, $70 million to remove this one.
  • It's going to cost a lot of money.
  • The crisis that we have of the cost of living here in Florida.
Bills: S0698, S0958, S1066, S1230, S1288
Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and advanced several bills. SB 958, by Senator Bradley, would require local straw and stirrer ordinances to allow renewable, certified compostable, marine-biodegradable products; supporters said it would reduce reliance on paper straws that may contain PFAS and create more uniform standards. The bill was reported favorably after brief supportive testimony and no opposition. The committee also approved SB 1066, by Senator Broder, a major Ocklawaha/Rodman Dam restoration proposal. The bill would direct DEP to implement a phased restoration plan, create an advisory council with local and military representation, fund recreation and economic development projects, and address safety concerns tied to the dam’s age and high-hazard status. Supporters from conservation groups, river advocates, and some local residents praised the restoration and planning framework, while several Putnam County officials opposed the bill, arguing the reservoir supports recreation, water supply, and local interests. The committee adopted a late-filed amendment adding a Naval Air Station Jacksonville representative to the advisory council, then reported the committee substitute favorably. SB 698, by Senator Martin, was also reported favorably. It would let builders proceed with local building permits while septic permits are pending, rather than waiting for sequential approval, and includes a 120-day glide path related to new DEP rules; builders supported the bill as a way to reduce delays, while some senators questioned whether the transition period was too long. The committee then approved CS/SB 1230, by Senator Harrell, which phases out PFAS-containing firefighting foam, restricts non-emergency training use, requires inventory and disposal reporting, creates DEP rulemaking and a grant program, and exempts certain federal, military, and emergency uses. Finally, the committee favorably reported CS/SB 1288, also by Senator Harrell, to designate a water body in the Jupiter Narrows area in honor of Andrew Red Harris, with a technical amendment clarifying the shoal designation. Several members later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on selected bills.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Agriculture and Wildlife Apr 6th, 2026 at 10:00 am

Agriculture and Wildlife

Transcript Highlights:
  • That with this change, we're not putting any environmental concerns at risk. Yes, senator.
  • What is the study going to cost? We haven't figured out how much we plan on.
  • Now, the people who brought me the bill said this is not going to cost any money.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

AEN-GVO DEFER, GVO DEFER, GVO-HHS, GVO-PSM, GVO Public Hearings 02-17-2026

Agriculture and Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • to establish environmental action levels, or EALs, to ensure the preservation of a safe environment.
  • toxins and pollutants to environmental toxins and pollutants to establish<00:00:54.000> environmental
  • action levels or establish environmental action levels or EALs<00:00:56.079> to<00:00:56.239>
  • It cost the state between $60,000 and $115,000 a year to house someone.
  • It cost the state between 60 disagree.
Bills: SB2094
Summary: The committee first took up SB 2094, which would require state agencies monitoring environmental toxins and pollutants to establish environmental action levels and limit changes to those levels without meeting procedural requirements. The chair recommended passing the bill with amendments, including inserting estimated costs for a secure portal website and webinars into the committee report and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. The motion passed unanimously among those voting, with excused members noted. The committee then considered several other measures and adopted recommendations to pass them with amendments, generally adding technical and clarifying changes and setting a defective date of 2525. SB 2862 was amended to broaden the preamble, make additional appointees confirmable, clarify reporting requirements for gubernatorial appointees, and was held for further discussion. SB 2781 on lei production created a working group to review existing studies and conduct a statewide study of Hawaii’s floriculture industry. SB 3015 adopted California’s definition of PII, applied it to government agencies and political subdivisions, created a private cause of action, and required a compliance report. SB 3230 removed a categorical prohibition on certain third-party project management procurements while preserving state oversight responsibility, in line with procurement office requests. The joint GVO Health and Human Services agenda then focused on two related bills requiring universal changing accommodations in public restrooms. SB 2932 would apply to new state building construction beginning July 1, 2026, and testimony from disability advocates, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others supported the measure while asking for language clarifying that the requirement applies only where technically feasible and, in some cases, only to state-managed buildings. SB 2268 was described as broader, extending beyond government buildings into the private sector and including a private right of action; witnesses supported the concept but raised implementation concerns, especially for smaller businesses, and requested the same technically infeasible language and other clarifications. Both bills were advanced with amendments, and the committee noted adoption of the recommendations.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Environmental Regulation May 1st, 2025

Environmental Regulation

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's going to cost, and our local government is going to cost to have that system in place because right
  • of environmental laws and regulations.
  • The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality plays a critical role in managing Texas... ...environmental
  • . the Environmental Remediation Fund, CERF.
  • the real local cost of that damage and costs that otherwise fall on taxpayers.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Mar 18th, 2025

County and Municipal Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • The goal is that they have full notice of the cost of buying debt, and many times you... ...the cost
  • This piece of legislation is not going to take down the cost of eggs.
  • Not going to take down the cost of eggs.
  • If you retire, you have received your cost of living or whatever, but you're...
  • Cost of living or whatever, but you're retiring, and a new person is brought in.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 5th, 2025

Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • HB 612 extends cost-based fee protections to include developers, not just retail public utilities.
  • to make up the difference in profit by charging exorbitant fees to developers, which increases the cost
  • And we've drilled a water well a while back, to 400 feet, cost about $40,000 personally, and it dried
  • Uh, I lead the water program for Environmental Defense Fund here in Texas.
  • Uh, we work with the... ...environmental departments of both counties.
Summary: The Senate Water, Agriculture, Rural Affairs Committee heard several bills focused on groundwater management, water infrastructure, and agricultural land conservation. SB 612 would limit certain water districts in Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties from charging developers pipeline construction fees above actual, documented costs; the committee substitute removed a developer challenge mechanism to preserve district discretion over construction standards. HB 1633 would require groundwater conservation districts to consider registered exempt wells when reviewing or amending permits, and testimony from landowners, district representatives, and advocacy groups largely supported the bill as a way to protect domestic and livestock wells from drawdown caused by large export projects. HB 1689 would clarify that export fee revenues may be used for well operability, alternative water supplies, and aquifer monitoring, including through interlocal cooperation, and HB 3058 would give the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District authority to use export fees for county road improvements and environmental programs tied to well inspection and groundwater management. HB 2018 would clarify that the Texas Farm and Ranchland Conservation Program is intended to purchase conservation easements only on working agricultural lands, with support from cattle raisers and Farm Bureau representatives. The committee also considered HB 29, which would require large water systems to validate water loss audits and submit mitigation plans; a committee substitute removed the water-loss threshold and adjusted the timeline for more detailed validation. Public testimony on the bills was generally supportive, with several witnesses describing declining well levels, road damage from export projects, and the need to preserve agricultural land and local water supplies. The committee adopted committee substitutes and voted favorably on HB 29, HB 1689, HB 2018, SB 612, and SB 3058, recommending several of them for the local and uncontested calendar; HB 1633 was left pending awaiting a committee substitute.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 16th, 2025 at 08:04 am

Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • preserve water resources for future generations by allowing voluntary dedication of water rights for environmental
  • I show you registered as Vanessa Pug-Williams on behalf of the Environmental Defense Fund, testifying
  • It's cost effective, environmentally sound, and it gives us local control over our own water security
  • water projects where the economic benefit of unauthorized pumping may greatly outweigh the maximum cost
Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources met with a quorum present and first took up several pending bills for reconsideration and committee substitute adoption. House Bill 2692, relating to codification and clarification of local laws concerning the San Antonio River Authority, was reported favorably to the full House and sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars by an 11-0 vote. House Bills 1407, 1520, 1535, 2970, 4153, 291, 3663, and 3915 were also reconsidered or laid out as pending business, with committee substitutes adopted where needed and each bill reported favorably, generally by unanimous vote, to the full House and then to Calendars or Calendars/Calendars-related referral as applicable. The committee then heard House Bill 4530, which would expand the Texas Water Trust framework to include groundwater rights, require Texas Water Development Board review and approval of groundwater dedications, and notify local groundwater districts when groundwater rights are placed in the trust. The bill’s author and witnesses from the Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and Chispa Texas supported the measure as a conservation tool and a way to create a clear process for voluntary donations; a Texas Water Development Board witness testified neutrally. The bill was left pending. House Bill 4931, relating to an aquifer storage and recovery project in Medina County, drew support from the author, the Medina County judge, and a regional water alliance witness, who described severe stress on the Edwards Aquifer, low levels at Medina Lake, and the need for a local water-supply tool. The bill was left pending. House Bill 5559, which would clarify enforcement of drought contingency plans for investor-owned water utilities and involve the PUC in model plan development, received support from groundwater district representatives but also concerns from water company and utility witnesses about enforcement authority, approval procedures, and potential conflicts with existing obligations to provide continuous service; the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. House Bill 5560, which would raise the maximum civil penalty for certain groundwater conservation district enforcement actions from $10,000 to $25,000 per violation, prompted debate over whether current law is already sufficient; supporters said the higher cap would better deter overpumping, while opponents argued existing penalties are already severe. That bill was also left pending, and the committee adjourned subject to call of the chair.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Natural Resources Apr 16th, 2025

Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • future generations by allowing Representative Romero: voluntary dedication of water rights for environmental
  • I show you registered as Vanessa Puig Chair: Williams on behalf of the Environmental Defense Fund testifying
  • It's cost-effective, environmentally sound, and it gives us local control over our own water security
  • projects where the economic benefit of unauthorized pumping may Chair: greatly outweigh the maximum cost
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Environment Committee Meeting - 2026-04-16

Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • control and environmental Pollution control and environmental monitoring<00:03:32.800> are<00
  • <00:36:27.200> leaders tribal nations, environmental leaders tribal nations, environmental
  • that would require an environmental that would require an environmental assessment<00:47:17.840>
  • environmental review laws in Minnesota. environmental review laws in Minnesota.
  • The environmental [snorts] assessment The environmental [snorts] assessment worksheet<00:50:50.800>
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • call up Presidential Nomination 13-6, David Fatui of Virginia, to be Deputy Administrator of the Environmental
Summary: During this committee meeting, members engaged in substantial discussions regarding the nominations for key positions at the Environmental Protection Agency. The nominations for David Fatui as Deputy Administrator and another nominee received favorable reviews, with several members expressing support for their qualifications and the importance of their roles in addressing environmental issues. Notable conversations highlighted concerns about the current administration's stance on climate science and regulatory practices, particularly focusing on a controversial statement made by one of the nominees that undermined established climate science. Senator Whitehouse expressed deep frustration over the implications of this viewpoint on future environmental policy and regulation.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 5th, 2025

Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • strict construction requirements to extract fees from developers far beyond their means and actual costs
  • These practices raise the cost of housing and infrastructure, and they are very relevant away from the
  • fast-growing but underserved areas. extends cost-based fee protections to include developers, not just
  • This increases the cost for housing and any other commercial development.
  • I lead the water program for the Environmental Defense Fund here in Texas.