Transcript Highlights:

• Geothermal systems typically use 25 to 50% less energy for heating and 20 to 30% less energy for cooling
• </c><00:40:09.119><c> energy</c><00:40:09.520><c> and</c> heating to geothermal energy and heating to
• geothermal energy and electric<00:40:10.119><c> heat</c><00:40:10.400><c> pumps</c><00:40:11.359><c>
• and thermal energy of geothermal and thermal energy networks<00:52:00.680><c> geothermal</c><00:52:01.559
• energy networks geothermal and thermal energy networks<00:52:03.040><c> are</c><00:52:03.240><c> growing

Bills: HF1013, HF1598, HF1656, HF2162

Keywords: energy, economic development, funding, renewable resources, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota, air ventilation, geothermal, school financing, Minnesota Climate Innovative Finance Authority, geothermal energy, renewable energy, construction funding, Como Zoo, energy efficiency, HF2162, Minnesota, planning grants, renewable development account, clean energy, Department of Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Alternative energy is, uh, geothermal basically.
• Alternative energy is, uh, geothermal basically.
• Alternative energy is, uh, geothermal basically.
• Alternative energy is, uh, geothermal basically.
• Geothermal. Geothermal. Geothermal. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Favor.

Bills: SB174, SB174

Keywords: business taxes, annual reports, Alabama Tax Tribunal, tax appeals, local government, SB174, alternative energy, alternative energy wells, alternative energy facility, geothermal, geothermal energy, subsurface energy, energy storage, energy capture, energy generation, hydropower, solar energy, oil and gas well conversion, well conversion, plugging and abandonment

Transcript Highlights:

• As a state committed to clean energy, we have an opportunity to match new energy loads seeking clean
• In the bill, we looked to have tiered energy demand instead of actual energy use, again to provide that
• And so we are preventing them from having to pay the charge on their energy use that other energy users
• energy.
• Department of Energy projects these immediately dispatchable energy resources can be rapidly scaled by

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:

• As a state committed to clean energy, we have an opportunity to match new energy loads seeking clean
• energy was.
• energy was.
• Now some other energy users have.
• energy.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Geothermal energy production in Texas is... ...finally heating up.
• And the energy, I mean Texas has so much geothermal energy currently right now that it's going to be
• Geothermal energy is at the leading edge of a boom, a world boom, right now.
• Right now for energy professionals, the courses on geothermal and geothermal training at industry conferences
• relating to the commission's policy framework for geothermal energy.

Bills: HB1647, HB2612, HB3125, HB3158, HB3240, HB3506, HB3516, HB3707

Keywords: carbon sequestration, environmental policy, Texas, energy, climate change, regulatory council, geothermal energy, workforce development, education and training, energy industry, apprenticeship, energy production, energy policy, renewable energy, state council, administrative law, public information, transparency, government accountability, judicial process

Bills: SB 2188, SB 2230, SB 1763, SB 879, SB 1147

Keywords: education, funding, state budget, public schools, school choice, geothermal energy, environmental regulation, Railroad Commission of Texas, closed-loop systems, energy production, regulatory exemption, mining, interstate compact, Texas, natural resources, state withdrawal

Transcript Highlights:

• And so when they first started tapping that geothermal energy in like the late 60s, early 70s, that's
• </c> first started tapping that geothermal first started tapping that geothermal energy<01:17:14.480>
• And then House Bill 1981, this is the first geothermal bill that gives funding to the energy office.
• energy technology activities in other states or counties and geothermal energy's role in achieving energy
• energy technology activities in other states or counties and geothermal energy's role in achieving energy

Bills: HB1924, HB2121, HB1928, HB1979, HB1650, HB1543, HB1981, HB1982

Keywords: mattress recycling, waste management, producer responsibility, environmental health, steafardship program, electronic cigarettes, disposable devices, environmental protection, plastic pollution, lithium batteries, pollution control, public health, deposit beverage container, bottle bill, container deposit law, container redemption, recycling refund, extended producer responsibility, EPR, deposit return system

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are private entities that have taken this up, and we believe that as a sector, the energy developers
• Hey, Nella started as energy. It moved to research. I wanted to double food production.
• <01:19:44.640><c> Nella</c><01:19:45.199><c> started</c><01:19:45.520><c> as</c><01:19:45.760><c> energy
• </c><01:19:46.640><c> It</c><01:19:46.880><c> moved</c> Hey, Nella started as energy.
• It moved Hey, Nella started as energy. It moved to<01:19:47.280><c> research.

Bills: HB1601, HB1828, HB1616, HB1603, HB1606, HB1604, HB1605

Keywords: biosecurity, invasive species, Hawaii Invasive Species Council, Department of Land and Natural Resources, appropriation, agriculture, land use, farm dwelling, renewable energy, income qualification, solar energy, geothermal resources, hydropower, agricultural tourism, aquaculture, commercial activity, swine production, Korean natural farming, land leases, Hawaii

Bills: HB2425, HB2596, HB2573, HB2017, HB1931, HB1736, HB1594, HB1828

Keywords: agriculture, sugarcane, permitting process, land use, conservation district, diversified agriculture, economic impact, invasive species, plant sales, weed risk assessment, consumer protection, environmental impact, workforce development, biosecurity, training program, partnerships, tax credit, Hawaiian home lands, investment costs, nonrefundable

Summary: The committee heard opening remarks and then took testimony on several agriculture-related bills. HB 2425 would exempt agricultural enterprises on former commercial sugarcane lands in conservation use districts from certain permitting and site plan requirements. The Department of Agriculture supported the measure and stood on written comments. The Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the intent but said the bill appeared to cite the wrong statute and suggested amending the conservation district law instead. Other testimony was generally supportive, while some witnesses raised concerns about using the right statutory vehicle. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be redirected through a different chapter. The committee then heard HB 596, which would require retail sellers of plants to disclose invasiveness risk, direct the Invasive Species Council to create a labeling system and weed risk assessments, and establish fines. The Department of Land and Natural Resources strongly supported the bill, saying point-of-sale labels would help consumers make informed choices. Supporters from the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species said the state’s noxious weed and restricted plant lists are outdated or incomplete and that the bill would help prevent harmful species from being purchased and planted. Opponents, including the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, argued the measure was too broad, could stigmatize plants and producers, and might be better implemented through voluntary education or narrower definitions. Committee discussion focused on possible amendments, including using printable labels from a website and limiting the bill to larger commercial retailers. HB 2573 would create a five-year agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program involving the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Leeward Community College, and the Department of Human Resources Development. DHRD said it supported the intent but wanted clearer responsibilities; the University of Hawaiʻi, the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, and others supported the proposal. DAB said the program would help build needed biosecurity staffing and training, and that law-enforcement-related curriculum could be incorporated. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 207, which would expand the important agricultural land qualified agricultural tax credit to include certain Hawaiian homelands and additional agricultural costs such as orchards, fruit crops, and clearing former sugar and pineapple lands. The Department of Taxation and DAB stood on written comments, while the Department of Hawaiian Homelands strongly supported the bill, calling it a potential game-changer for developing agricultural lands and offsetting infrastructure costs; the department also asked that the credit be broadened beyond agriculture alone.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the definition of a geothermal energy conservation well, it qualifies that although a geothermal
• Battery energy resource. For example, geothermal energy conservation.
• Texas Geothermal Energy Alliance.
• Last session, the geothermal energy industry has pioneered a really great new source of energy storage
• All this says is it's energy storage, but it's not battery energy storage.

Bills: SB483, SB522, SB783, SB1239, SB1254, SB1255, SB1259, SB1341, SB1664, SB1762, SB1856, SB1877, SB1977

Keywords: utility, proprietary information, customer data, data protection, electric service, customer information, emergency communication, electric utility, privacy, certification, public accountants, interstate licensing, accounting, regulatory amendment, energy efficiency, construction regulations, building codes, Texas, sustainability, cost-effectiveness

Transcript Highlights:

• How does that affect the shareholders of energy companies?
• How do these two options affect the shareholders of energy companies?
• Energy facilities, solar energy facilities that measure and require owners to provide landowners access
• We have energy 3 titans of energy colleges in our state. We have all the resources.
• and energy storage.

Bills: HB3183, HB4316, HB4484, HB3469, HB3464, HB3173, HB3989

Keywords: electric utilities, grid congestion, transmission technology, advanced power flow controllers, dynamic line rating, energy efficiency, rural water service, district organization, emergency legislation, Oklahoma, water management, state vehicles, state-owned vehicles, state-leased vehicles, motor vehicle use, commuting use, personal use, fleet management, Corporation Commission, field inspectors

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 3464 creates a statewide framework for regulating energy storage devices and solar energy
• We have three titans of energy colleges in our state.
• and energy storage.
• These activities are already allowed... ...for geothermal and energy storage.
• So for heat purposes, not energy production.

Bills: HB3183, HB4316, HB4484, HB3469, HB3464, HB3173, HB3989

Keywords: electric utilities, grid congestion, transmission technology, advanced power flow controllers, dynamic line rating, energy efficiency, rural water service, district organization, emergency legislation, Oklahoma, water management, state vehicles, state-owned vehicles, state-leased vehicles, motor vehicle use, commuting use, personal use, fleet management, Corporation Commission, field inspectors

Summary: The committee first considered the nomination of Russell Isaacs to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. Isaacs described his farming background and experience with cotton, corn, sorghum, and wheat, and said he regularly tests conservation technologies on his farm. Senators discussed his water-conservation experience and the value he could bring to the board. The nomination received 10 ayes and 0 nays and was advanced to the full Senate floor. Members then took up House Bill 3183, dealing with smart transmission technology and electric grid efficiency. Senator Murdoch explained that the bill had been difficult to negotiate and that the enacting clause was stricken so work could continue on a committee substitute. He said the technology would allow existing transmission towers to carry lighter, more efficient lines, reduce wildfire risk, and potentially lower long-term rates by easing congestion. Senators asked about costs, who pays, and whether ratepayers or large load users would bear the burden; an amendment changed language from “customer funded” to “large load user funded.” The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill 7 ayes to 3 nays. The committee also advanced several nominations and bills related to environmental and energy policy. Steve Mason was confirmed to the Environmental Quality Board by an 8-0 vote. House Bill 4316, which removes an old deadline that prevented nonprofit corporations from converting into water districts and accessing grant funding, passed 8-0. House Bill 4484, allowing discretionary use of state-owned or state-leased vehicles between employees’ homes and workplaces to save mileage costs, passed 9-0. House Bill 3464 created a statewide framework for energy storage and solar facilities; a motion to table an amendment failed, and the bill passed 10-0 after debate over landowner protections, decommissioning, fire safety, and dual-use agricultural concerns. The committee then passed House Bill 3173, the Well-Repurposing Act, 10-0, to allow orphaned and abandoned wells to be repurposed for geothermal and energy storage uses, with discussion about surface-owner rights and possible tweaks to the geothermal temperature definition. House Bill 3469, a measure easing surety requirements for smaller producers by allowing a stair-stepped compliance schedule, passed 9-0. Finally, House Bill 3989 was amended for drafting corrections and then passed 9-0; it relates to the one-megawatt load standard and uses actual load over a two-year period rather than plate load. The chair ended the meeting by thanking members and staff and adjourning the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a geothermal energy bill. Um, Texas has made dispatchable energy a priority for the state.
• However, even though geothermal energy is dispatchable by nature, geothermal projects are ineligible
• for Texas Energy Fund simply because geothermal energy is not clearly labeled as dispatchable in statute
• This bill would codify geothermal energy as a dispatchable energy resource, allowing it to apply for
• answer more specifics on the fund and geothermal energy more broadly.

Bills: HB 1951, HB 2715, HB 3092, HB 3237, HB 3278, HB 3511, HB 3592, HB 3675, HB 3778, HB 3782, HB 3826, HB 3970, HB 4016, HB 4049, HB 4341, HB 4344, HB 4406, HB 4427

Keywords: collective bargaining, public works, government contracts, labor agreements, state funding, removal from office, political subdivisions, local government, judicial proceedings, administrative judicial region, electric transmission, public convenience, landowner consent, utility regulation, energy infrastructure, energy consumption, higher education, governmental entities, sustainability, electricity reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is HB 3788; it's a geothermal energy bill.
• However, even though geothermal energy is dispatchable by nature, geothermal projects are currently ineligible
• for the Texas Energy Fund simply because geothermal energy is not included within its parameters. be
• or solar. codify geothermal energy as a dispatchable energy resource, allowing it to apply for the Texas
• I have the Geothermal Energy Alliance and the public.

Bills: HB1951, HB2715, HB3092, HB3237, HB3278, HB3511, HB3592, HB3675, HB3778, HB3782, HB3826, HB3970, HB4016, HB4049, HB4341, HB4344, HB4406, HB4427

Keywords: collective bargaining, public works, government contracts, labor agreements, state funding, removal from office, political subdivisions, local government, judicial proceedings, administrative judicial region, electric transmission, public convenience, landowner consent, utility regulation, energy infrastructure, energy consumption, higher education, governmental entities, sustainability, electricity reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this is Vice-Chair Hernandez's bill, allowing the SECO to adopt energy efficiency rules.

Bills: HB1951, HB2715, HB3092, HB3237, HB3278, HB3511, HB3592, HB3675, HB3778, HB3782, HB3826, HB3970, HB4016, HB4049, HB4341, HB4344, HB4406, HB4427

Keywords: collective bargaining, public works, government contracts, labor agreements, state funding, removal from office, political subdivisions, local government, judicial proceedings, administrative judicial region, electric transmission, public convenience, landowner consent, utility regulation, energy infrastructure, energy consumption, higher education, governmental entities, sustainability, electricity reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1762 is a cleanup bill for the definition of a geothermal energy conservation well.
• It clarifies that although a geothermal energy conservation well serves as a mechanism for storing energy
• For example, geothermal energy conservation wells can provide dispatchable energy 24/7, while batteries
• I represent the Texas Geothermal Energy Alliance.
• The geothermal energy industry has pioneered a really great new source of energy storage.

Bills: SB483, SB522, SB783, SB1239, SB1254, SB1255, SB1259, SB1341, SB1664, SB1762, SB1856, SB1877, SB1977

Keywords: utility, proprietary information, customer data, data protection, electric service, customer information, emergency communication, electric utility, privacy, certification, public accountants, interstate licensing, accounting, regulatory amendment, energy efficiency, construction regulations, building codes, Texas, sustainability, cost-effectiveness

Summary: The Senate Business and Commerce Committee met with a quorum and first took up pending business, voting out several bills. Senate Bills 1697, 1569, 1202 as substituted, 1029, 1364, 1185, 924, 1008 as substituted, 264, 1376, and 1358 as substituted were reported favorably, with some sent to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted a substitute for SB 1202 and later corrected votes on several measures. SB 924 and SB 1376 drew some opposition, while the rest of the pending bills were reported without dissent or with limited nays. The committee then heard testimony on SB 1856, which would create an annual capacity-cost recovery rider for Entergy Texas customers in the MISO region. The author and Entergy argued the bill would better match rates to actual capacity costs and improve transparency, while the Texas Association of Manufacturers and the Public Utility Commission raised concerns about the short 10-day review period, rider proliferation, and the preference for full rate cases over piecemeal adjustments. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard and left pending SB 522 on CPA reciprocity, SB 1664 requiring TDUs to provide clearer, standalone rate-change disclosures, SB 1877 expanding OPUC’s access to market data, SB 1254 and SB 1255 as TDLR cleanup bills on professional employer organizations and mold assessors, SB 1341 updating manufactured housing rules, SB 1239 on sovereign debt and Texas governing law, and SB 1259 streamlining the surveyor-in-training licensing process. Additional bills discussed included SB 1977, which would cap recoverable legal expenses in electric, water, and sewer rate cases; OPUC and some consumer advocates supported the idea as a way to reduce ratepayer costs, while utility representatives warned it could discourage participation and increase rate shock. The committee also heard SB 1762 clarifying that geothermal energy conservation wells are not battery resources, and SB 783 allowing SECO to proceed with future energy-code rulemaking for state-funded buildings. Both drew supportive testimony from industry and environmental groups. All remaining bills heard during the meeting were left pending, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I'm calling the Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water to order.
• On your question about energy usage, this is a generation device.
• We'll go to Martinez's geothermal HCR 2057.
• Support the development of a geothermal permitting roadmap, alignment of agency geothermal permitting
• I think we all need to know that geothermal energy is extremely important.

Bills: HB2099, HB2263, HB2264, HB2330, HB2341, HB2492, HB2757, HB2782, HB2843, HB2889, HB2912, HB2915, HB2918, HB4025, HB4100, HCR2020, HCR2057

Keywords: water storage, long-term storage credits, groundwater management, drought contingency, Arizona water regulations, Colorado River, replenishment, groundwater savings facility, groundwater storage, underground water storage, active management area, irrigation non-expansion area, Arizona water law, water rights, water replenishment, recharge, water conservation district, multi-county water conservation district, CAP water, Central Arizona Project

Transcript Highlights:

• political geothermal permitting roadmap, the alignment of existing agency rules related to geothermal
• development, and innovative next-generation energy resource development.
• political geothermal permitting roadmap the alignment of existing agency rules related to geothermal
• Arizona has untapped potential for the development of next-generation geothermal energy, which is a carbon-free
• of geothermal energy potential.

Bills: HB2013, HB2026, HB2056, HB2098, HB2113, HB2156, HB2158, HCM2011, HCR2057

Keywords: air pollution, wildfires, environmental standards, public health, Arizona Revised Statutes, assured water supply, groundwater, commingling, commingled water, water supply, Arizona Department of Water Resources, ADWR, active management area, AMA, subdivision plat, development approval, water rights, municipal provider, private water company, certificate of assured water supply

Transcript Highlights:

• Drafting oversight, landmen negotiating non-mineral energy leases were inadvertently required to obtain
• House Bill 2349 corrects this problem by clarifying the definition of... ...minerals and other energy

Bills: HB589, HB705, HB1842, HB1874, HB2349, HB2614, HB2827, HB3012, HB3214, HB3308, HB3385, HB3529

Keywords: cosmetology, licensure, interstate compact, state regulations, public safety, workforce mobility, charitable raffles, nonprofit, wildlife conservation, ticket sales, fundraising, master electrician, electrical work, occupational licensing, work scope, Texas law, Texas Real Estate Commission, TREC, real estate broker, sales agent

Transcript Highlights:

• and our total energy purchased and calculate how much that energy cost us.
• </c><00:15:25.760><c> purchased</c> energy and our total energy purchased energy and our total energy
• energy sold or energy as compared to the energy sold or energy purchased<00:15:40.560><c> to</c><00:
• it's the energy you consume. it's the energy you consume.
• That changes the dynamic on how much energy is used. tune to their energy costs tune to their energy

Bills: HF3296, HF3802

Keywords: energy conservation, data centers, electric sales, energy optimization, utility regulations, energy regulation, certificate of need, renewable energy, power production, energy efficiency, Minnesota statutes, 1183, house