Transcript Highlights:

• Then you add to that climate change.
• Now climate catastrophists will say, oh it's it's because there's so much climate risk and nobody can
• Overall, climate damages have been flat, declining in some cases.
• So, would you rather experience the climate of today or 100 years ago?
• Flooding is the most common natural disaster.

Keywords: homeowners insurance, natural disasters, insurance costs, climate change, disaster preparedness, federal policies, bipartisan solutions

Summary: The meeting reviewed critical issues surrounding the rising costs and accessibility of homeowners insurance across the United States, particularly in light of increasing natural disasters linked to climate change. Members engaged in extensive discussions regarding the implications for families and the economy, citing significant increases in premiums and decreasing availability of policies in high-risk areas. Supervisor Peysko highlighted the direct impact of federal policies on local communities, emphasizing the growing burden on homeowners as they face skyrocketing insurance costs amidst a backdrop of environmental challenges and regulatory constraints. The committee expressed a unified call to action for bipartisan solutions, focusing on improving building codes and enhancing disaster preparedness measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• they made two important changes in the bill, and I think they were important changes because of the nature
• It's starting to take a step forward in our decarbonization plans with our Climate Commitment Act dollars
• It's starting to take a step forward in our decarbonization plans with our Climate Commitment Act dollars
• and our investments there. ...forward in our decarbonization plans with our Climate Commitment Act dollars

Bills: HB2295

Keywords: Washington capital budget, supplemental capital budget, capital appropriations, state building construction account, taxable building construction account, climate commitment account, natural climate solutions, housing trust fund, affordable housing, supportive housing, homelessness, manufactured home communities, mobile home parks, school construction, school modernization, school seismic safety, healthy schools, school electrification, SCAP, behavioral health facilities

Summary: The Capital Committee heard public testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 5901, which would change the school construction assistance program formula by excluding school facilities on military bases from a district’s available instructional space inventory and increasing the state funding assistance percentage by 15% for projects located on a military base. Senator Leonard Christian said the bill was intended to help districts such as Medical Lake and Clover Park, where base schools can reduce eligibility for off-base school construction funding. OSPI, Clover Park, and Medical Lake testified in support, while one citizen raised broader concerns about school funding and federal lands. No vote was taken on the bill during this hearing. The committee also heard Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5061, which would require annual adjustments to prevailing wage rates in public works contracts, with exemptions for small works rosters and residential construction and a delayed effective date of July 1, 2028. Senator Steve Conway described it as a technical fix to align contract wages with regularly updated prevailing wage rates and said the bill would not affect the general fund, though it could increase project costs. Supporters from labor groups said the bill would prevent wage stagnation on long projects and improve workforce retention; contractors and AGC opposed it or sought a change-order safeguard if wage increases exceed 5%, citing unpredictability and potential cost impacts. L&I said its fiscal note reflected significant IT and administrative changes needed to implement the new system. The committee then moved to House Bill 2295, heard a staff briefing on a proposed substitute that would add funding for several new projects and make technical and language changes, with a net increase of $611,000 in bonds and $3 million from the waste tire removal account. In executive session, the committee adopted the proposed substitute and voted 18-0, with one excused, to report Substitute House Bill 2295 out of committee with a do-pass recommendation. The chair also announced plans for future executive sessions, including consideration of Substitute Senate Bill 5901, and noted the committee would wait for the Senate capital budget before final action on the capital budget bill.

Bills: SB2373, SB2101, SB2905, SB3231, SB2486, SB2376

Keywords: carbon sequestration, marine ecosystem, climate change, renewable energy, biodiversity, nature-based solutions, organic waste, solid waste, waste diversion, composting, bioconversion, recycling, food waste, green waste, food-soiled paper, wood waste, landfill diversion, waste reduction, waste management, county solid waste plan

Summary: The committee heard SB 2006, which would clarify that a farm dwelling permit in an agricultural district may include a single-family farm dwelling with an accessory employee housing structure, subject to restrictions. Testimony was largely supportive, with comments from the Department of Agriculture Biosecurity, DPP, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Realtors, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, Hawaii Farmers Union, Housing Hawaii Future, and several individuals. The chair noted there were nine in support, two opposed, and four offering comments. In decision-making, the chair recommended passing the bill with OPSD-suggested amendments to clarify the definitions of farm employee housing and bona fide agricultural services. The chair also referenced opposing testimony that raised concern the original draft could limit tourism activities that provide supplemental income for bona fide farming operations. The proposed amendments were intended to make clear that farm employee housing is only for workers and not visitor accommodations, while allowing tourism activities on the same parcel if they are secondary and incidental to a bona fide agricultural operation, do not occur in employee housing units, and comply with county ordinances. The committee adopted the recommendation and voted to pass SB 2006 with amendments. The recorded votes showed the chair, vice chair, Senator Rhoads, and Senator Awa in favor, with Senator DeCoite excused. The same pass-with-amendments recommendation was then made to the housing committee and adopted there as well, with Senator Elephante voting aye and Senator Favella excused.

Bills: SF2077, HF2439, HF841

Keywords: environmental protection, natural resources, wildlife management, public funding, community grants, pollution reduction, waste management, climate change, funding allocations, food support, emergency funding, shelf programs, Minnesota statutes, appropriation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources will now come to order.
• Habitat for marine life, enhance water quality, attract tourism, and serve as natural barriers against
• Also, the purpose of the amendment is to designate coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure and
• highlight them as a nature-based solution for addressing climate-related risks.
• Recognizing corals as natural infrastructure will facilitate access to federal funding for restoration

Bills: S0912, S1196, S1422, S1510, S7034

Keywords: battery collection, battery stewardship, environment, recycling, hazardous waste, waste management, regulation, environmental protection, facilities, hazardous materials, coral reefs, natural resource, climate change, coastal flooding, solar facilities, wastewater treatment, nutrient reduction, land conservation, water conservation, Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Summary: The Environment and Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up several environmental bills and one appointment. SB 1422, as amended by a strike-all focused on coral reef protection and designating coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure, was reported favorably after support from Audubon Florida was noted. The committee then considered SPB 7034, a DEP rule ratification related to minimum flows and levels for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and associated recovery strategy; witnesses from the Florida Springs Council and local river advocates criticized the plan as too delayed and too dependent on a single future water project, while committee members raised questions about funding and utility responsibility. Despite concerns, the committee approved the bill as a committee bill, with Senator Smith voting no. The committee next heard SB 1510, as amended, which made technical changes to DEP-related provisions including B-MAP notice and timing, septic system requirements in Florida Springs areas, biosolids, fees, land acquisition, and rulemaking procedures. The main public testimony came from the Florida Springs Council, which opposed the 60-day delay for B-MAP effectiveness as harmful to spring restoration, while DEP and others supported the measure. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered SB 1196, a targeted siting bill restricting new ash-producing incinerators or waste-to-energy facilities within two miles of large federally authorized water impoundment areas, with an amendment narrowing the practical effect to Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Supporters, including the City of Miramar, argued it would protect water resources and communities; opponents from the Florida Waste-to-Energy Coalition argued it would limit local waste-disposal options and could force more landfilling. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 912, the Safe Battery Collection and Recovery Act, which would require battery stewardship organizations and related recycling plans to keep batteries out of the waste stream. Industry and recycling representatives supported the bill, citing growing battery volumes and fire risks at recycling facilities. The committee also recommended confirmation of Gary Jennings to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. All measures were approved favorably except that Senator Smith voted against SPB 7034; the meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, we have Nature Conservancy. Nature Conservancy will stand on its... Nature Conservancy.
• The triggers are for land to still have some, I don't know, naturalness, but um with the cultural resources
• land to still have some I<01:07:17.599><c> don't</c><01:07:17.680><c> know</c><01:07:17.920><c> naturalness
• but</c><01:07:19.440><c> um</c><01:07:19.520><c> with</c><01:07:19.680><c> the</c> I don't know naturalness
• but um with the I don't know naturalness but um with the cultural<01:07:20.240><c> resources</c><01:

Bills: HB1881, HB2218, HB1956, HB2151, HB1845, HB1844, HB2103, HB2424, HB1650, HB376, HB2599, HB1861

Keywords: land use, ropeway, transportation, state regulation, government exemption, DLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, public lands, public trust resources, community co-management, co-management agreement, community-based organization, Native Hawaiian, malama aina, ahupuaa, subsistence, cultural resources, religious practices

Summary: The committee on Water and Land met on February 10, 2026, with Chair Mark Hashem outlining strict testimony rules and noting a time constraint because of later hearings and floor session obligations. The committee then took up several bills, hearing mostly supportive testimony on HB 1881 relating to land use, HB 2218 relating to DLNR/community management, and HB 1956 relating to freshwater waves, while HB 1845 relating to the Land Use Commission drew legal concerns and opposition. HB 2151 relating to building materials had no substantive testimony presented in the excerpt, and the committee moved through it quickly. On HB 1881, testimony focused on protecting North Shore lands from overdevelopment. A supporter described the area as valuable precisely because it remains largely undeveloped, and a member asked whether the bill’s restrictions on “finculars” would affect existing or future private residential installations; the response suggested the bill was aimed at future commercial uses and that grandfathering or personal-use exceptions might be possible, but the exact wording would need legal refinement. HB 2218 received broad support from OHA, DLNR, Kua, Sierra Club, Hui Maka Aana, the Honlay Initiative, and others, who said the measure would expand community-based co-management across DLNR divisions, build on existing park partnerships, and produce real benefits such as better stewardship, safer access, local jobs, and stronger community trust. Members asked about the bill’s five-year review structure, how multiple community groups would be handled, and whether the model could apply to ocean or nearshore areas; DLNR said the board would retain authority, agreements would be non-exclusive and subject to review, and the department was still working through how the approach would function across different divisions and marine settings. For HB 1956, the Attorney General offered technical comments, urging clearer definitions of “residing” and “freshwater way,” clearer timing for citations and arrests, and more explicit procedural safeguards and agency roles. On HB 1845, the Attorney General and Land Use Commission raised concerns that the bill could conflict with constitutional protections for important agricultural lands and could not be reconciled with existing voting requirements; the LUC also said commissioners cannot vote by proxy under sunshine law and warned that the bill could allow too few commissioners to approve major boundary changes. Members questioned how the bill would work in counties without designated important agricultural lands, and the LUC explained that Kauai is the only county to have completed the IAL process, while the broader statutory process remains county-driven and has been the subject of litigation. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.

Bills: HF2442

Keywords: climate finance, energy finance, renewable development account, RDA, weatherization, preweatherization, low-income housing, energy efficiency, clean energy, solar incentive, Made in Minnesota, community solar gardens, transportation electrification, electric vehicles, grid-enhancing technologies, microgrid, University of St. Thomas, Public Utilities Commission, Department of Commerce, petroleum tank fund

Bills: HF2442

Keywords: climate finance, energy finance, renewable development account, RDA, weatherization, preweatherization, low-income housing, energy efficiency, clean energy, solar incentive, Made in Minnesota, community solar gardens, transportation electrification, electric vehicles, grid-enhancing technologies, microgrid, University of St. Thomas, Public Utilities Commission, Department of Commerce, petroleum tank fund

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:

• Homelessness is a complex issue, and affordable housing is a critical component of the solution.
• Some solutions have been introduced to the market.
• It is natural for transportation and housing committees to work together.
• My hope is that these incentives will induce states and localities to find their own solutions.
• This is a serious issue and I think we need bipartisan solutions. Thank you so very much.

Keywords: affordable housing, government investment, barriers, legislative solutions, public testimony

Summary: The committee meeting focused on addressing the significant issue of affordable housing in America. Members expressed concern over the persistent barriers faced in the housing sector, despite substantial government investment aimed at alleviating these issues. It was highlighted that government interference plays a critical role in complicating the housing landscape, and discussions revolved around potential legislative approaches to mitigate these challenges. Several witnesses provided testimony, contributing to a thorough exploration of the topic.

Bills: SF1832, HF2440, HF2442

Keywords: economic development, small business, workforce training, grants, entrepreneurship, equity, community support, labor market, employment, funding, data analysis, climate finance, energy finance, renewable development account, RDA, weatherization, preweatherization, low-income housing, energy efficiency, clean energy

Transcript Highlights:

• We're looking at that across the climate subcabinet.
• Chairman, for the record, Bob Meyer, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources.
• I also had Mary Robinson from the Department of Natural Resources. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• way to come up with solutions.
• I hope that in the end, we are all coming together and finding solutions.

Bills: HF1587, HF2293, HF2218, HF1208, HF1482

Keywords: HF1587, Cass County, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, condemnation, eminent domain, state land, surplus land, public waters, tribal land transfer, federally recognized Indian Tribe, tribal ownership, land conveyance, no consideration, land appropriation, natural resources, U.S. Highway 2, Section 27 Township 145 North Range 28 West, land return, Tribal sovereignty

Transcript Highlights:

• :08:55.680><c> at</c><00:08:55.920><c> addressing</c> policy solutions aimed at addressing policy solutions
• We're looking at that across the climate subcabinet.
• Bob Meyer, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources.
• Bob Meyer, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources: Mr.
• </c> manager for the Department of Natural manager for the Department of Natural Resources<01:03:49.200

Bills: HF1587, HF2293, HF2218, HF1208, HF1482

Keywords: HF1587, Cass County, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, condemnation, eminent domain, state land, surplus land, public waters, tribal land transfer, federally recognized Indian Tribe, tribal ownership, land conveyance, no consideration, land appropriation, natural resources, U.S. Highway 2, Section 27 Township 145 North Range 28 West, land return, Tribal sovereignty

Transcript Highlights:

• Scaling these solutions quickly is absolutely critical.
• We must move beyond the short-term fixes and embrace real large-scale solutions.
• Insurers are doing our part to develop solutions.
• Categorical exclusions aren't fast, but they're our most rapid solution.
• This is because climate change has led to higher temperatures.

Bills: HB471

Keywords: forest management, wildfire prevention, public lands, Tribal jurisdiction, Fix Our Forests Act, wildfire, forest health, hazardous fuels reduction, fuels treatment, prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, mastication, fuel breaks, fire breaks, wildland-urban interface, WUI, fireshed, fireshed management area, fireshed registry, Fireshed Center

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on H.R. 471, the Fix Our Forests Act, which aims to address the ongoing crisis of wildfires exacerbated by climate change and the need for updated forest management practices. Various committee members voiced concerns about past federal management failures and emphasized the necessity for collaborative approaches involving local communities and stakeholders in forest management. As discussions unfolded, there were varying perspectives on the implications of certain provisions in the bill, particularly around regulatory changes and their likely impacts on public participation and environmental reviews.

Transcript Highlights:

• So what this gets at is prohibiting banning natural gas in a residential home.
• </c><00:13:26.560><c> Um,</c> prohibiting banning natural gas. Um, prohibiting banning natural gas.
• </c> ownership, we see this as a natural ownership, we see this as a natural opportunity<00:51:01.599
• So what is the solution that you have? >> M. >> Thank you.
• </c> what is the solution that you have? what is the solution that you have? &gt;&gt; M.

Bills: HF4234, HF484, HF483, HF2614

Keywords: HF4234, Minnesota private activity bonds, tax-exempt bonds, bond cap, aggregate bond limitation, residential rental projects, multifamily housing, affordable housing finance, housing bonds, public finance, bond allocation, private activity bond cap, Minnesota Statutes 474A.02, tax committee, natural gas, gas hookups, residential construction, energy policy, local control, state preemption

Transcript Highlights:

• As Representative Akem indicated, this is largely technical in nature, but it does include some important
• 07:05.880><c> largely</c><00:07:06.320><c> technical</c><00:07:06.760><c> in</c><00:07:06.840><c> nature
• ,</c><00:07:07.120><c> but</c><00:07:07.280><c> it</c> is largely technical in nature, but it is largely
• technical in nature, but it does<00:07:07.560><c> include</c><00:07:07.920><c> some</c><00:07:08.080
• Not only is efficiency important for affordability, it's critical to meeting the climate crisis.

Bills: HF4560, HF4559, HF2317, HF3179, HF4880, HF2862, HF4374

Keywords: Public Utilities Commission, PUC, energy regulation, utility regulation, electric utility, public utility, rate case, multiyear rate plan, decoupling, rate decoupling, greenhouse gas, social cost of carbon, environmental cost, resource planning, certificate of need, distributed renewable energy, interconnection, budget billing, electronic filing, contested case

Transcript Highlights:

• I call the meeting of the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee to order.
• Then the climate private land/working land restoration easements are being reduced by $2 million.
• I'm the Commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
• These services preserve, protect, and enhance the wonderful natural resources we all enjoy.
• Infrastructure improvements will help communities prepare for a changing climate.

Bills: HF2439

Keywords: environmental protection, pollution reduction, waste management, climate change, funding allocations

Bills: SB18

Keywords: greenhouse gas emissions, environmental regulation, air quality, climate policy, sustainability, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Then climate private landwork million.
• </c> conservation work across our natural conservation work across our natural resources,<00:07:54.800
• </c> agency, the Department of Natural agency, the Department of Natural Resources,<00:21:07.679><c>
• </c> in planning and implementing climate in planning and implementing climate resiliency<00:24:53.120
• </c> climate. This planning is a real need. climate. This planning is a real need.

Bills: HF2439

Keywords: environmental protection, pollution reduction, waste management, climate change, funding allocations, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And it is one of the ways in which I want to express my frustration with where we are going on climate
• going to undo this whole litany of regulatory things, including everything having to do with the climate
• It doesn't just understand climate science, it teaches climate science.
• now on a place in which the person in charge of protecting us in this area is saying that it's a climate
• change religion and not climate science puts me into a... really challenging position.

Keywords: Environmental Protection Agency, David Fatui, nominations, climate science, environmental policy, public testimony

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.