Video & Transcript Research : 'prairies'
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MN
Bills:
HF4148
Keywords:
Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, Outdoor Heritage Fund, executive director, natural resources, conservation, wetlands, prairies, forests, wildlife habitat, fish and game, bipartisan hiring, interview panel, legislative branch, Minnesota Statutes 97A.056, administrative expenses, nonpartisan staff, council governance, environment and natural resources
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House energy panel OK's bill to lift MN's moratorium on new nuclear power plants 1/21/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- located on Prairie Island in the Mississippi River.
- located on Prairie Island in the Mississippi River.
- located on Prairie Island in the Mississippi River.
- <00:31:23.679>
Island impact that it has on the Prairie Island impact that it has on the Prairie - >
Island <00:31:25.519>Indian nuclear or the Prairie Island Indian nuclear or the Prairie
Summary:
House File 9 was heard as a proposal to alter Minnesota energy policy by creating exemptions and “off-ramps” from the state’s 2023 clean energy requirements. The bill would expand hydroelectric power’s eligibility, end the moratorium on new nuclear plants, delay certain carbon-free energy compliance requirements for utilities that do not meet a retail rate benchmark, restrict demolition of fossil fuel plants under that same benchmark, support carbon capture and sequestration, and expand the sales tax exemption for residential natural gas and electricity used as primary heat year-round. The author moved the A1 amendment, which clarified that the carbon capture policy language does not create a state funding obligation; the committee took up the amendment with no discussion and proceeded to a vote, though the result was not stated in the transcript. The bill was then referred to the Committee on Taxes.
The author and supporters argued the bill is needed to improve reliability and affordability, especially during extreme cold, and said current mandates are forcing coal retirements faster than replacement generation can be built. They cited MISO and NERC reliability concerns, Xcel’s proposed rate increases, and the need for an “all-of-the-above” energy approach that includes nuclear and hydro. Supporters also said the bill would help keep energy costs down for families and businesses and would allow Minnesota to use existing generation assets longer if rate targets are not met.
Testimony from the Minnesota Rural Electric Association and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce supported the bill’s emphasis on reliability, affordability, nuclear power, hydroelectric power, and carbon capture. The Chamber said Minnesota’s electricity costs have become less competitive for businesses and argued that stable, affordable power is essential for economic growth and future technologies such as AI. The Minnesota Utility Investors also supported allowing new nuclear and all hydro power to be considered. In contrast, the Prairie Island Indian Community opposed lifting the nuclear moratorium without a viable long-term waste solution, describing its long history living near the Prairie Island nuclear plant and spent fuel storage and urging continued consultation on the issue. Xcel Energy said it supports low rates and sees nuclear as one option, but emphasized that any support for lifting the moratorium depends on full participation by the Prairie Island Indian Community and that decisions about retiring fossil plants should remain within the existing Public Utilities Commission resource planning process.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 1/21/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- dry cast storage to be stored at Prairie dry cast storage to be stored at Prairie Island<00:22:10.960
- support from from Prairie Island which I support from from Prairie Island which I can<00:31:36.320>
- <00:32:20.240>
Island impact that it has on the Prairie Island impact that it has on the Prairie- >
Island <00:32:22.080>Indian nuclear or the Prairie Island Indian nuclear or the Prairie- <00:48:00.440>
Island including our our Prairie Island including our our Prairie Island community - <00:32:20.240>
Summary:
The House Energy Finance and Policy Committee met to approve the January 16 minutes and then heard House File 9, which was referred to the Committee on Taxes after the committee’s action. The bill was presented as an energy policy measure aimed at reliability and affordability. It would expand hydroelectric power’s eligibility under the state’s energy standard, delay certain carbon-free compliance requirements for utilities that do not meet a retail rate benchmark, prohibit local permits to demolish fossil fuel plants under certain conditions, state support for carbon capture and sequestration without creating a state funding obligation, end the nuclear moratorium, and expand the sales tax exemption for residential natural gas and electricity used as primary heat year-round starting after June 30, 2026. The committee also took up and adopted the A1 author’s amendment, which clarified that the carbon capture language does not obligate state spending.
The bill’s sponsor argued that Minnesota’s current energy policy is driving up costs and threatening reliability, especially during extreme cold, and said the bill would create “off-ramps” from existing mandates to protect ratepayers and businesses. He cited reliability concerns, MISO/NERC risk assessments, rising utility rates, and the need for an all-of-the-above energy approach, including hydro and nuclear. He also said the bill would reduce taxes by broadening the sales tax exemption for residential heating.
Testimony was mixed but generally focused on reliability, affordability, and the role of nuclear power. The Minnesota Rural Electric Association and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce supported the bill’s emphasis on keeping power reliable and affordable, with both saying Minnesota needs dispatchable, carbon-free resources and noting concerns about high electricity costs and future demand from data centers and AI. The Prairie Island Indian Community opposed lifting the nuclear moratorium without a viable waste solution, describing the long-term burden of spent nuclear fuel on its community and asking for more consultation. Xcel Energy said its nuclear plants have operated safely and reliably for decades, support low-cost and low-carbon power, and could be part of the state’s energy transition, but it emphasized the need for tribal participation and said decisions about retiring fossil plants should remain within the existing Public Utilities Commission resource planning process.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations Apr 21st, 2025 at 09:15 am
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- You had Prairie Dog. You have the legacy infrastructure fund that was separated out.
- In the discussion in the prairie dog, when this was set up, I don't know.
- to go out ahead. ...originally out of Prairie Dog.
- So that does broaden the scope of what they can use, the additional Prairie Dog money.
- of where the Prairie Dog bucket would fill.
Summary:
The committee met to consider Senate Bill 2012, the Department of Transportation budget, with Representative Brandenburg presenting a detailed House amendment package and Speaker Robin Weisz explaining the overall funding strategy. The discussion focused on restructuring transportation funding streams, including moving Prairie Dog money into a flexible transportation fund, adjusting gas tax distributions, increasing the legacy earnings transfer from 7% to 8%, and authorizing a $155 million bond for Highway 85. Members also discussed DOT operations, bridge funding, rest areas, electronic titling, and the use of funds for grants to counties, cities, and townships. A separate provision would let the DOT consider whether local ordinances or policies unreasonably restrict permitted agriculture or energy projects when scoring grant applications, which drew significant debate about local control and whether the language was punitive.
Testimony from Brandenburg and Weisz emphasized that the plan was intended to provide more predictable funding, preserve the ability to match federal dollars, and direct money where needs are greatest through a grant process. Weisz said the package was designed to simplify multiple revenue buckets, ensure DOT can meet federal match requirements, and free up money for the general fund while still supporting transportation needs. Several members raised concerns about whether cities, counties, and townships would receive as much as under the prior Prairie Dog structure, whether the bridge allocation was correctly reflected in the bill, and whether the local-policy language would penalize subdivisions that oppose energy projects. Supporters argued the state needed to protect revenue tied to energy development and that local governments would still receive distributions plus additional grant opportunities.
The committee adopted the House amendment to SB 2012 by a vote of 19-1-3, then rejected an amendment to remove the local-policy language on a 5-15-3 vote. The committee then passed SB 2012 as amended on a 20-0-3 vote, with Representative Brandenburg designated as the carrier. The chair announced that Senate Bill 2014 would not be taken up at that time and the committee recessed until called back.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations - Government Operations Division Apr 14th, 2025 at 02:30 pm
Appropriations - Government Operations Division
Transcript Highlights:
- Second reason, I think, is because in the last report to the Attorney General, Prairie Public had 10
- But Prairie Public had 10 gaming sites in their December 31st report of '24, and so if an entity that
- And then the 40% that's supposed to go to charity, because Prairie Public is a 501(c)(3), that money
- goes to Prairie Public as well.
- I think for their local programming, I still think they provide... ...need for Prairie Public.
Bills:
SB2014
Keywords:
industrial commission, economic development, housing finance, oil and gas, rail infrastructure, financial assistance, emergency funding, 908, all
Summary:
The Government Operations Division met to continue work on the remaining bill and related amendments. Joe Morse asked the committee to include a $219,000 general fund replacement for rent that would no longer be collected from Career and Technical Education after the 15th floor of the tower becomes legislative space under the Legislative Council’s jurisdiction. Members discussed that state law currently requires rent only from executive branch office space, not legislative or judicial space, and there was no objection to adding the request to the amendment package.
The committee then revisited a set of amendments it had previously discussed, including whether to include funding for Prairie Public. Senator Dwyer argued against any Prairie Public funding, citing its reserves, endowment, and charitable gaming revenue, and said the state should prioritize other needs. Senator Irby supported a one-time infrastructure contribution as the state shares in related infrastructure costs. Senator Sickler said Prairie Public still provides unique local programming, but that a one-time infrastructure item would be a reasonable compromise rather than ongoing operating support.
A motion was made and seconded to provide Prairie Public $850,000 from the Strategic Investment and Improvement Fund for infrastructure needs. The roll call vote failed 3-2, with Senators Sickler and Irby voting aye, Senators Dwyer and Burkhard voting no, and Chairman Wanzek voting yes. After that vote, the committee indicated the amendment package was otherwise complete, though leadership had asked that final action on the bill be held for a little longer. The meeting adjourned with the understanding that more amendments could still be brought forward before the next meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 04/08/26
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:37:49.360>
Island yes on an amendment that Prairie Island yes on an amendment that Prairie - satisfied that the language that Prairie satisfied that the language that Prairie Island<01:40:22.000
- to support Prairie Island in this<01:40:52.440>
process. - So, is we want Prairie Island support.
- relations specialist for the Prairie relations specialist for the Prairie Island<02:02:33.840>
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations - Government Operations Division Apr 16th, 2025 at 03:00 pm
Appropriations - Government Operations Division
Transcript Highlights:
- So that, for Prairie Dog, is coming out at a higher level because we know Prairie Dog comes after the
- , just like they can under Prairie Dog.
- , just like they can under Prairie Dog.
- And I've been told that concerning Prairie Dog, that the Prairie Dog money to the counties and townships
- And I've been told that concerning Prairie Dog, that the Prairie Dog money to the counties and townships
Summary:
The House Appropriations Government Operations section reconvened and first took up an amendment for the Industrial Commission related to a proposed west-to-east natural gas pipeline. Members discussed increasing the state’s capacity commitment from $60 million to $120 million so the project could move forward and support a future FERC permit, with supporters citing growing demand from data centers, agricultural users, and oilfield gas capture needs. The committee also discussed a separate motion to exempt the mill and elevator from the vacant FTE pool; that motion failed on a roll call vote. The committee then reviewed other Industrial Commission items, including housing authority funding, the abandoned well fund, Bank of North Dakota-related changes, and a decision not to add more to litigation funding.
The discussion then shifted to the Department of Transportation budget and a major transportation funding framework. Speaker Weiss explained a proposal to consolidate and rework transportation funding into fewer buckets, including moving Prairie Dog-style funding into the flexible transportation fund, adding $370 million to that fund, and providing $171.3 million for federal match needs. The plan also included $50 million for statewide discretionary projects, $50 million for bridges, and grant flexibility for cities, counties, and townships, with some debate over eligibility thresholds and how much discretion DOT should have in awarding grants. Members also discussed whether small communities could realistically apply for grants and how the new structure would coordinate statewide transportation investments.
Additional DOT topics included a proposed gas tax increase, changes to distribution percentages among DOT, cities/counties, townships, and transit, and the treatment of electric vehicle registration fees. The committee noted that transit funding would rise under the formula and that EV registration fees would continue to flow into the highway distribution fund. No final action was taken on the broader DOT package during this portion of the meeting, but members agreed to continue work on the amendment and revisit the issue the next day, with a suggestion to brief the caucus before floor action.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Expanding Nuclear Energy in Minnesota – Senator Nick Frentz Mar 10th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- for Xcel Energy, which is the only utility that uses nuclear, is we've allowed them to store it at Prairie
- Island, where the Prairie Island Indian Community is now the closest community in the country to nuclear
- it at Prairie Island where the Prairie it at Prairie Island where the Prairie Island<00:04:30.280
- <00:09:51.279>
Island the consent of not just Prairie Island the consent of not just Prairie - but EXL energy as said without Prairie but EXL energy as said without Prairie Island<00:09:54.360
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- A little background and I want you to, I want you to understand how important Prairie View is to the
- a Prairie View A&M University Day at the state Capitol.
- And the institution opened in Prairie View on March 11, 1878 and welcomed its first class of students
- Prairie View has grown considerably over the course of its long history, and during the fall of 2024
- Speaker, I want to thank the House for honoring and celebrating Prairie View A&M University today.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/26
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:54:15.240>
Island We also appreciate the Prairie Island We also appreciate the Prairie - <01:02:58.280>
Island conjunction with the Prairie Island conjunction with the Prairie Island - Representative Igoe and the Prairie Representative Igoe and the Prairie Island<01:04:08.320>
- <01:20:30.600>
Island our friends of the Prairie Island our friends of the Prairie Island - <01:26:01.600>
Island <01:26:01.880>Community, Prairie Island Community, Prairie Island
Keywords:
HF4308, Monticello nuclear plant, Prairie Island, renewable development account, RDA, nuclear waste, spent fuel, dry cask storage, utility tax, commercial-industrial property tax, state general levy, property tax exemption, residential heating fuels, natural gas tax exemption, electricity sales tax exemption, year-round sales tax exemption, distributed solar energy standard, solar mandate, community solar, grid modernization
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate - 01/22/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- Then on deck would be Blake Johnson from Prairie Island. Okay, Miss Gorman.
- Then on deck would be Blake Johnson from Prairie Island.
- producing about 1100 megawatt at Prairie producing about 1100 megawatt at Prairie Island<01:10:44.480
- and maintain the monacello and Prairie and maintain the monacello and Prairie Island<01:40:56.960
- <01:41:24.560>
Island and the impact of prairie Island and the impact of prairie Island Generating
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- HR 276 by Kitzmann recognizing February 18, 2025 as Prairie View.
- Representative Thomas- to be here with me to celebrate Prairie View A&M University.
- And I'm gonna ask all the former students and students of Prairie View that are here today to please
- View A&M University is visiting Austin today on February 8th. 18, 2025 to celebrate a Prairie View A
- Speaker, I want to thank the House for honoring and celebrating Prairie View A&M University.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans’ & Military Affairs Oct 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Ranching and prairie habitat can coexist and even thrive.
- I was asked to give an update on the PLU Prairie Conservation Parcel.
- Funding has been secured to protect 10 acres of prairie on the campus.
- I was asked to give an update on the PLU Prairie Conservation Parcel.
- So funding has been secured to protect 10 acres of prairie on the prairie conservation parcel.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs heard presentations on several military and veterans-related topics. Dr. Dan Calvert briefed the committee on the JBLM Sentinel Landscape Partnership, explaining its voluntary conservation work to reduce encroachment around the base by protecting prairie habitat, supporting agriculture, and managing sensitive species. He described REPI funding, recent and proposed projects, and possible policy support such as state designation, dedicated funding, management endowments, prescribed fire flexibility, and water-right transfer tools. Members asked about seed sourcing, the distinction between natural-resource encroachment and development-related encroachment, and the impact of federal REPI staffing cuts.
David Puente of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs updated the committee on plans for a new state veterans cemetery in the Tri-Cities area and a replacement Spokane Veterans Home. He said the cemetery project has two candidate sites near Richland/West Richland, with pre-design funded by the legislature and a future request expected for land purchase and construction; he also noted the current cemetery funding source is limited and would not support a second cemetery without additional state operating funds. On the Spokane home, he described the current facility’s limitations and said the replacement would be a 120-bed, small-house model on a larger site, with the VA expected to cover 65% of construction costs if the state provides the match. He also reviewed agency budget reductions, including vacant positions, reduced outreach, cuts to counseling and wellness funding, and reduced support for veterans service organizations.
Blue Star Families’ Puget Sound chapter also presented on its programs for military-connected families, including Coffee Connects, a children’s book club, outdoor programming, career support, and Blue Star Welcome Week. The group said it is expanding beyond the South Sound and is using local outposts and online networks to reach more families, while also helping with food insecurity through grocery gift cards and partnerships with local nonprofits. Committee members discussed the need to expand the organization statewide and the ongoing food-security challenges facing military families.
During the final discussion on potential legislation, members raised ideas including restoring Washington National Guard retention efforts, expanding E-CAP eligibility to military families, revisiting the composition of the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, and addressing veterans’ preference issues for service members who have not yet received a DD-214. The committee did not take any formal votes or actions, but members and presenters discussed future policy and budget requests, and the chairs thanked the presenters and staff before adjourning.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- You see its Prairie section. Prairie section is fairly large; it's page 2 through 6 of the bill.
- All of these are prairie-related projects, so consequently they happen primarily in the prairie region
is Prairie section Prairie section is Prairie section Prairie section is fairly<00:07:12.280>- in the TR prair in the uh prairies in the TR prair in the uh Prairie<00:07:40.840>
Forest <00: - transition Prairie trans Prairie Forest transition Prairie trans Prairie Forest transition area<
Bills:
HF1250
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 01/29/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- moratorium could have on the Prairie moratorium could have on the Prairie Island<01:13:03.280>
- safely uh at the monacello and Prairie safely uh at the monacello and Prairie Island<01:13:48.639
- <01:51:00.280>
Island residence the people of prairie Island residence the people of prairie- We have just gotten done hearing from Prairie Island and Xcel.
- on that the conversations with Prairie on that the conversations with Prairie Island<02:00:21.079
Summary:
The Minnesota Senate Energy Committee heard Senate File 426, authored by Senator Icorn, which would remove the 100-megawatt cap on hydropower for purposes of qualifying as an eligible energy technology under Minnesota law. Supporters said hydropower is carbon-free, reliable, flexible baseload power that can help Minnesota meet its 100% carbon-free electricity goal by 2040. Testifiers from Missouri River Energy Services and Minnesota Power described existing hydropower resources, including allocations from federal Missouri River dams, Minnesota hydro stations, and Manitoba Hydro, and argued that the bill would preserve and expand options for clean energy development.
Several members raised concerns about the bill’s purpose and potential environmental impacts. Senator McEwen questioned why the size limit should be removed without specific proposed projects or more information about the need for larger dams, citing concerns about fisheries, water resources, and land use. Senator Port and others asked about costs, environmental effects, and where new projects might be built. In response, supporters said the bill is intended to open the door to future projects and allow agencies to review proposals through existing permitting and environmental processes, rather than approving any specific dam.
Committee members offered mixed reactions. Senator Frentz said he supported the concept but recommended laying the bill over for further discussion and possibly sending it to the Environment Committee, noting environmental concerns and the need for more conversation. Senator Gruenhagen strongly supported the bill, arguing that it merely lifts a cap while leaving permitting and review requirements in place. Senator Hoffman also supported the bill, saying current policy blocks consideration of new projects and that the change would allow regulators to evaluate proposals on their merits. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the bill was left open for further consideration.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- No, no, no, it is my Prairie View purple. And so today, members.
- Prairie View A&M. And Chloe Tolbert, Miss Prairie View A&M.
- The Prairie View has been a part of my life, all my life.
- I go way back with Prairie View.
- View, and that's when it was red clay streets in Prairie View.
Keywords:
bail denial, illegal aliens, felony offenses, constitutional amendment, law enforcement, bail reform, defendants, pretrial detention, public safety, criminal justice, charitable bail organizations, bail bonds, public funds, political subdivision, injunctive relief, taxpayer rights, bail, criminal justice reform, 1185, senate
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Finance and Taxation Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:00 am
Finance and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- So the city of Mandan, on their little 1% side of this equation, hoping that Prairie Dog hits once in
- And Dickinson stepped up and took on a lot of debt so that we could have a prairie dog for Mandan.
- And when Senator Warner created the Prairie Dog, I specifically remember him saying that much.
- And the Operation Prairie Dog money gets spent on new projects.
- Operation Prairie Dog money gets spent on new projects.
Summary:
The Finance and Tax Committee met and first took up Senate Bill 2093, described as providing a small amount of income tax relief for widowed law enforcement peace officers. The committee briefly discussed the limited scope of the relief, then recommended a due pass by roll call vote, with all members present voting yes. Representative Hagert was assigned to carry the bill to the floor.
The committee then spent most of its time on Senate Bill 2023, which concerned the Prairie Dog/energy impact grant funding formula and support for debt incurred by oil-impacted cities. Members debated whether the bill unfairly shifted money from the remaining 1% pool that also serves non-oil-producing cities and counties. Supporters argued that Williston, Dickinson, and Minot took on substantial debt to accommodate Bakken growth and that the state has already benefited from that development; opponents said the formula has been repeatedly eroded and that the bill would further disadvantage other political subdivisions.
An amendment was offered to narrow the bill’s duration from six bienniums to two, increase the grant amount to $25 million per year, correct distribution percentages, and require reporting to legislative management. A legislative staffer explained the added guardrails: the money could only be used for debt incurred within a specified date range and only for debt service, not new projects or operations. The amendment passed on a roll call vote, and the committee then recommended the amended bill due pass and re-refer to Appropriations by a 7-6 vote, with one member absent. Representative Steiner was designated to carry the bill. The committee then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
The Debate Around Expanding Nuclear Energy in MN / Supporting Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production Mar 9th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- it at Prairie Island where the Prairie it at Prairie Island where the Prairie Island<00:17:41.880
- That's less certain and would require the consent of not just Prairie Island but Xcel Energy as well.
- Without Prairie Island support, they too would not support it, and as the only operators of nuclear in
- That's less certain and would require the consent of not just Prairie Island but Xcel Energy as well.
- Without Prairie Island support, they too would not support it, and as the only operators of nuclear in
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/13/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:01:43.920>
Island of nuclear facilities on Prairie Island of nuclear facilities on Prairie - worked uh at the monacello and Prairie worked uh at the monacello and Prairie Island<00:25:09.440
- we feel it's important that the Prairie we feel it's important that the Prairie Island<00:33:57.799
- He worked at Prairie Island.
- Thank you to Prairie Island.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:06:40.240>
Island <00:06:41.080>um constructed the Prairie Island um constructed - the Prairie Island um nuclear<00:06:41.840>
plant <00:06:42.199>and <00:06:42.319>I - The Prairie Island plant had a cooling pool in which radioactive rods could be kept while they cooled
- Representative Jones continued: “I want to ask: Are there still casks at Prairie Island?”
- As Representative Jones said, the RDA was tied to the casks at Prairie Island.