Transcript Highlights:

• That is our legal right to develop those coal seams, those for the power plants.
• The state of North Dakota has exercised its police powers before.
• The state of North Dakota has exercised its police powers before.
• We've still been working with utilities.
• Meaning the Public Service Commission would have a lot to say over that.

Bills: SB2339

Keywords: wildfire mitigation, utility liability, strict liability, electric utility, public service commission, PSC, rural electric cooperative, municipal utility, transmission provider, vegetation management, power lines, reclosers, electrical safety, wildfire prevention, grid reliability, public safety, first responders, ANSI A300, National Electrical Safety Code, community outreach

Summary: The Energy and Natural Resources Committee continued work on House Bill 1459, which concerns rare earth and critical mineral recovery from North Dakota lignite coal. Testimony from UND researcher Dan Ludo and industry representative David Straely focused on the urgency of developing the process quickly, the technical differences between extracting minerals from coal versus ash, and the potential value of elements such as terbium, dysprosium, gallium, germanium, and synthetic graphite. Straely argued the bill is constitutional, limited to minerals within the coal seam, and needed to avoid years of quiet title litigation and provide certainty for development and compensation to royalty owners. Committee members raised questions about landowner rights, compensation levels, possible amendments from the Department of Trust Lands, and whether the bill should be modified to address constitutional concerns or sunset provisions. No final action was taken on HB 1459; the chair said parties could work on language until Monday before the committee revisits it. The committee then returned to House Bill 1579, a high-load study bill with a possible energy infrastructure investment amendment. Jody Smith of the Retirement and Investment Office presented updated language adding guardrails for in-state infrastructure investing, including requiring approved projects to be underwritten and managed by a qualified investment manager or financial institution and to follow the Legacy Fund investment policy. Members discussed whether the amendment had been shared with the House sponsor and noted that the related bill 1330 was still pending, so HB 1579 was being held for the time being. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 1566, which had an amendment from the Agriculture Commissioner’s office. The committee adopted the amendment 7-0, then passed a due-pass motion on the amended bill and referred it to Appropriations, also by a 7-0 vote. Members discussed the bill’s fiscal impact, including an estimated $580,000 for two FTEs over two years, and clarified that the study component remains in the bill. Senator Gerhardt was assigned to carry the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to welcome everyone to our Utilities Committee meeting.
• being passed on to residential, industrial, agricultural, and commercial ratepayers through higher utility
• So that's a legal term used in the utility world, basically saying that the group that's causing extra
• The Corporation Commission shall enforce the utility and ratepayer protection provisions, and the citizens
• House Bill 2989 allows electric utilities to prepare a wildfire mitigation plan.

Bills: HB2989, HB3724, HB2992, HB3464, HB4246, HB3989

Keywords: wildland fire, wildfire, electric utility, electric cooperative, utility liability, vegetation management, power lines, grid hardening, public utility, rate recovery, National Electric Safety Code, NESC, Oklahoma Conservation Commission, wildfire mitigation, fire prevention, landowner incentives, cost-share program, revolving fund, property damage, trespass

Bills: HB 842, HB 1907, HB 2844, HB 2892, HB 3439, HB 4211, HB 4536, HB 5111, HB 5138, HB 5182, HB 5247, HB 5269, HB 5323, HB 5435, HJR 201, SB 871, HB 3896, SJR 40

Keywords: power lines, Gulf Coast, weather-related outages, Public Utility Commission, infrastructure, government contracts, Chinese companies, information technology, cybersecurity, state regulations, food safety, mobile vendors, licensing, permitting exemptions, health inspections, nonprofit organizations, personal information, government disclosure, privacy, criminal penalties

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and members, the Texas utility industry relies on valuable insights from the Office of Public
• Effectively for consumers, the OPIC must have timely, accurate information from the Public Utility Commission
• House Bill 842 directs the Public Utility Commission to conduct a comprehensive study on the potential
• Therese Harris of the Public Utility Commission to be the resource witness here on our behalf.
• However, the cost for the design and construction of these power generation utilities can be cost prohibitive

Bills: HB842, HB1907, HB2844, HB2892, HB3439, HB4211, HB4536, HB5111, HB5138, HB5182, HB5247, HB5269, HB5323, HB5435, HJR201, SB871, HB3896, SJR40

Keywords: power lines, Gulf Coast, weather-related outages, Public Utility Commission, infrastructure, government contracts, Chinese companies, information technology, cybersecurity, state regulations, food safety, mobile vendors, licensing, permitting exemptions, health inspections, nonprofit organizations, personal information, government disclosure, privacy, criminal penalties

Transcript Highlights:

• Growth investment some of our utilities are in while simultaneously enabling these utilities to maintain
• We've had great discussions with OPUC, the Office of Public Utility Council, and We have talked to other
• We have heard from the Office of Public Utility Council and some others that perhaps a 2035.
• We have you registered as Anna Givens on behalf of the Texas Public Utility Commission as a resource
• Utility Commission of Texas.

Bills: HB842, HB1907, HB2844, HB2892, HB3439, HB4211, HB4536, HB5111, HB5138, HB5182, HB5247, HB5269, HB5323, HB5435, HJR201, SB871, HB3896, SJR40

Keywords: power lines, Gulf Coast, weather-related outages, Public Utility Commission, infrastructure, government contracts, Chinese companies, information technology, cybersecurity, state regulations, food safety, mobile vendors, licensing, permitting exemptions, health inspections, nonprofit organizations, personal information, government disclosure, privacy, criminal penalties

Transcript Highlights:

• Members 2989 allows electric utilities to prepare a wildfire mitigation plan.
• The question I have is will this exempt utilities from liability for negligence when their equipment
• They don't have to subjugate you know because the utilities are paying that we have.
• And what we're looking at doing is we're seeing historic growth in Oklahoma with our power generation
• companies will make power agreements with these companies that you're referring to.

Bills: HB4246, HB4230, HB3617, HB3657, HB2976, HB3391, HB4459, HB4128, HB3989, HB2989, HB4060, HB3145, HB2992, HB3464, HB4246, HB4230, HB3617, HB3657, HB2976, HB3391, HB4459, HB4128, HB3989, HB2989, HB4060, HB3145, HB2992, HB3464

Keywords: HB4246, water rights, rural water, wastewater, drinking water, environmental quality, DEQ, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Oklahoma Rural Water Association, technical assistance, water infrastructure, small systems, utility operators, emergency water response, nonprofit contractors, vendor qualification, competitive bidding, best value procurement, central purchasing act, rural utilities

Transcript Highlights:

• Sections six and 17 pertain to a consumer enforcement public compensation account that's established
• owned by electric utility cooperatives. owned by electric utility cooperatives.
• Any questions on the public finance section? All right. Thank you, Miss Hegler. Uh, we've got Mr.
• Any questions on the public finance section? All right. Thank you, Miss Hegler. Uh, we've got Mr.
• Any questions on the public finance section? All right. Thank you, Miss Hegler. Uh, we've got Mr.

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:

• I'm Russell Smolden with Arizona Municipal Power Users, which is the not-for-profit public power entities
• From a public power standpoint, it would be incredible if we could attract that technology to Arizona
• Madam Chair and members, House Bill 2756 requires certain public power entities and public service corporations
• It requires certain public power entities and public service corporations to file quarterly reports regarding
• Finally, the bill mandates certain public service corporations and public power entities to, within 180

Bills: HB2014, HB2113, HB2145, HB2331, HB2340, HB2389, HB2400, HB2401, HB2428, HB2494, HB2696, HB2756, HB2795, HB2955, HCM2008

Keywords: air emissions, fuel blends, environmental quality, feasibility study, Arizona Department of Agriculture, utility consumer, rate intervention, public service corporation, Arizona Revised Statutes, residential rates, consumer protection, fuel reformulation, gasoline standards, environmental regulations, ethanol supply, Air Quality, energy reliability, electric service providers, reliable resources, public power entity

Transcript Highlights:

• policy and debating these issues in the open public square.
• Um, just like to start off by stating El Paso Electric supports public education, public schools, and
• Um, we are regulated by the Public Utility commission and all the municipalities we serve, and we engage
• My daughter will start kindergarten at a Texas public school in the fall.
• I'm public school educated. I'm Jewish.

Bills: HB 346, HB 1360, HB 1510, HB 1606, HB 1804, HB 1805, HB 2156, HB 2391, HB 2767, HB 3022, HB 3044, HB 3272, HB 3293, HB 3493, HB 3809, HB 3824, HJR 110, HB 2463

Keywords: expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, Texas Ethics Commission, election reporting, campaign finance, violation categorization, penalties, public disclosure, Texas Utilities Code, electric utility, retail electric provider, municipally owned utility, electric cooperative, vegetation management, tree trimming, line clearance, transmission line

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1606 is about public safety and communication.
• This bill simply addresses this issue by requiring the Public Utility Commission to adopt rules mandating
• I mean, I can really only speak to what public health issues arise as far as with Harris County Public
• The bill strengthens public safety.
• Reliable backup power is more important to homeowners, especially during extreme weather and power outages

Bills: HB346, HB1360, HB1510, HB1606, HB1804, HB1805, HB2156, HB2391, HB2767, HB3022, HB3044, HB3272, HB3293, HB3493, HB3809, HB3824, HJR110, HB2463

Keywords: expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, Texas Ethics Commission, election reporting, campaign finance, violation categorization, penalties, public disclosure, Texas Utilities Code, electric utility, retail electric provider, municipally owned utility, electric cooperative, vegetation management, tree trimming, line clearance, transmission line

Bills: HB346, HB1360, HB1510, HB1606, HB1804, HB1805, HB2156, HB2391, HB2767, HB3022, HB3044, HB3272, HB3293, HB3493, HB3809, HB3824, HJR110, HB2463

Keywords: expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, Texas Ethics Commission, election reporting, campaign finance, violation categorization, penalties, public disclosure, Texas Utilities Code, electric utility, retail electric provider, municipally owned utility, electric cooperative, vegetation management, tree trimming, line clearance, transmission line

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, public utilities with at least 200,000 retail electric consumers in Minnesota are required
• And secondly, that the public utility demonstrates to the Public Utilities Commission that more than
• > retail the public utility with 200,000 retail the public utility with 200,000 retail electric
• <00:09:36.120> utility And secondly, that the public utility And secondly, that the public
• :09:38.120> Utilities demonstrates to the Public Utilities demonstrates to the Public Utilities

Bills: HF4308, HF4153, HF4703, HF4711

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

Transcript Highlights:

• When in-state utilities build new power plants, it’s clear who will be receiving the power, so the utility
• This doesn’t apply to our public utilities if the facility is owned by them or has a power purchase agreement
• This doesn’t apply to our public utilities if the facility is owned by them or has a power purchase agreement
• And you're prohibiting any public power... ...at night, but you're prohibiting any public power entity
• It mandates the Corporation Commission and a public power utility publish each of their respective tariff

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:

• Some has to do with public utility companies, obviously, but a lot of it has to do with the state. to
• In the same way that these utilities have the authority to do what's called a public safety power shut
• off with high winds, you can do a public safety power shut off because of bad conditions.
• So the Railroad Commission reports to the PUC, which then directs the utility. disconnect power.
• The Texas Public Power Association represents 72 municipally owned electric utilities across the state

Bills: HB 13, HB143, HB144, HB145, HB366, HB470, HB805, HB912, HB13, HB143, HB144, HB145

Keywords: emergency communication, infrastructure, first responders, grant program, interoperability, Texas Interoperability Council, local governments, HB 143, Texas Railroad Commission, Public Utility Commission of Texas, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas, well site, surface facility, electrical power line, National Electrical Code, NEC, electrical safety, utility disconnect, service disconnection

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, but not the general public.
• or from a public official on somebody because you're you're a public official there's just a higher
• However, it allows the utility to explore different options, and in my conversations with the utility
• are not utilizing it.
• Office of Public Utility Council that represents consumers is at the table in any PUC rate-making, so

Bills: HB 13, HB143, HB144, HB145, HB366, HB470, HB805, HB912, HB13, HB143, HB144, HB145

Keywords: emergency communication, infrastructure, first responders, grant program, interoperability, Texas Interoperability Council, local governments, HB 143, Texas Railroad Commission, Public Utility Commission of Texas, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas, well site, surface facility, electrical power line, National Electrical Code, NEC, electrical safety, utility disconnect, service disconnection

Transcript Highlights:

• It was in the Public Utility Commission of Texas to address a failure by an operator to maintain an electrical
• And then from the Public Utility Commission, the Executive Director Connie Corona.
• Okay, Connie Corona, Executive Director of the Public Utility Commission. Okay, sir. Your question.
• and the overhead power lines are installed in accordance with utility company standards.
• The Public Utility Commission is responsible for inspecting the utility grid and servicing the oil fields

Bills: SB410, SB795, SB2510, SB728, SB2689, HB143, HB143

Keywords: Gulf Coast Protection District, navigation safety, special districts, state governance, Texas legislation, Gulf Coast, flood protection, storm risk management, coastal restoration, natural resources, prescribed burns, self-insurance, fire management, liability protection, rural land management, beverage container recycling, deposit return system, container deposit, bottle bill, recycling refund

Transcript Highlights:

• Utilities Commission.
• Second, the Public Utility Commission of Texas must determine that the proposed interconnection would
• Into this to help solve your power problem, so you're going into the nuclear power plant.
• The project will secure blended power purchase agreements with customers for natural gas power in the
• to power the AI data center revolution.

Bills: HB 11, HB 14, HB 132, HB 1584, HB 1606, HB 5061, HB 1041, HB 2286

Keywords: licensing, reciprocity, regulation, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, interstate agreements, nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 132, Texas Government Code Chapter 418, Public Information Act, confidential records, homeland security, foreign adversary, terrorism, critical infrastructure, emergency response, law enforcement

Summary: The meeting was a thorough exploration of multiple bills, most notably focused on innovative energy solutions and public safety enhancements. Key discussions centered around HB14, which aims to bolster the state's nuclear energy capabilities through the establishment of a Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office. Senators and expert witnesses discussed the potential of nuclear power as a clean energy source and a strategic necessity for Texas's growth. There was strong support for the bill, with various stakeholders highlighting its importance for the future energy landscape. Additionally, other bills like HB132 addressed the need for enhanced confidentiality protections regarding sensitive information, while HB1584 sought improvements in power restoration procedures during emergencies. Overall, the committee engaged with multiple viewpoints, balancing innovation with safety and ethical considerations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Keel currently serves as the council member representing the general public. Mr.
• ratepayer' on page 4, line 4, by deleting after the word 'the' and before the word 'for.' the word 'utility
• being passed on to residential, industrial, agriculture, and commercial ratepayers through higher utility
• But how would this impact the municipal power companies or the co-ops that are in Oklahoma?

Bills: HB2992, HB3183, HB3464, HB4170, HB4338

Keywords: HB2992, Data Center Customer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, Corporation Commission, Oklahoma utilities, ratepayer protection, data centers, artificial intelligence computing, AI data centers, cryptocurrency mining, large load customer, electric rates, utility tariffs, cost causation, rate design, public power utility, municipal utility, electric cooperative, investor-owned utility, load growth, interconnection

Transcript Highlights:

• Keel currently serves as the council member representing the general public. Mr.
• Number two, on page 4, line 4, by deleting after the word the and before the word for the word utility
• , and inserting the words electric supplier, and... ...utility and inserting the words electric supplier
• from being passed on to residential, industrial, agriculture, commercial rate payers through higher utility
• But how would this impact the municipal power companies or the co-ops that are in Oklahoma?

Bills: HB2992, HB3183, HB3464, HB4170, HB4338

Keywords: HB2992, Data Center Customer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, Corporation Commission, Oklahoma utilities, ratepayer protection, data centers, artificial intelligence computing, AI data centers, cryptocurrency mining, large load customer, electric rates, utility tariffs, cost causation, rate design, public power utility, municipal utility, electric cooperative, investor-owned utility, load growth, interconnection

Summary: The committee first handled several executive nominations. It unanimously advanced Richard Allier to the Environmental Quality Board, Kevin Foreman to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board, Gary Keel to the Air Quality Advisory Board, Megan Langley to the Oklahoma-Arkansas River Compact Commission, Jacob Bull to the Air Quality Advisory Council, and Tommy Colwell to the Oklahoma Mining Commission. In each case, the nominating senator described the appointee’s background and qualifications, and the committee voted to send the nomination to the full Senate without opposition. The committee then considered House Bill 2992, with Senator Green offering a technical amendment to correct drafting errors. The amendment passed 8-0, and the bill itself passed 9-0. Green said the measure would require large-load data centers and crypto mining facilities to pay their share of electric infrastructure costs so those costs would not be shifted to other ratepayers. Senator Boren asked whether municipal utilities and co-ops would be affected, and Green responded that the bill was aimed at the corporate shareholder utility model. House Bill 4338 was also heard and passed, though the roll call showed one no vote. Green explained that the bill concerns produced water and would create a framework for extracting elements from it, with House changes clarifying that it is not retroactive, adjusting flexibility for the produced water unit size, and allowing processing of brine before corporation approval. The committee also advanced House Bill 417, which addresses theft of copper fittings on oil rigs and related cleanup damage by making certain conduct a misdemeanor; it passed 10-0. The meeting ended after the committee approved the remaining nominations and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Power Partners legislative reception is Power Partners legislative reception is Power Partners legislative
• 137 by Senator Wagner relating to public 137 by Senator Wagner relating to public utilities. recognizes
• We don't have the power. We don't have the don't have the power.
• It's been utilized, but I don't think It's been utilized, but I don't think It's been utilized, but I
• I see that if the public school student is on the standard public school student is on the standard public

Bills: HJR 4, HJR 6, HB 195, HB 13, HB 143, HB 135

Keywords: occupation tax, securities, financial regulation, tax exemption, legislative amendment, capital gains tax, realized gains, unrealized gains, investment income, asset sale, capital assets, wealth tax, estate tax, trust tax, tax limitation, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, property tax, sales tax