Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, and committee members, visitors and friends, and Senator Woods. Senate Bill 1979 is an act.
• And I'll add this and yield for questions.
• And so with that, I yield for questions and urge a due pass and a yes vote. Is there any questions?
• I appreciate the aggregate industry as far as concrete, asphalt, and you could go on and on and on.
• And I look forward to getting to continue to work on this and appreciate each and everybody's input.

Bills: SB1246, SB1510, SB1979, SB1929, SB1930, SB1976

Keywords: environmental permitting, Oklahoma, Department of Environmental Quality, public participation, regulatory framework, administered applications, energy, wind energy, financial assurance, property restoration, environmental regulation, mining, blasting, residential protection, buffer zone, Department of Mines, public utilities, electric transmission lines, landowner rights, payment regulations

Summary: The committee heard several energy, mining, and environmental bills. Senate Bill 1246, a DEQ request bill, was described as a permitting reform measure intended to reduce delays, increase transparency, and improve public notice; members discussed newspaper publication and digital alerts, and the bill passed 11-0. Senate Bill 1929 proposed a new framework for transmission lines that would compensate landowners with recurring payments for lines crossing their property; members raised concerns about eminent domain, ratepayer impacts, existing easements, and whether payments would transfer with land sales, but the bill passed 6-5 after the author said it was an idea to start a broader conversation. Senate Bill 1510 addressed bonding requirements and reclamation standards, with the author saying the goal was to make bonds meaningful and ensure funds are available for cleanup if operators fail to reclaim sites. Members discussed bond levels, acceptable financial instruments, and the need to balance industry viability with land restoration; the bill passed 11-0. Senate Bill 1979, the Mining and Blasting Residential Protection Act, would create an 800-foot buffer around residences and sensitive facilities near mining and blasting operations and require notifications/signage; the author said it was a constituent-driven good-neighbor bill, but members worried it could affect existing mines, raise costs, and potentially be read to restrict current operations. After title was struck, the bill failed 2-8. The committee also passed Senate Bill 1930, which creates a framework for compensating surface owners when iodine is recovered from produced water for commercial use, and Senate Bill 1976, which phases in surety requirements for small oil and gas producers to soften the impact of prior regulatory changes. Both bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously after brief discussion about balancing regulation with economic impacts. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so when staff and I met on doing this, I didn't know where to start and I am open for conversations
• And so one of my so that and that is recurring.
• Chair, and committee members, visitors, and friends, and Senator Woods.
• and blasting.
• you could go on and on and on.

Bills: SB1246, SB1510, SB1979, SB1929, SB1930, SB1976

Keywords: environmental permitting, Oklahoma, Department of Environmental Quality, public participation, regulatory framework, administered applications, energy, wind energy, financial assurance, property restoration, environmental regulation, mining, blasting, residential protection, buffer zone, Department of Mines, public utilities, electric transmission lines, landowner rights, payment regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank Ranking Member Whitehouse [member_22436] and his staff for working with me and my staff
• Next, we will consider S. 351, the Strategies to Eliminate Waste and Accelerate Recycling Development
• There's a lot more we need to do to improve recycling rates and reduce the amount of plastic seeping
• We and they deserve better.
• topic and specifically about reuse and refill.

Bills: SB347, SB351

Keywords: brownfields, brownfield cleanup, site remediation, environmental cleanup, contaminated property, redevelopment, revitalization, CERCLA, Superfund, EPA grants, state response programs, environmental justice, disadvantaged communities, small communities, local government grants, nonprofit eligibility, community engagement, Alaska Native tribes, Regional Corporations, Village Corporations

Transcript Highlights:

• I did a lot of research on brine wastewater recycling, and I appreciate the process.
• I know several operators are currently looking at ways that they can recycle and reuse wastewater now
• Operators are currently looking at ways that they can recycle and reuse wastewater now rather than disposing
• And again, you know, we lead the world in technology in the oil and gas industry, and we're going to
• and zero nay.

Bills: HB2976, HB4459, HB3142, HB4316, HB4338, HB4230

Keywords: environmental protection, water quality, aluminum, Department of Environmental Quality, EPA standards, groundwater conservation, water rights, permit allocation, metering, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, liquefied petroleum gas, safety regulation, LP-Gas Board, inspections, accident investigations, rural water service, district organization, emergency legislation, Oklahoma, water management

Summary: The House Energy Committee met for its second scheduled meeting and announced it would need to meet again the following week because of bill reassignments and new agenda items. The committee first considered House Bill 2976, which requires the Department of Environmental Quality to promulgate water quality criteria rules for aluminum. An amendment was adopted to extend the rulemaking deadline to December 31, 2027, to allow time for an OU study on aluminum in water to be completed. The bill then passed 9-0. The committee next heard House Bill 4459, which would create a five-year averaging option for certain water users, mainly irrigators, allowing flexibility in annual use while requiring measurement and reporting over the five-year period. Members questioned whether the bill could encourage excessive use during drought years and whether it would improve reporting accuracy; the author said he was open to discussing a possible reduction from 200% to 150% and emphasized long-term aquifer conservation. HB 4459 was reported out due pass. House Bill 3142, described as a revised version of a bill vetoed last year, also passed unanimously after the author said it addressed the governor’s veto concerns. The committee then advanced House Bill 4316, which updates outdated language related to rural water districts and passed 11-0. House Bill 4338, the so-called Brine Act, was adopted with a PCS and would allow wastewater or produced water to be used in ways that could expand Oklahoma’s iodine production industry; the author said it would create value from material now disposed of and would not change disposal rules. Members asked about treatment and environmental safeguards, and the author said the bill only recognizes the activity as legal and does not mandate it. HB 4338 passed 11-0. Finally, House Bill 4230, which expands the ability to use qualified outside suppliers for training and technical assistance, passed 11-0 after brief questioning about who those suppliers might be.

Transcript Highlights:

• facilities and advanced technologies to safely and efficiently transfer, treat, and recycle produced
• facilities and advanced technologies to safely and efficiently transfer, treat, and recycle produce
• water. ...and efficiently transfer, treat, and recycle produced water.
• Other states are using treated produced water and engaging in beneficial reuse, and we shouldn't get
• Other states are using treated produced water and engaging in beneficial reuse, and we shouldn't get

Bills: HM45, HB276, HB300

Keywords: Taos County, Questa, produced water, treated produced water, water reuse, water quality control commission, freshwater conservation, rural communities, acequias, Indian nations, tribes, pueblos, water rights, industrial water use, data centers, artificial intelligence, AI, quantum computing, economic development, renewable energy

Summary: The committee first heard House Memorial 45, which asked the Water Quality Control Commission to promptly hear a petition seeking consideration of the beneficial reuse of treated produced water. The sponsor and supporters argued that produced water could help conserve freshwater, support agriculture and rural communities, and potentially aid compact obligations with Texas and industrial users. The committee also heard extensive opposition from acequia leaders, environmental groups, and residents who said the science is not yet sufficient, the water contains unknown or proprietary contaminants, and the memorial could pressure regulators or shift pollution burdens to other communities. After questions focused on the meaning of a memorial, the status of the petition, and the role of the Produced Water Research Consortium, a motion to table HM 45 passed, with members explaining they wanted the petition in hand before acting. The committee then took up House Bill 276, which appropriates $3.3 million to NMSU for the New Mexico Department of Agriculture to support celebration of the 400-year anniversary of winemaking in New Mexico. Supporters described the bill as a statewide agritourism and economic development effort tied to New Mexico’s long wine history, with marketing, signage, and tourism promotion intended to benefit wineries across the state. Members asked about the funding source, the anniversary date, and whether the effort would include wineries outside the south; the sponsor said the campaign would highlight wineries statewide. The committee voted do pass on HB 276. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 300, which would appropriate funds for the care and management of free-roaming horses and related domestic horse management, with an emphasis on tribal and local herd-control efforts using fertility control and trained community members. Supporters said the program would help address overpopulation, grazing impacts, and roadway safety, while opponents questioned relocation plans and whether the money should be spread across more counties. The sponsor and expert witness said trained personnel were already in place and the funds would support implementation. After discussion, the committee voted do pass on HB 300. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would meet again Saturday to hear House Bill 207.

Transcript Highlights:

• could then file the same lawsuit and go try to get the same judgment over and over and over, and it's
• And we don't want to drag them down and make it even worse.
• And thanks.
• to reuse it.
• And not every place that we produce oil and gas or have oil and gas production is going to have iodine

Bills: SB1191, SB1976, SB1613, SB1439, SB1930, SB1314, SB1246

Keywords: SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, oil and gas, surety bond, financial responsibility, environmental compliance, plugging wells, SB1613

Summary: The committee took up several energy and environmental bills, most of them mirror measures or agency-related changes. SB 1976, a mirror of HB 3469, would provide a three-year phase-in for new surety bond requirements adopted in HB 1369 and was reported out do pass on a 10-0 vote. SB 1314 would increase the well drillers fund limits for plugging bad wells that could contaminate aquifers, raising the per-well amount to $25,000 and the fund cap from $50,000 to $100,000; it also passed 10-0. SB 1191 repeals the law creating the Oklahoma Energy Low Carbon Initiative Board, which had never been appointed or met, and it passed 10-0. SB 1613, a mirror of HB 3142, was also reported do pass 10-0 after members noted prior questions had been resolved. SB 1246, from the Department of Environmental Quality, was described as streamlining services while keeping information online and preserving public comment time; it passed 11-0. The committee then spent the most time on SB 1439, the Energy Security and Independence Act, which would bar certain causes of action related to greenhouse gas emissions and alleged climate-change effects. Supporters argued it would protect Oklahoma’s oil and gas industry from costly, speculative lawsuits and preserve the state’s economy, while opponents questioned whether it would shield an industry from accountability and compared it to past tobacco litigation. The bill’s author said it would not affect other pollution claims or federal enforcement, only climate-related civil actions. After extended discussion, SB 1439 was reported out do pass on a 9-3 vote. Finally, SB 1930, the mirror bill to the Brine Development Act, was presented as a measure to speed up development of iodine and other mineral recovery from oilfield wastewater while avoiding conflicts with existing oil and gas operations and Corporation Commission rules. Members discussed Oklahoma’s role in iodine production, possible market growth, and concerns about creating unintended causes of action for surface owners or class-action claims. The author said amendments were still being negotiated, but the bill was nevertheless reported out do pass on an 11-0 vote. The chair closed by noting this was expected to be the committee’s only scheduled meeting, absent any reassignments.

Transcript Highlights:

• facilities and advanced technologies to safely and efficiently transfer, treat, and recycle produced
• water. ...and efficiently transfer, treat, and recycle produced water.
• Other states are using treated produced water and engaging in beneficial reuse, and we shouldn't get
• Other states are using treated, produce, water, and engaging in beneficial reuse, and we shouldn't get
• of. to override science, pressure regulators, and normalize the reuse and discharge of toxic oil and

Bills: HM45, HB276, HB300

Keywords: Taos County, Questa, produced water, treated produced water, water reuse, water quality control commission, freshwater conservation, rural communities, acequias, Indian nations, tribes, pueblos, water rights, industrial water use, data centers, artificial intelligence, AI, quantum computing, economic development, renewable energy

Transcript Highlights:

• recycling and reuse.
• I visited a recycling facility that is innovating in the space and is able to reuse most of those materials
• coordinate the reuse, renovation, recycling, and disposal, if no other option is available, of their
• We represent companies that are involved in the collection, reuse, resale, and recycling of textile materials
• on reuse and repair.

Bills: SB6271, SB6174

Keywords: mattress stewardship, producer responsibility, extended producer responsibility, EPR, mattress recycling, solid waste, landfill diversion, illegal dumping, recycling program, Department of Ecology, producer responsibility organization, PRO, renovator, retailer obligations, collection sites, bulk pickup, drop-off locations, waste management, environmental compliance, circular economy

Summary: The Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee held public hearings on two extended producer responsibility bills and then a work session on solar interconnection standards. On SB 6271, which would create a mattress stewardship program, the sponsor and supporters said mattresses are bulky, hard to dispose of, and often dumped illegally, while most of their materials can be recycled. Cities, counties, and a mattress recycler testified in support, citing landfill space, disposal costs, and job creation. Retail and hospitality groups and the mattress industry opposed the bill as drafted, saying Washington should align with existing programs in other states and avoid new burdens or a point-of-sale fee structure. The public hearing closed with 459 signed in pro and 172 con. The committee then heard SB 6174, a proposed substitute on textile producer responsibility. Supporters said textiles are a growing waste stream, thrift stores are overwhelmed, and a needs assessment is a necessary first step toward a future recycling and reuse program. Seattle Public Utilities, Zero Waste Washington, and a student testified in support. Retail, business, apparel, hospitality, and textile-reuse groups opposed the bill or the substitute, saying the proposal is still too broad, may impose costs on retailers and employers, and should wait for more stakeholder work and lessons from California’s program. The hearing closed with 1,253 signed in pro and 364 con. In the work session, staff and a PNNL presenter reviewed codes and standards for rooftop and portable solar systems connecting to homes, businesses, and the grid. The presentation explained how the National Electrical Code, UL certification standards, and IEEE interconnection standards work together, including newer UL standards for no-export systems and portable or plug-in solar devices. Committee members asked about safety, certification timing, and how Washington should treat emerging balcony solar products; the presenter said the standards framework already allows certified products, while newer devices are still moving through certification and code updates. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• That you would bless the leaders, members, and staff of both chambers with patience, discernment, and
• And so now, after 43 years of service, including Within the ER, trauma, and critical care departments
• Toby Keith sang about loving his Country and he lived it day in and day out.
• and received countless awards and honors for his musical achievements.
• And whereas he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and recognition of his lasting

Bills: SB1246, SB1510, SB1979, SB1929, SB1930, SB1976, HCR1019, SB1459, SB1673, SB1500, SB1447, SB1646, SB2007, SB1275, SB2074

Keywords: environmental permitting, Oklahoma, Department of Environmental Quality, public participation, regulatory framework, administered applications, energy, wind energy, financial assurance, property restoration, environmental regulation, mining, blasting, residential protection, buffer zone, Department of Mines, public utilities, electric transmission lines, landowner rights, payment regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• He is board-certified in family medicine and lifestyle medicine and has a certificate and added qualifications
• connectivity, and intrastate commerce and growth, and finds it appropriate, And whereas Toby Keith was
• , and received countless awards and honors for his musical achievements.
• continuing east and north to Interstate 40 at Interstate 335 and continuing east and north to Interstate
• connectivity, and intrastate commerce and growth, and finds it appropriate, and intrastate commerce

Bills: SB1246, SB1510, SB1979, SB1929, SB1930, SB1976, HCR1019, SB1459, SB1673, SB1500, SB1447, SB1646, SB2007, SB1275, SB2074

Keywords: environmental permitting, Oklahoma, Department of Environmental Quality, public participation, regulatory framework, administered applications, energy, wind energy, financial assurance, property restoration, environmental regulation, mining, blasting, residential protection, buffer zone, Department of Mines, public utilities, electric transmission lines, landowner rights, payment regulations

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered the invocation, and recognized the Doctor of the Day and Nurse of the Day. Members also welcomed guests in the gallery, including supporters of a prosthetic coverage bill. The chamber then took up HCR 1019, which designates the planned turnpike corridor from I-44 to I-40 as the Toby Keith Expressway in honor of the late Oklahoma country music star. The resolution was read, discussed in celebratory terms, and adopted by voice vote. The Senate also acted on Senate Bill 202 by rejecting House amendments and requesting Senate conferees to be named later. Senate Bill 1459, which extends the sunset date for the Oklahoma Abstractors Board to 2031, was explained by its author, advanced, and then passed on third reading by a roll call vote of 41-6. The Senate then approved the emergency clause for the bill, making it effective immediately. During announcements, members noted an upcoming legislative drive for the OIE fair project, a Business and Insurance Committee meeting, and recognized the agenda clerk for a birthday. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, March 2 at 1:30 p.m. when the clerk’s desk is clear.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is eight ayes and zero nays.
• That is eight ayes and zero nays.
• That is 8 ayes and one nay. I received eight ayes and one nay. I declare it to have passed.
• Chairman, and thank you, committee. This bill has to do with theft and cleanup.
• That is 10 ayes and zero nays.

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:

• Respectfully request a second and yield for questions. And thank you for the indulgence.
• , and inserting the words electric supplier, and... ...utility and inserting the words electric supplier
• The produced water and the surface are all water, and the surface are connected.
• HB. 433, and I received eight eyes and one nay, I declare it to have passed.
• Chairman and committee. We are back on pause." "Thank you, Mr. Chairman and committee.

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:

• rules and policies in managing and containing Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
• and community engagement.
• I would like to have Parks and Wildlife come up as a resource witness on this and Mr. True.
• All right, we'll have you state your name and who you represent. And we'll work it out.
• I'm the Wildlife Division Director for Texas Parks and Wildlife, and I'm testifying neutral.

Bills: SB2031, SB2386, SB2476, SB2801, SB2843, SB2844, SB2846, SB2885

Keywords: deer breeding, chronic wasting disease, wildlife management, release site, landowner rights, TCEQ, environmental quality, administrative actions, public notice, legislative oversight, water supply, Angelina and Neches River Authority, ownership transfer, public utilities, Certificate of Convenience and Necessity, SB 2801, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Parks and Wildlife Code, field trial permit, hunting dog field trial

Transcript Highlights:

• States for eyeglasses and contacts and then divide that by our population.
• with great broadband and with great roads and transportation.
• and all supporting.
• From grades seven and eight all the way through nine and twelve, we have both middle and upper school
• Okay, and it seems to... ...okay, and it seems to fluctuate between 20 and 25.

Bills: SB1, HB176, HB86, SB1, HB176, HB86

Keywords: workers' compensation, public education, employee injury, insurance trust fund, on-the-job injury, administrative procedures, HB176, Alabama sales tax, use tax, sales and use tax exemption, optical aids, eyeglasses, contact lenses, prescription glasses, vision care, optometrist, ophthalmologist, optician, medical devices, local option tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the system to ensure safe collection and the system to ensure safe collection and recycling. recycling
• and uh Recycling Electronics Coalition and uh Recycling Electronics for<00:58:18.880><c> Climate</c>
• have real economic value, and can be recovered and reused.
• Without improved recovered and reused.
• So, I recycling and solid waste work.

Bills: HF3426, HF3896, HF1426, HF3793, HF4061, HF4246

Keywords: natural resources, environment, sustainability, conservation, outdoor recreation, wild rice, watercraft regulation, environmental protection, aquatic ecosystems, HF1426, product stewardship, extended producer responsibility, EPR, electronics recycling, e-waste, battery recycling, circuit boards, printed circuit boards, electrical products, covered products

Transcript Highlights:

• application fees for reclaiming, recycling, treating, or land disposal of oil and gas waste despite
• facilities that are not equipped for battery recycling and are full of flammable materials.
• thereby reducing adverse effects at recycling and solid waste facilities.
• Finally, the substitute ensures that owners and operators of recycling and waste facilities are not held
• Resource recycling systems estimated that more than 5,000 fires occur annually at solid waste and recycling

Bills: SB2122, SB2050, HB16

Keywords: oil and gas waste, application fees, permit amendments, environmental regulation, Texas natural resources, battery recycling, battery disposal, consumer batteries, energy storage modules, electrochemical devices, lithium-ion battery, household hazardous waste, solid waste, municipal recycling, waste management, battery stewardship, producer responsibility, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, recycling program

Transcript Highlights:

• Associated with it and for efficiency's sake we'd like to be able to dissolve the PUA and and bring those
• And ah this is a health and safety valve.
• And, and so. Just a thought.
• Go back, and replace that line, and then flush thousands and thousands and thousands of gallons.
• Uh, and we have this high growth rate and, and, and God was not generous to the Hayes County folks when

Bills: HB 5208, SB 863, SB 1243, SB 1624, SB 1965, SB 2660, SB 2702, SB 2885

Keywords: water filtration, public drinking water, health and safety, well maintenance, water quality, Edwards Aquifer, water conservation, reclaimed water, aquifer storage, environmental protection, public utility agency, dissolution, local government, regulatory framework, municipal authority, Texas Water Bank, Texas Water Trust, water rights, water banking, instream flow

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members.
• And we have worked with staff and submitted suggested language.
• Chairman and members.
• This is a health and safety matter, and TCEQ, through that licensing and issuing a license,... ...basically
• Thousands and thousands and thousands of gallons.

Bills: HB5208, SB863, SB1243, SB1624, SB1965, SB2660, SB2702, SB2885

Keywords: water filtration, public drinking water, health and safety, well maintenance, water quality, Edwards Aquifer, water conservation, reclaimed water, aquifer storage, environmental protection, public utility agency, dissolution, local government, regulatory framework, municipal authority, Texas Water Bank, Texas Water Trust, water rights, water banking, instream flow

Transcript Highlights:

• her staff or the vet that's on and being paid by the rescue facility, and that's... ...and being paid
• asking for money and asking for more resources and to... ...front of you and asking for money and asking
• We create a problem, Madam Chair, and then we go back and try and fix it.
• And I think it's great, you know, and it's true, you know, and it's great, you know, and it's not because
• of Ag, and Department of Finance and Administration.

Bills: HM26, HB243, HB109

Keywords: insects, ecosystem, education, public awareness, wildlife conservation, state agency involvement, New Mexico, equine welfare, animal rescue, shelter funding, trust fund, veterinary care, water project fund, water project finance act, New Mexico Finance Authority, water infrastructure, water grants, water loans, regional water planning, water rights adjudication

Summary: The committee first heard House Memorial 26, a student-presented memorial encouraging state agencies to participate in insect education and conservation efforts, including free workshops sponsored by Wild Friends. The young witnesses emphasized the ecological and agricultural importance of insects, especially pollinators, and clarified that the memorial would not restrict fishing bait or other insect use. After brief questions about fishing, the University of New Mexico connection, and a planned BioPark bugarium, the committee approved the memorial on a due pass motion by unanimous consent. The committee then heard House Bill 243, which would provide more stable funding for shelters that care for homeless, abused, abandoned, or surrendered horses, donkeys, and mules. The bill would appropriate $500,000 to the existing Equine Shelter Rescue Fund, move administration of the fund from the Livestock Board to the Department of Agriculture, strengthen grant and reporting requirements, and create an Equine Welfare Trust Fund seeded with $5 million. Supporters from Animal Protection New Mexico, the Livestock Board, and the Department of Agriculture said the shelters are essential, underfunded, and at capacity, and that the bill would provide a more reliable funding stream. Some public testimony raised concerns about how animals are tracked and whether any horses could end up at auction or slaughter. Committee discussion focused on whether equine care should be funded through recurring appropriations instead of a trust fund, whether the Livestock Board or Department of Agriculture should administer the money, and whether the bill could affect wild or free-roaming horses. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would not change the Livestock Board’s enforcement role and that the trust fund was intended to create long-term support. A motion to table the bill failed, and the committee then voted 4-4 on the due pass motion, so HB 243 did not advance. One member explained his support but said the bill was not a good long-term solution. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 109, which would temporarily, through December 2029, allow the New Mexico Finance Authority to award water project funds without separate legislative authorization after projects have already been vetted. The sponsor and NMFA and Water Trust Board witnesses said the current authorization step delays projects for months, increases costs, and especially hurts small rural communities and acequias. They said the bill keeps existing oversight and evaluation processes, adds technical assistance for smaller applicants, and was amended to extend the sunset date to 2029 and remove an unconstitutional two-thirds-extension requirement. The committee approved HB 109 on a due pass motion by a vote of 7-1.

Transcript Highlights:

• during collection and requiring adequate recycling containers and collection frequency, requiring multifamily
• It eliminates the recycling grants and low-interest loan program and repurposes the Delaware Recycling
• It eliminates the recycling grants and low-interest loan program and repurposes the Delaware Recycling
• recyclables and waste during collection.
• recycling and what DSWA can already accept, so when you talk about bottles and cans and cardboard and

Bills: SB287

Keywords: solid waste, recycling, universal recycling, single-stream recycling, multifamily housing, apartment recycling, commercial recycling, waste diversion, recycling grants, low-interest loans, Delaware Recycling Fund, Delaware Solid Waste Authority, DNREC, waste hauler, curbside recycling, yard waste, source-separated recycling, pay-as-you-throw, extended producer responsibility, waste bans

Summary: The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met and considered three Senate bills. SB 287 with Senate Amendment 2, a DNREC cleanup bill on recycling, would tighten recycling collection rules for haulers and commercial generators, require multifamily recycling education, repurpose the Delaware Recycling Fund, and add annual reporting; after brief questions and no public comment, the committee motion to release did not initially receive enough votes, so the bill was circulated for signatures. SB 346, which would speed Environmental Appeals Board hearing and decision timelines so DNREC secretary decisions become final if deadlines are missed, drew support from the Nature Conservancy and also failed to get enough votes at the meeting, so it too was circulated for signatures. The committee then took up SB 326, a major utility-regulation bill sponsored by Senator Hanson and Representative Heffernan that would cap certain non-mandatory utility spending, limit interim rates, increase oversight and transparency, and streamline rate-setting. SB 326 generated extensive testimony and debate. Supporters, including the Public Advocate, Sierra Club, PSC staff, and some legislators, argued that Delmarva Power’s spending on non-mandatory infrastructure has risen far faster than inflation, that the company is a regulated monopoly, and that the bill would help restrain future delivery-rate increases without harming reliability because mandatory reliability, storm response, and vegetation management spending would remain allowed. Opponents, including Delmarva Power, business groups, contractors, labor representatives, and the Delaware Contractors Association, argued the cap would delay needed reliability and capacity projects, hurt economic development, reduce jobs, and interfere with utility planning; they also said supply costs, not distribution spending, are the main driver of recent bill increases. After public comment and additional questioning, the committee voted to release SB 326 on a split roll call, but because several members were absent the bill was also walked for additional signatures. The committee then adjourned.