Transcript Highlights:

• current average levelized cost of solar current average levelized cost of solar energy<00:09:32.600
• It's a gas, wind, solar, nuclear.
• and mandating it, or with SIP and mandating it, we've told over and over that whether it's wind or solar
• what solar costs now.
• ,<01:12:50.080> solar<01:12:50.440> has Um, your point about solar, solar has Um, your

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:

• And so solar garden and solar standard.
• Solar Garden Program. Solar Garden Program.
• than utility scale solar. than utility scale solar.
• solar capacity.
• and<00:36:09.119> the solar, the solar industry, and the solar, the solar industry, and the

Bills: HF3556

Keywords: community solar, energy, solar power, renewable energy, Melissa Hortman, 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the February 26, 2026 minutes and then took up House File 3556, which would rename Minnesota’s community solar garden program the Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden Program. The bill’s author described the measure as a tribute to Hortman’s leadership and her role in creating the program, noting its importance to Minnesota’s solar industry and the broader clean energy transition. The author moved HF 3556 to the general register, and the committee proceeded to testimony. Testifiers from the Public Utilities Commission, Department of Commerce, solar industry groups, clean energy organizations, and community solar advocates all supported the bill. They credited Hortman with authoring and advancing the 2013 legislation that created Minnesota’s community solar program and said it became a national model that expanded access to solar for renters, lower-income households, and others who could not install rooftop systems. Several witnesses highlighted the program’s growth, including more than 1 gigawatt of approved projects, strong participation by low- and moderate-income subscribers, and job creation and private investment in Minnesota. Witnesses also emphasized Hortman’s personal leadership style, describing her as prepared, persuasive, collaborative, and deeply committed to clean energy and public service. Some recounted personal interactions with her and said the name change would preserve her legacy and ensure future Minnesotans remember her impact. No vote on the bill itself was taken during the testimony shown, beyond the motion to send HF 3556 to the general register.

Transcript Highlights:

• Community solar is the model adding more distributed solar to the system today.
• what type of solar.
• get rid of community solar.
• Sixty percent of the solar bill is built in Minnesota's community solar gardens.
• If you replace this solar with other solar, the solar has the same environmental benefits.

Bills: HF2103, HF2793

Keywords: energy, renewable energy, ammonia, hydrogen, certificate tracking, funding, environment, community solar, energy policy, sustainability, solar garden program, regulation sunset

Transcript Highlights:

• type of solar that is.
• with other solar; the solar has the same environmental benefits.
• with other solar; the solar has the same environmental benefits.
• <01:37:40.520> solar<01:37:40.920> has<01:37:41.119> the solar with other solar
• the solar has the solar with other solar the solar has the same<01:37:41.520> environmental<01

Bills: HF2103, HF2793

Keywords: energy, renewable energy, ammonia, hydrogen, certificate tracking, funding, environment, community solar, energy policy, sustainability, solar garden program, regulation sunset, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 2864 clarifies how the state regulates the installation of a relatively new type of rooftop solar
• BIPVs are different than traditional... solar panels; they act more like a traditional roofing material

Bills: SB1346, SB1376, SB2075, SB2167, SB2864

Keywords: lottery, prohibited sales, winning tickets, sales agents, license revocation, code enforcement, training requirements, supervision, registered officer, occupations code, advisory boards, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, public members, occupational regulations, professional standards, massage therapy, licensing, human trafficking, regulation, Occupations Code

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, the Texas Property Code does not recognize solar roof tiles as solar energy, and so allows
• Solar roof tiles are miniature solar panels that resemble roof shingles and comprise an entire roof,
• unlike regular solar panels which are placed on top of existing shingles.
• In 2011, HB 362 granted solar panels legal protection against these HOA restrictions, but solar tiles
• Though current statutes already contain restrictions on solar-powered devices by property owners' associations

Bills: HB431, HB648, HB 1006, HB1926, HB2037, HB2468, HB2788, HB2791, HB3255, HB3260

Keywords: HB 431, Texas Property Code, Property Code Chapter 202, solar roof tiles, solar shingles, solar energy device, homeowners association, HOA, property owners' association, POA, renewable energy, residential solar, distributed solar, roof-mounted solar, homeowner rights, architectural control, restrictive covenants, real estate, subdivision regulations, multi-zoned subdivisions

Transcript Highlights:

• The mandate moratorium allows the school board not to comply with new educational mandates adopted in
• I'd just like to note that the mandate relief applies to the new mandates enacted during the 2023-2024
• mandates adopted in educational mandated mandates adopted in the<00:03:57.400> 2324<00:03:58.400
• relief applies to the new the Mandate relief applies to the new mandates<00:04:08.280> enacted
• another mandate.

Bills: HF957, HF877

Keywords: education, mandate relief, school funding, local control, state laws, fund transfers, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• threat to solar.
• Also solar thermal.
• I'm the owner of a smaller solar installation company called Sissu Solar.
• I'm the owner of a smaller solar installation company called Sissu Solar.
• solar industry.

Bills: HF845

Keywords: net metering, distributed generation, solar energy, rooftop solar, renewable energy, utility rates, electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, public utilities, Public Utilities Commission, net billing, bill credits, cost of service study, standby charge, qualifying facility, energy policy, clean energy, customer generation, interconnection, Minnesota Statutes 216B.164

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:53:31.040> and<00:53:31.280> solar we've found that with uh solar and solar we've
• battery policy, I mean solar and and battery policy, I mean solar and solar<00:53:34.000> and
• In the Solar United Neighbors.
• of solar.
• <01:31:54.719> Um plug-in solar. Um plug-in solar.

Bills: HF2986, HF3555

Keywords: virtual power plant, VPP, distributed energy resources, DER, demand response, load management, grid modernization, peak demand, peak shaving, battery storage, energy storage, solar photovoltaic, solar panels, electric vehicles, smart thermostats, heat pumps, aggregator, public utilities commission, PUC, rate recovery

Bills: SB480, HB621, HB637, HB804, HB841, HB1056

Keywords: fishing gear, Oyster Bayou, shrimping, regulation, marine resources, HB621, Act 658, renewable energy, recycling, decommissioning, wind energy, solar power, solar facilities, wind turbines, energy infrastructure, end-of-life disposal, universal waste, recyclable materials, waste reduction, Department of Environmental Quality

Bills: SB480, HB621, HB637, HB804, HB841, HB1056

Keywords: fishing gear, Oyster Bayou, shrimping, regulation, marine resources, HB621, Act 658, renewable energy, recycling, decommissioning, wind energy, solar power, solar facilities, wind turbines, energy infrastructure, end-of-life disposal, universal waste, recyclable materials, waste reduction, Department of Environmental Quality

Summary: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources met on May 14 and approved the April 29 minutes. The committee first heard HB 1056, which authorizes transfer of certain state property in Natchitoches Parish tied to a former school building now considered dilapidated and a nuisance; it was reported favorably. HB 841, described as a landman code of conduct bill and expropriation-related measure, was voluntarily deferred so the sponsor could work on additional changes over the interim. The committee then took up HB 804, the Louisiana Energy Protection Act, which would bar future lawsuits seeking climate-change damages against fossil fuel companies and other entities. Supporters said it would prevent speculative climate litigation while preserving legitimate claims for permit violations and other existing statutory causes of action. Opponents from coastal litigation and the Sierra Club argued the bill was drafted too broadly and could affect legacy cases, property rights, and regulatory enforcement; the committee adopted Amendment 3875 to grandfather existing filed cases and make the bill effective upon gubernatorial signature, then reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 621, requiring recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure and updating the state’s waste framework for modern energy components, was reported favorably. HB 637, which revises oil field site restoration fees and lowers rates for marginal, stripper, low-pressure, and incapable wells, was also reported favorably. Finally, SB 480, as amended, allowed boats to anchor in Oyster Bayou so long as they are not within an oyster lease and someone remains on board; the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably before adjourning.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, there is a package of four solar bills that we'll be hearing next. Mr.
• Director of the Texas Solar and Storage Association, I am here today in support of SB 1036.
• We have TDLR who regulates electricians but not solar panel installers.
• residential solar and will ensure that consumers are knowledgeable and informed when they consider solar
• , like on-site solar.

Bills: SB264, SB542, SB924, SB1008, SB1029, SB1036, SB1057, SB1058, SB1185, SB1202, SB1358, SB1364, SB1376, SB1569, SB1664, SB1697, SJR50

Keywords: SB 264, Texas Workers' Compensation Act, group self-insurance, self-insured groups, workers' compensation, Texas Department of Insurance, commissioner of insurance, certificate of approval, guaranty fund, trust fund, wind down, dissolution, labor code, insurance regulation, employer coverage, risk pool, business and commerce, trade workforce economic development, property owners' association, water conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• In the spirit of brevity, uh, this is the granny solar panel on your roof scam bill.
• Uh, we're gonna create the Solar Residential Solar Retailer Regulatory Act under Chapter 1806 of the
• Mark Stover, executive director of the Texas Solar and Storage Association.
• Residential solar offers Texas families and a great many benefits.
• She ended up with a $57,000 loan for solar panels on her house for 25 years.

Bills: SB 1036, SB 1566, SB 1664, SB 2268, SCR 5, SCR 8, SCR 9, SCR 32, SCR 46

Keywords: residential solar, solar retailer, solar salesperson, solar panel sales, solar lease, solar installation, renewable energy, clean energy, consumer protection, deceptive sales, door-to-door solicitation, occupational registration, TDLR, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation, Public Utility Commission, electrical contractor, interconnection, net metering, Truth in Lending Act

Transcript Highlights:

• In the spirit of brevity, this is the "Granny Solar Panel on Your Roof" scam bill.
• I'm the executive director of the Texas Solar and Storage Association.
• Central solar offers Texas families and the grid many benefits.
• The Texas Solar and Storage Association strongly supports these regulatory improvements.
• panel salesperson. ...ended up with a $57,000 loan for solar panels on her house for 25 years, at 90

Bills: SB1036, SB1566, SB1664, SB2268, SCR5, SCR8, SCR9, SCR32, SCR46

Keywords: residential solar, solar retailer, solar salesperson, solar panel sales, solar lease, solar installation, renewable energy, clean energy, consumer protection, deceptive sales, door-to-door solicitation, occupational registration, TDLR, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation, Public Utility Commission, electrical contractor, interconnection, net metering, Truth in Lending Act

Transcript Highlights:

• We're leaders in oil and gas, solar, wind.
• I just got 10 solar panels put on top of my house a couple of years ago.
• So solar energy, solar panels would be your, your, uh, it helped me.
• We also, there's different kinds of solar too.
• We have direct solar, which is not using solar panels.

Bills: HB 14, HB 106, HB 146, HB 267, HB 274, HB 1127, HB 1359, HB 1393, HB 1584, HB 1640, HB 1710, HB 2152, HCR 101, HJR 8, HR 51

Keywords: nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund

Transcript Highlights:

• Substitute ensures broadband can be used, requires a mandate for the use of... and requires the council
• by requiring the Public Utility Commission to to develop a consumer guide for home solar systems so
• On behalf of Texas Solar and Storage Association, and you are for the bill, is that correct?
• Director of the Texas Solar and Storage Association.
• solar and it will ensure that consumers are knowledgeable. and informed when they consider solar installations

Bills: HB14, HB 106, HB146, HB267, HB274, HB 1127, HB1359, HB1393, HB1584, HB1640, HB1710, HB2152, HCR101, HJR8, HR51

Keywords: nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund

Transcript Highlights:

• Houses to have solar panels, but these solar tiles actually weren't included in the original conception
• This just goes. to say that if you have a little series of solar tiles instead of the big panels, same
• We should do it for solar and wind as well. With that, we very much.
• If you've gotten a win. solar project in the last 15 years, you probably have a contract provision that
• Perhaps we should also do that on the wind and solar farms. Great bill 819. as surety bonds in it.

Bills: HB 431, HB 1522, HB 1922, HB 2467, HB 2468, HB 3228, HB 3229, HB 3306, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 4219, HB 4238, HB 4344, HB 4386, HB 4739

Keywords: HB 431, Texas Property Code, Property Code Chapter 202, solar roof tiles, solar shingles, solar energy device, homeowners association, HOA, property owners' association, POA, renewable energy, residential solar, distributed solar, roof-mounted solar, homeowner rights, architectural control, open meetings, public notice, transparency, government efficiency

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 1522 provides some much needed transparency by mandating that in addition to, John Burra: posting
• Basically we require homeowners associations to permit houses to have solar panels, but these solar tiles
• This just goes to say that if you have a little series of solar tiles instead of the big panels, same
• We should do it for solar and wind as well.
• Perhaps we should also do that on the wind and solar farms. Great bill 819 has surety bonds in it.

Bills: HB 431, HB 1522, HB 1922, HB 2467, HB 2468, HB 3228, HB 3229, HB 3306, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 4219, HB 4238, HB 4344, HB 4386, HB 4739

Keywords: HB 431, Texas Property Code, Property Code Chapter 202, solar roof tiles, solar shingles, solar energy device, homeowners association, HOA, property owners' association, POA, renewable energy, residential solar, distributed solar, roof-mounted solar, homeowner rights, architectural control, open meetings, public notice, transparency, government efficiency