Transcript Highlights:

• Commerce must also administer a new grant program to assist qualifying organizations in broadly implementing
• Qualifying organizations include the Port of Seattle, community organizations, certain municipalities
• McLean, and I'm the Washington policy manager at Renewable Northwest, a clean energy advocacy organization
• Sightline is an independent, nonpartisan research and policy organization that has worked for more than
• The Port of Seattle is one of the largest governmental organizations in the state.

Bills: SB6124, SB5652

Keywords: appliance affordability, cost index, energy efficiency, consumer protection, Washington state, aviation, airport noise, air pollution, environmental justice, health disparities, public health, ultrafine particulate matter, black carbon, nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds, asthma, heart disease, cancer, sleep disruption, hypertension

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 5652, which would require the University of Washington to study aviation-related health and environmental impacts near Sea-Tac, convene a Commerce-led work group, direct King County Public Health to pilot mitigation strategies, create a grant program for implementation, and require a state auditor review of failed airport noise insulation “port packages.” The sponsor and supporters from airport-impacted communities described long-standing noise and air-quality harms, asthma and cancer concerns, and the need for accountability and compensation. Local officials from Des Moines and SeaTac supported the bill, while the Washington Public Ports Association and the Port of Seattle opposed it, arguing it would impose new processes and costs without adequately involving the port in program design and could conflict with federal constraints. Testimony on the bill was then suspended and later reopened for additional public comment. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6124, which directs the Department of Commerce to study an Appliance Affordability Index that would consider repairability, maintenance, expected lifespan, recyclability, and related factors. The sponsor said the bill is intended to give consumers better information about lifetime costs and repairability, drawing on family experience with durable appliances. Supporters from WashPIRG and Zero Waste Washington said the index would help consumers choose longer-lasting, repairable products and encourage better product design, while manufacturers and the Consumer Technology Association opposed it, warning that a Washington-specific scoring system would create a patchwork of state rules, confuse consumers, and burden industry. The hearing closed after testimony, with the committee noting a large number of people signed in but did not testify. Finally, the committee heard a proposed second substitute for Senate Bill 5466, aimed at improving reliability and capacity of Washington’s electric transmission system. The bill would create a Washington Electric Transmission Authority with powers to support transmission development, identify high-priority corridors, coordinate tribal clean energy participation, and provide a SEPA categorical exemption for certain upgrades to existing high-voltage lines, subject to consultation and resource-protection steps. Supporters from environmental groups, labor, clean energy advocates, Commerce, and public utility districts said transmission is a major bottleneck for clean energy, reliability, and economic development, and praised the bill’s labor standards and reconductoring provisions. Some supporters and others urged adding bonding or other financing authority and refining the exemption language, while opponents and some utilities argued the state should focus more on permitting and coordination rather than owning or building transmission infrastructure, and warned about ratepayer risk and added process. The hearing on 5466 then closed after extensive testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here representing Washington Conservation Action, a statewide policy and political organization.

Bills: SB6269, SB6223, SB5982, SB6050, SB5965, SB5975, SB6010, SB5984, SB6076, SB5652

Keywords: motor fuel, fuel quality act, RCW 19.112, alternative fuel, biodiesel, renewable diesel, ethanol blend, alcohol fuel, diesel fuel, nonhazardous motor fuel, biofuels, clean fuels, transportation fuels, Washington fuel standards, fuel labeling, fuel blending, petroleum products, natural gas vehicles, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on SB 6269, which would update Washington’s Motor Fuel Quality Act by broadening the definition of motor fuel to include gaseous fuels and electricity used to propel vehicles, and by removing the separate definition of alternative fuel. Staff and testifiers from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, and Douglas County PUD said the change would give WSDA authority to inspect and test hydrogen fueling stations and other newer fuel types, with no fiscal impact expected. The bill was well supported in testimony, and the hearing closed without questions. The committee then heard SB 6223, which would authorize community-scale weatherization projects under the low-income weatherization program. The bill would let Commerce fund projects serving multiple dwelling units in the same area, prioritize low-income households, and adopt rules to implement the program. Supporters from community action, clean energy, Commerce, and environmental groups said the bill would help scale weatherization, improve health and safety, reduce energy costs, and better reach rural, mobile home, and disadvantaged communities; Commerce noted a fiscal impact tied to rulemaking and administration. In executive session, the committee advanced several bills. It adopted proposed substitutes and gave due pass recommendations to SB 5982, SB 6050, SB 5965, SB 6010, SB 5984, SB 6076, and SB 5652, sending most to Rules and SB 5652 to Ways and Means. On SB 5965, amendment C2 was adopted while C1 and C3 failed. On SB 6010, amendments E1 and E2 failed. On SB 5982, SB 6050, SB 6010, SB 5984, SB 6076, and SB 5652, the committee approved the proposed substitutes and reported the bills out subject to signatures.

Bills: SB 623, SB 1266, SB 1310, SB 1373, SB 1580, SB 1952, SB 2032, SB 2269, SB 2544, SB 2653, SB 2796

Keywords: pharmacist, vaccine administration, COVID-19, exclusive authority, healthcare, Medicaid, provider enrollment, credentialing, administrative burden, Texas Health and Human Services, senior retirement communities, emergency response, residential safety, contract provisions, health and safety regulations, medical staff privileges, hospital administration, healthcare regulation, Texas Health and Safety Code, consistency in privileges

Transcript Highlights:

• They could also divert source-separated organic waste to a compost facility in the region, and they could
• NMACD, our organization, soil and water districts were the lead in working with folks to get the Healthy
• NMACD, our organization, soil and water districts were the lead in working with folks to get the Healthy
• I hope you have kind of organized yourselves. Good morning, Madam Chair, members of the committee.
• I am 19 years old and I'm with the Southwest Organizing Project.

Bills: SB47, SB195, SB196, SB197, SB198, SB78

Keywords: food recovery, composting, waste management, solid waste surcharge, organic waste reduction, environment, grants, advisory group, soil conservation, water resources, training services, outreach programs, environmental protection, animal care, veterinary services, spay and neuter, Las Vegas, community funding, animal welfare, animal shelter

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 47, a composting/organic waste measure that had been brought back from the table. The sponsor and witnesses described amendments that reduced the solid waste surcharge, added flexibility for landfills to divert organic waste to regional compost facilities, and delayed the effective date to July 1, 2027. Supporters said the changes made the bill more affordable and workable, while opponents from the waste industry still objected to the surcharge and wanted the proposed study completed before any tax was imposed. After committee discussion, a motion to table resulted in a tie vote, so the bill remained on the table. The committee then heard Senate Bill 195, which appropriates $1 million for training elected officials and staff of soil and water conservation districts. The sponsor and the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts said the money would support compliance training, procurement and audit requirements, board education, and outreach for the state’s 47 districts. Support came from district officials and environmental advocates, who cited increasing responsibilities tied to disasters and climate impacts. The bill passed unanimously. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 196 and Senate Bill 197, companion appropriations for animal care and spay/neuter services in Las Vegas and Raton. Senators questioned whether the bills mixed operating funds with capital improvements, whether the projects duplicated statewide spay/neuter grants, and how much local funding was involved. The sponsor said the local communities had substantial skin in the game and that the appropriations were needed for facility expansion and repairs. Both bills passed on 6-2 votes. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 198, which would fund an endangered species hatchery and rearing station in Las Vegas. The sponsor argued the project would help restore aquatic species and use available state land and water, while supporters said it would strengthen conservation efforts. Opponents argued New Mexico already has a hatchery doing similar work, raised concerns about nuclear and water issues, and questioned the location and policy direction. After extensive testimony, the committee did not finish the bill and recessed SB 78, a separate measure to allow nuclear energy to count toward renewable portfolio standards, for continued discussion on Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• They could also divert source-separated organic waste to a compost facility in the region, and they could
• NMACD, our organization, soil and water districts were the lead in working with folks to get the Healthy
• I hope you have kind of organized yourselves. Good morning, Madam Chair, members of the committee.
• I am 19 years old, and I'm with the Southwest Organizing Project.

Bills: SB47, SB195, SB196, SB197, SB198, SB78

Keywords: food recovery, composting, waste management, solid waste surcharge, organic waste reduction, environment, grants, advisory group, soil conservation, water resources, training services, outreach programs, environmental protection, animal care, veterinary services, spay and neuter, Las Vegas, community funding, animal welfare, animal shelter

Transcript Highlights:

• We support this appropriation for studying organic waste diversion and composting opportunities.
• From reducing appropriation for studying organic waste diversion and composting opportunities.
• ..compost out of organic waste, but one can also even make pet food.
• It's primarily driven by the decomposition of organic matter.
• With food waste and yard trimmings making, I mean, ...of organic matter.

Bills: SB38, SB46, SB18

Keywords: SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration, New Mexico, SB46, organic waste, solid waste, waste diversion, composting, compost feedstock, waste characterization study

Bills: HB 44, HB 2200, HB 1612, HB 2747, HB 2038, HB 3717, HB 1431, HB 3800, HB 3801, HB 3560, HB 3246

Keywords: cremation, natural organic reduction, health and safety, environmental concerns, funeral services, medical licensing, physician graduates, healthcare access, occupational licensing, foreign medical graduates, cell-cultured protein, food safety, human consumption, agriculture, food labeling, healthcare workforce, advisory board, Texas Workforce Commission, resource guide, education collaboration

Bills: HF2446

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• My organization will stand on our written testimony and strong support. >> Did I pronounce your name

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

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• We are now... to more recycling programs, including organics.
• slash garden waste, yard waste, any type of organic can go into the biochar production.
• By keeping our organic waste out of trash, we reduce our carbon emissions and create rich soils.
• We're an organization that works statewide with farmers, and yeah.
• We are an organization that works statewide with farmers.

Bills: SB47, SB110, SB122, SB143, SB168

Keywords: food recovery, composting, waste management, solid waste surcharge, organic waste reduction, environment, grants, advisory group, bosque management, Rio Grande, environmental protection, water resources, fiscal appropriation, drinking water, well owners, water testing, water treatment, public health, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture

Bills: HF2446

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• B is for the cost-share payments for the cost of organic certification.
• B is for the cost-share payments for the cost of organic certification.
• B is for the cost-share payments for the cost of organic certification.
• B is for the cost-share payments for the cost of organic certification.
• B is for the cost-share payments for the cost of organic certification.

Bills: HF2446

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously, HHSC is not an education organization.
• It's clear that HHSC does need to be the lead organization in this program, but the partnership with
• organization, but because that was the original name of it.
• The agency is now accepting the IDR review process from this IMPRO organization.
• Silica fluoride and hydrofluorosilicic acid are compounds used in water fluoridation.

Bills: SB623, SB1266, SB1310, SB1373, SB1580, SB1952, SB2032, SB2269, SB2544, SB2653, SB2796

Keywords: pharmacist, vaccine administration, COVID-19, exclusive authority, healthcare, Medicaid, provider enrollment, credentialing, administrative burden, Texas Health and Human Services, senior retirement communities, emergency response, residential safety, contract provisions, health and safety regulations, medical staff privileges, hospital administration, healthcare regulation, Texas Health and Safety Code, consistency in privileges

Transcript Highlights:

• December, the Trump administration had deported a staggering 605,000 illegal aliens despite incredible organized
• Last Year, we ran a bill that listed out the different organizations that could recognize for continuing
• House Bill 3660 is just talking about natural organic reduction, a fancy word for reburial.

Bills: HB3725, HB3260, HB3660, HB3369, HB3370

Keywords: labor, e-verification, immigration, employers, employment eligibility, Department of Labor, penalties, funeral licensing, continuing education, Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association, professional development, licensing requirements, HB3660, natural organic reduction, human composting, soil reduction, green burial, funeral services, cremation, burial permit

Transcript Highlights:

• December, the Trump administration had deported a staggering 605,000 illegal aliens despite incredible organized
• However, DHS estimates, Illegal aliens despite incredible organized opposition.
• Last year, we ran a bill that listed out the different organizations that could be recognized for continuing
• House Bill 3660 is about natural organic reduction, a fancy word for cremation.

Bills: HB3725, HB3260, HB3660, HB3369, HB3370

Keywords: labor, e-verification, immigration, employers, employment eligibility, Department of Labor, penalties, funeral licensing, continuing education, Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association, professional development, licensing requirements, HB3660, natural organic reduction, human composting, soil reduction, green burial, funeral services, cremation, burial permit

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 3725, as amended by a PCS, which would require employers statewide to use E-Verify or a federal equivalent when hiring new employees. The author argued the bill would help reduce illegal immigration, protect wages and jobs for lawful workers, and impose only minimal costs because E-Verify is free and quick to use. Members raised concerns about burdens on small businesses, farms, and ranches; state versus federal authority; enforcement by the Department of Labor; identity theft and false positives; possible litigation; and what would happen if the federal system went offline or changed. The author said the bill includes good-faith protections, a trigger repeal if the federal program expands, and that he would file additional language to address shutdown-related disruptions. No motion was made, and the bill remained in committee. The committee then heard and passed several other measures without opposition. House Bill 3260 would add the Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association as an approved provider for continuing education credits for funeral director license renewals, and it passed 9-0. House Bill 3660 would authorize natural organic reduction, described as transforming human remains into soil, and it also passed 9-0. House Bill 3369 would revise food truck fire code requirements by allowing portable fire extinguishers instead of an automatic suppression system and by allowing licensed plumbers, not just Oklahoma LP Gas, to inspect or install certain gas plumbing; members discussed possible conflicts with another LP gas fix and agreed to work together, and the bill passed 9-0. Finally, House Bill 3370 would extend the effective date of the food truck fire code to November 1, 2028, creating a sunset to allow more time for a broader solution. The author said he preferred another option but wanted this bill available if needed. After brief clarification, the committee passed HB 3370 9-0. The meeting ended with the chair noting there would be three meetings left in the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to speak on behalf of Save Arlington Wildlife and my organization, Save Mass Wildlife.
• My organization helped fund necropsies for a nine-month period last year, from 2024 to 2025.
• I am currently the president of the nonprofit organization.
• I'm a middle school science teacher and I'm a board member of a nonprofit parrot organization.
• All of us bird club organizations.

Bills: H5432, H5433, S3093, H5363, H5137, H5247

Keywords: Newbury, rodenticides, second generation anticoagulant rodenticides, SGARs, pesticides, pest control, wildlife protection, environmental regulation, local bylaw, municipal authority, private property, rodent control, anticoagulant poison, public health, Massachusetts local option, Wellfleet, fertilizer, nitrogen, phosphorus, nutrient pollution

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hybrid hearing on late-file bills, with testimony focused first on multiple home rule petitions seeking local authority to restrict anticoagulant rodenticides in towns including Andover, Topsfield, North Andover, Williamstown, Georgetown, Lexington, and others. Municipal officials, residents, wildlife advocates, and conservation groups described documented harm to hawks, owls, foxes, turtles, pets, and other wildlife, and argued that towns should be able to regulate these poisons locally. Several speakers said their towns had already voted to support restrictions and were using integrated pest management and other alternatives. Committee members noted that statewide rodenticide legislation had already advanced out of committee in both chambers and that the environmental bond bill was in conference committee, but no votes were taken during the hearing itself. The committee then heard testimony on H. 5137, a bill to prohibit the retail sale of parrots. Supporters, including animal welfare groups, veterinarians, rescue operators, and advocates, said parrots are often sourced from large breeding facilities with poor conditions, that many birds are surrendered because they are difficult long-term pets, and that rescues are overwhelmed. They argued the bill would encourage adoption, reduce demand for commercial breeding and trafficking, and improve bird welfare and public health. Opponents, including breeders, pet retailers, aviculture representatives, and rescue operators, said the bill would harm small businesses, reduce consumer access and transparency, and push sales to unregulated markets without improving welfare. Several speakers said the bill should instead focus on stronger standards and enforcement rather than banning sales. A separate bill, S. 310, designating the Marion Stoddard River Walk, was also briefly discussed in testimony supporting Marion Stoddard’s environmental work. The hearing ended after the committee finished taking testimony and adjourned; no roll-call votes or formal actions were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to speak on behalf of Save Arlington Wildlife and my organization, Save Mass Wildlife.
• My organization helped fund necropsies for a nine-month period last year, from 2024 to 2025.
• My organization helped fund necropsies for a nine-month period last year, from 2024 to 2025.
• I am currently the president of the nonprofit organization.
• All of us bird club organizations.

Bills: H5432, H5433, S3093, H5363, H5137, H5247

Keywords: Newbury, rodenticides, second generation anticoagulant rodenticides, SGARs, pesticides, pest control, wildlife protection, environmental regulation, local bylaw, municipal authority, private property, rodent control, anticoagulant poison, public health, Massachusetts local option, Wellfleet, fertilizer, nitrogen, phosphorus, nutrient pollution

Transcript Highlights:

• Compound returns are phenomenal.
• Can volatility drawdown more so drawdowns?
• take on in terms of volatility of products?
• One is just a little more volatile.
• So I look at the compound annual growth rate.

Transcript Highlights:

• COLAs can be simple or compound.
• There's a lot of volatility there. We don't want that volatility in our calculations.
• If that red line has a lot of volatility, the blue line has a lot less volatility.
• COLA and a non-compounding COLA.
• mean when you talk about compound?

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, we analyzed 94 volatile organic compounds.
• We also analyzed 120 semi-volatile organic compounds in the water.
• For the 84 volatile organic compounds and 120 semi-volatile organic compounds, their concentrations are
• I know NMED has a lot of studies on PFAS compounds as well.
• can remove PFAS compounds from the water.