Appropriations committee reports HB 1444 to create Clean Energy Innovation Bank

The House Appropriations Committee reported House Bill 1444 (Del. Lopez) on Feb. 12, a bill to create the Clean Energy Innovation Bank to finance clean energy projects and greenhouse gas reduction initiatives.

Unidentified Speaker 5 described the bank’s purpose and said the provisions would help finance projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The committee reported HB 1444 with amendments by a 15–7 vote.

Committee members noted that resources in the budget can accommodate the task force or bank creation. The transcript does not provide detailed capitalization levels, loan programs, or underwriting criteria; those details will be addressed in subsequent legislative or administrative steps if the bill advances.

Next steps: HB 1444 proceeds to the House floor for further consideration; the committee record does not include implementation timelines or fiscal estimates.