THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

1186

TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to energy.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii's dependence on imported fossil fuels with volatile prices drains the State's economy of billions of dollars each year.  Approximately one-third of imported fuels are used for ground transportation.  Therefore, a stronger more resilient local economy depends on a transition away from imported fossil fuel-powered ground transportation and toward cleaner and more efficient transportation systems powered by renewable local energy sources.

     The legislature also finds that climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels poses a serious threat to economic well-being, public health, natural resources, and the environment of Hawaii.  The legislature further finds that climate change threatens increasing detrimental effects on some of Hawaii's largest industries including tourism, agriculture, and recreational and commercial fishing.

     The legislature further finds that establishing a target for the State to achieve a one hundred per cent renewable energy economy will help align efforts by individuals, the public sector, and private business as the State transitions to more sustainable forms of transportation.  Such alignment will help maximize long-term benefit to Hawaii's economy and reduce the consequences of climate change on the State's economy and environment.

     The purpose of this Act is to update the Hawaii State Planning Act to set a target date for the elimination of Hawaii's dependence on imported fossil fuels in the ground transportation sector.  This Act also updates the Hawaii clean energy initiative to reflect the State's target of achieving a one hundred per cent renewable energy economy no later than 2045.

     SECTION 2.  Section 196-10.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

     "(a)  There is established within the department of business, economic development, and tourism, a Hawaii clean energy initiative program to manage the State's transition to a clean energy economy.  The clean energy program shall design, implement, and administer activities that include:

     (1)  Strategic partnerships for the research, development, testing, deployment, and permitting of clean and renewable technologies;

     (2)  Engineering and economic evaluations of Hawaii's potential for near-term project opportunities for the State's renewable energy resources;

     (3)  Electric grid reliability and security projects that will enable the integration of a substantial increase of electricity from renewable-energy resources;

     (4)  A statewide clean energy public education and outreach plan to be developed in coordination with Hawaii's institutions of public education;

     (5)  Promotion of Hawaii's clean and renewable resources to potential partners and investors;

     (6)  A plan, to be implemented from 2011 to [2030,] 2045, to transition the State to a clean energy economy[;], including the reduction and ultimate elimination of Hawaii's dependence on imported fossil fuels for electrical generation and ground transportation by 2045; and

     (7)  A plan, to be implemented from 2011 to 2030, to assist each county in transitioning to a clean energy economy."

     SECTION 3.  Section 226-17, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

     "(a)  Planning for the State's facility systems with regard to transportation shall be directed towards the achievement of the following objectives:

     (1)  An integrated multi-modal transportation system that services statewide needs and promotes the efficient, economical, safe, and convenient movement of people and goods[.];

     (2)  A statewide transportation system that is consistent with and will accommodate planned growth objectives throughout the State[.]; and

     (3)  Increased energy security and self-sufficiency through the reduction and elimination of imported fuels for ground transportation by 2045."

     SECTION 4.  Section 226-18, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

     "(a)  Planning for the State's facility systems with regard to energy shall be directed toward the achievement of the following objectives, giving due consideration to all:

     (1)  Dependable, efficient, and economical statewide energy systems capable of supporting the needs of the people;

     (2)  Increased energy security and self-sufficiency through the reduction and ultimate elimination of Hawaii's dependence on imported fuels for electrical generation and ground transportation[;] by 2045;

     (3)  Greater diversification of energy generation in the face of threats to Hawaii's energy supplies and systems;

     (4)  Reduction, avoidance, or sequestration of greenhouse gas emissions from energy supply and use; and

     (5)  Utility models that make the social and financial interests of Hawaii's utility customers a priority."

     SECTION 5.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Imported Fossil Fuels; Elimination; Clean Energy Initiative Program

 

Description:

Establishes the objective of eliminating all imported fossil fuels for ground transportation by 2045.  Updates the State's clean energy initiative program to reflect the State's target of achieving a one hundred per cent renewable energy economy by 2045.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.