Bill Text: HI SB2535 | 2022 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Relating To Energy.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 6-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2022-03-17 - The committee(s) on EEP recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. [SB2535 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2022-SB2535-Amended.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2535 |
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THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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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 reducing the cost of electricity, protecting communities from pollution and toxic emissions, and ensuring justice for communities that have been impacted by past energy projects is a priority and a driving reason why Hawai‘i has committed to achieving one hundred per cent clean energy by 2045.
The legislature further finds that in Hawai‘i, wind energy is now a significantly cheaper option for clean electricity than any new fossil fuel generation, and will help lower the cost of living for local residents. Wind energy also has the potential to replace fossil fuel plants in communities on O‘ahu that have long been subject to the impacts of fossil fuel emissions. Communities around the country that are exposed to fossil fuel emissions, including elevated levels of toxic pollutants, have demonstrated higher rates of infant mortality, cancer, and a diminished quality of life.
Wind energy has traditionally been sited on land, which can raise issues of its own in some communities, but wind projects around the world are now being built offshore where they have no impact on local communities. Many of these floating wind projects, when appropriately sited far from shore, have demonstrated no impact on coastal shorelines, but have added benefits to marine ecosystems as they become new offshore gathering places for many marine species, decrease disruption for large vessel traffic, and create new fishing grounds for nearby communities.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to promote the transition to cheaper, cleaner energy; reduce the impact of fossil fuel generation on communities currently hosting fossil fuel plants; and ensure the protection of coastal and nearshore areas by establishing the number of miles from the shore that offshore wind turbines must be sited.
SECTION 2. Chapter 269, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IX to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
(b)
The commission shall not approve the connection
to an island electric grid of an offshore wind turbine sited closer than
miles from the shoreline of any main Hawaiian island.
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 30, 2075.
Report Title:
PUC; Energy; Offshore Wind; Grid Connection
Description:
Establishes the number of miles from the shore of a main Hawaiian island where offshore wind turbines may be sited. Takes effect 7/30/2075. (SD2)
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
