Bills on our radar
HB1801- SUPPORTING- Important energy efficiency measure that requires and establishes deadlines for state facilities, directs the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office to collect utility bill and energy usage data and make it publicly available; provides that agencies that perform energy efficiency retrofitting may continue to receive appropriations and beginning 7/1/2023, requires, the design of all new state building construction to maximize energy and water efficiency, maximize energy generation potential, and use building materials that reduce the overall carbon footprint of the project.
Reducing energy consumption is foundational to meet our clean energy goals. Although there is so much emphasis placed on developing utility-scale projects to meet our energy demand, House Bill 1801 brings much needed focus to transparency and addressing an unsustainably high energy demand, especially on Oʻahu. This provides an opportunity for government to lead by example, especially because they are one of the largest electricity users in the state.s
SB2510 SD2-OFFERING COMMENTS- “Amends the Hawaii State Planning Act to give consideration to reducing reliance on energy imports, ensuring that all new utility scale electricity generation projects are renewable, balancing of grid resources including firm renewable energy resources, reliable replacement of fossil fuel generation with balanced grid resources, prohibiting fossil fuel generation after 12/31/2045 except in certain circumstances, and expanding vocational training in renewable energy and related industries. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (HD1)”
The latest version of this bill has drastically improved some of its earlier versions' troublesome language on incentivizing wood-burning and biomass and percentage requirements on firm versus renewable energy. However, we remain consistent, along with others, on raising concerns on the catch-all approach to firm-renewable energy sources. Not all sources are made the same and we hope to encourage the legislature to exclude, or radically reduce, the scale of harmful renewable sources allowed to the grid- biofuels and geothermal. We need to create the best path forward to find the cleanest and most economically viable alternative energy source.
SCR204/197-SUPPORTING-“Requesting the Honolulu Dept. of Planning and Permitting (DPP) to Public on its website all decisions regarding waivers and variances.” Currently, the granting or denial of waivers and zoning variances is not accessible to the public and thereby prevents opportunities to intervene or oppose projects in a timely manner.
For example, during the development process of the AES’ Na Pua Makani wind farm in Kahuku, the developer applied for a zoning variance to place two of the tallest turbines closer to property lines than was legally allowed. The community was unaware of the request and approval by DPP and forced the community, who’d already been opposing the project for 10 years, to block construction and resort to civil disobedience to have their voices heard. This measure is needed for greater transparency and rebuild trust between communities and government agencies.
GM754-OPPOSING Hearing on Gov. Ige’s nomination of corporate lawyer Naomi Kuwaye to the Public Utilities Commission to serve a six year term.
Although the nominee has extensive experience in energy litigation, mergers, and regulation, her track record of working on behalf of corporate utilities and private developers does not reflect any experience with or understanding of the importance of environmental justice and community concerns; both are critically important in PUC decision-making.
The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection will be considering this nominee on Wednesday, April 13.
Join us in urging committee members to vote down this nomination by signing this petition!