Bill Text: HI HB1498 | 2019 | Regular Session | Introduced


Bill Title: Relating To Energy.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-01-28 - Referred to EEP, CPC, FIN, referral sheet 6 [HB1498 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2019-HB1498-Introduced.html

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1498

THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019

 

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 the state energy office, under the department of business, economic development, and tourism, has embarked on a strategic plan to position Hawaii as a proving ground for clean energy technologies and accelerate the State's agenda to achieve one hundred per cent clean energy by the year 2045.  The State has embraced bold solutions that will help develop the competitive clean energy industry, making Hawaii one of the leaders in the clean energy race; however, wind turbines are not being placed in areas with the highest wind strength and wind source frequency.  Additionally, placement of some wind turbines adversely impacts wildlife.  Furthermore, communities that use the least amount of power are often the most burdened by the placement of wind turbines.  Careful, rank-based placement and thoughtful public engagement with an emphasis on optimizing coexistence of communities, wildlife, and wind turbines will support responsible wind energy development.

     The purpose of this Act is to require the department of business, economic development, and tourism, under the Hawaii clean energy initiative program, to select and prioritize wind energy project sites using specified criteria.

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

     "(b)  Prior to the initiation of any activities authorized under subsection (a), the department of business, economic development, and tourism shall develop a plan of action with the intent of promoting effective prioritization and focusing of efforts consistent with the State's energy programs and objectives.  For any activities in the plan of action involving wind energy projects, the department shall give preference to wind energy project sites based on the following criteria:

     (1)  Wind source frequency;

     (2)  Wind strength;

     (3)  Locations greater than ten miles from existing generation systems producing more than ten megawatts of electricity; and

     (4)  Proximity of the community in demand of additional power."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative Program; Wind Energy; Wind Sites

 

Description:

Requires DBEDT, under the Hawaii clean energy initiative program, to select and prioritize wind energy project sites using specified criteria.

 

 

 

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

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