Report Title:

Coal Free Hawaii Act; Clean Air

Description:

Prohibits the director of health from issuing a permit for new coal-burning energy production facilities or the modification of existing facilities that would increase the level of coal burning.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1859
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to coal burning.

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

     SECTION 1. The legislature finds that coal is not part of Hawaii's clean, independent, and sustainable energy future.  Hawaii produces no coal, so all coal used in Hawaii to generate electricity must be imported by ship from thousands of miles away.  Burning coal to produce electricity degrades Hawaii's air quality for residents and Hawaii's international of being an environmentally clean, healthy, destination.

     The legislature further finds that global climate change not only threatens Hawaii's environment and economy, but may also dramatically alter the way of life currently enjoyed by residents and visitors to the State.  Burning coal releases more carbon and greenhouse gases per unit of electricity produced than any other fossil fuel source.  If greenhouse gas emissions worldwide continue to rise at the rate that scientists predict, then the heat that these gases trap in our atmosphere will raise air temperature and ocean temperatures.  These temperature increases will have dramatic effects for Hawaii.  The Pacific Ocean may inundate most of Waikiki, the business district in downtown Honolulu, and coastal resort areas on other islands. Freshwater aquifers on the islands may become increasingly contaminated through saltwater intrusion, thus affecting the State's supply of drinking water.  More severe storms and hurricanes may strike the islands more frequently.  Droughts may be more prolonged, and subtle shifts in island microclimates may rapidly increase extinctions of endangered plants and animals.

     Hawaii must do its part to reduce its contribution to global climate change.  The purpose of this Act is to reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions by prohibiting the future development of coal burning energy sources in the State.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 342B, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§342B-  Coal burning. (a)  After January 22, 2007, the director shall not issue any permit for the operation of a new covered source that produces electricity from the burning of coal.

(b)  No covered source holding a valid permit issued prior to January 22, 2007, shall be modified in any manner that would allow it to burn more coal than is allowed under its permit as of January 22, 2007."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

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

INTRODUCED BY:

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