Report Title:

Coal Burning; Air Pollution Control

Description:

Prohibits the issuing of permits for new covered sources that burn or consume coal for energy needs.  Prohibits the issuing of permits for modified existing sources that would increase the burning or consumption of coal for energy needs.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1247
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to air pollution control.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that coal as a source of energy is not part of a clean and sustainable energy future for Hawaii.  All of the coal consumed in the State is imported and shipped for various energy needs; however, the burning of coal affects the State's air quality and its image as the "health state."

     Coal is the most carbon intense of any fossil fuel and it releases more greenhouse gas emissions per unit of electricity produced than any other fuel source.  If greenhouse emissions continue to proceed unabated, current scientific studies predict that Hawaii's future lifestyle and environment will be drastically different from what its residents and visitors enjoy today.  The Pacific Ocean may inundate most of Waikiki, the business district in Honolulu, and the coastal resort areas on neighboring islands.  As a result, the State's aquifers may become increasingly contaminated with the intrusion of salt water.  More frequent and severe storms and hurricanes may strike the islands, droughts may be prolonged, and subtle shifts in microclimates may rapidly increase the extinction of endangered plants and animals.  Thus, the legislature further finds that it is vital for the State to contribute to the reduction of global warming by decreasing the usage of coal to generate Hawaii's energy needs.

     The purpose of this Act is to prohibit the department of health from issuing permits to any new facilities, which burn or consume coal or to any existing facilities intending to expand or modify, which would result in an increase of coal consumption.

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

     "§342B-   Permits for coal burning covered sources. (a)  After December 31, 2008, the department shall not issue any permit for any term to an owner or operator of a covered source of which construction has not begun that will burn or consume coal to generate energy.

(b)  The department shall not issue any permit for any term to an owner or operator of an existing covered source who intends to expand, relocate, or modify the covered source, which will result in an increase in the burning or consumption of coal for energy."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

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

INTRODUCED BY:

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