THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2475
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2012
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to Health.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that elevated concentrations of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants may endanger the public health and the public welfare of current and future generations in Hawaii.  Greenhouse gas air pollution and resultant climate change affect climate-sensitive sectors of our nation and the world economy, including food production and agriculture; forestry; water resources; sea level rise and coastal areas; energy, infrastructure, and settlements; and ecosystems and wildlife.  Direct health effects linked to air pollution range from eye irritation, sore throat, and coughing to lung damage, cancer, and premature death.  As a result, the legislature finds it necessary to adopt measures to mitigate the negative impact on the public health and welfare of increasing levels of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants.

     The legislature further finds that emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants from motor vehicles may cause or contribute to air pollution.  To mitigate the effects of air pollution from motor vehicle emissions, the State of California sets and enforces emission standards for motor vehicles that reduce air pollution.  As a result of the emission standards and other efforts, Californians may be breathing the cleanest air in years and, in the Los Angeles area, the levels of pollution have dropped by twenty-five per cent since 1980.  To this date, fifteen states, including California, have adopted California's vehicle emissions standards.

     The purpose of this Act is to require the director of health to adopt rules implementing the motor vehicle emission standards of the State of California.

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

"§342B-   California motor vehicle emissions standards; applicability; incorporation by reference. The director shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to implement the motor vehicle emission standards of the State of California.  The rules shall apply to motor vehicles with a model year 2016 and later.  The rules may incorporate by reference the California motor vehicle emission standards set forth in the final regulations issued by the California Air Resources Board pursuant to title 13 of the California Code of Regulations, as may be amended."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2012.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Air Pollution; Motor Vehicle Emissions; Greenhouse Gases

Description:

Requires the director of health to adopt rules to implement the motor vehicle emission standards of the State of California for motor vehicles with a model year 2016 and each model year thereafter.

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