STAND. COM. REP. NO. 31-20

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2020

RE: H.B. No. 2657

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 2657 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO A COAL-FREE HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows

The purpose of this measure is to eliminate the use of coal in Hawaii for electricity production.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Energy Office, Blue Planet, Surfrider Foundation, Pono Hawaii Initiative, Young Progressives Demanding Action, 350Hawaii.org, Elemental Excelerator, Sierra Club of Hawaii, Life of the Land, Climate Protectors Coalition, Our Revolution Hawaii, and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' Division of Consumer Advocacy, and Public Utilities Commission.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii is a leader on clean energy policy, being the first state in the nation to adopt a 100 percent renewable energy requirement, and has set a goal to achieve carbon and greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045. Eliminating the use of coal for electricity production in Hawaii will reduce Hawaii's dependency on fossil fuels, greatly reduce carbon emissions, and assist the State in achieving its renewable energy goals.

Your Committee has amended this measure by changing its effective date to July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2657, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2657, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair