THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3163
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to the state energy office.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the threat posed by climate change is of serious concern to the State. With record temperatures and more frequent incidences of extreme weather, additional action is needed to combat climate change. The State has set a goal to reach one hundred per cent renewable energy use by 2045 but, while that is an admirable goal, the State must take action beyond the adoption of renewable energy.

The legislature further finds that, in addition to reducing carbon emissions through the use of renewable energy, the State must exploit carbon offsetting strategies and technologies. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius will be impossible without the use of carbon capture technologies. Currently, the most common method of carbon offsetting is the planting of trees. However, advances in technology now allow for carbon to be scrubbed from the atmosphere with a combination of high-powered fans and filters. In 2021, a carbon capture plant using that technology began operation in Iceland and can remove four thousand metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year. Future advances in carbon capture technology will likely expand those capabilities significantly.

The purpose of this Act is to direct the state energy office to develop and submit a plan by 2023 for construction of at least one atmospheric carbon capture plant in the State by the year 2030.

SECTION 2. The state energy office shall develop a plan for the construction of an atmospheric carbon capture plant in the State to be constructed by 2030. The plan shall detail the type of construction, proposed location, estimated costs, staffing requirements, and estimated annual carbon dioxide capture rate.

SECTION 3. The state energy office shall submit its plan for the construction of an atmospheric carbon capture plant in the State by 2030, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than forty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2023.

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

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

State Energy Office; Atmospheric Carbon Capture Plant

Description:

Directs the State Energy Office to develop and submit a plan for an atmospheric carbon capture plant.

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