Bill > SB553

This bill expands the definition of "power-generating facility" under Hawaii's environmental impact assessment law to include facilities that use combustion of any fuel source, not just fossil fuels. Specifically, the bill modifies the existing law to require environmental assessments for: (1) new combustion electricity-generating facilities over 5.0 megawatts, including those planning to operate commercially after January 1, 2025; (2) expansions of existing combustion electricity-generating facilities that increase capacity by over 5.0 megawatts; and (3) conversions of electricity-generating facilities from one energy source to another where the new source requires combustion and the facility's electrical output exceeds 5.0 megawatts. The legislative findings indicate that combustion of any type of fuel creates air pollution harmful to the environment and human health, and therefore expanding the environmental assessment requirements will help protect Hawaii's natural resources and public health. The bill removes the specific reference to "fossil-fueled" facilities and adds language to capture a broader range of combustion-based power generation, ensuring more comprehensive environmental review of potential energy projects.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=553&year=2026