Bill > SB680

This bill seeks to remove biomass from the definition of "renewable energy" in Hawaii's renewable portfolio standards (RPS), which is a policy designed to increase electricity generation from renewable sources. The bill provides extensive context about why biomass should no longer be considered a renewable energy source, citing its significant environmental drawbacks. Specifically, the legislation argues that burning trees and waste for energy is more carbon-intensive and harmful to the climate than previously understood, with tree burning being 50% worse for the climate than coal and waste incineration releasing 65% more carbon dioxide than coal. The bill amends Section 269-91 of Hawaii Revised Statutes by deleting the previous definition of biomass (which included biomass crops, agricultural and animal residues, wastes, and municipal solid waste) from the renewable energy sources list. The legislative findings emphasize that alternative renewable energy sources like solar and wind, particularly when paired with battery storage, are now more cost-effective and less environmentally damaging than biomass energy. By removing biomass from the RPS, the bill aims to disincentivize expensive and polluting biomass incineration while supporting Hawaii's transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=680&year=2026