Bill > SB1016

This bill requires the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to conduct a comprehensive study on implementing a "buy clean" decarbonization policy, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in public infrastructure projects by considering the entire lifecycle emissions of construction materials. The bill recognizes Hawaii's existing statutory goals to become carbon-negative by 2045 and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% from 2005 levels by 2030, and draws inspiration from similar "buy clean" initiatives in states like California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington. These programs typically involve requiring environmental product declarations for construction materials and prioritizing bids that use materials with the lowest global warming potential. The commission, with support from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, will analyze scientific evidence, potential frameworks, best practices, and potential implications of such a policy, and must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature by late 2026. The bill also appropriates funds for this study and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, reflecting Hawaii's commitment to addressing climate change through strategic procurement policies.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1016&year=2026