SB 2999 requires the state Department of Transportation to create and adopt rules by January 1, 2028, establishing a clean fuel standard for alternative transportation fuels like electricity and biofuels. This rulemaking will directly affect fuel providers, refiners, and the state's transportation sector by setting requirements for reducing carbon emissions in these fuels. The bill mandates the DOT to develop specific standards for cleaner fuel use, focusing on lowering greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. It does not set immediate fuel requirements but establishes a timeline for the agency to create enforceable rules. The legislation is currently in committee review after its introduction in January 2026.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to conduct an independent analysis of energy options that would reduce costs and financial risks for residents while meeting state renewable energy goals. The resolution calls for two separate evaluations to compare different strategies, including the potential impacts of importing liquefied natural gas versus expanding renewable energy and long-duration battery storage. The analysis is expected to cover energy planning through 2055 and assess how different paths affect consumer costs beyond the state's 2045 renewable energy target. This measure aims to ensure that future energy decisions are based on thorough, objective comparisons rather than assumptions that may limit the scope of available solutions.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to impose specific conditions before approving any liquefied natural gas-related costs for utilities. The bill requires that all LNG infrastructure costs be fully paid off by 2045, eliminates take-or-pay fuel contracts, prevents rate increases for Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui counties, and mandates utilities share fuel price volatility with customers. Additionally, the resolution asks the commission to deny LNG costs if cheaper renewable alternatives exist or if the agreement would lock utilities into purchasing more gas than needed for renewable energy operations. This measure directly affects Hawaiian Electric and other utilities by setting stricter financial and environmental criteria for approving natural gas projects.
Requires the Department of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study on implementing a clean fuel standard for alternative fuels in the State. Requires, no later than 1/1/2028, the Department of Transportation to adopt rules governing a clean fuel standard for alternative fuels in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
This bill urges state agencies to form a working group to explore ways to protect Hawaii residents from rising insurance costs and reduced coverage due to climate change. The group would assess the state's exposure to extreme weather, identify existing recovery options, and analyze legal strategies to seek financial recovery from fossil fuel companies accused of contributing to climate disasters. Key members would include the Insurance Commissioner, Attorney General, and representatives from relevant government agencies and insurance associations. The working group is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to state committees by early 2027, with the group dissolving by June 2027.
Amends the renewable energy technologies income tax credit by: for taxable years beginning after 12/31/26, prohibiting taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $250,000 or greater if filing as an individual or $350,000 or greater if filing jointly from claiming the credit for certain solar energy systems installed and placed in service on a single-family residential property; limiting credit claims for certain solar energy systems for single-family residential property to two systems per single-family residential property and requiring systems to have a total output capacity of at least five kilowatts; and increasing the adjusted gross income threshold below which an individual taxpayer may elect to have any excess credits refunded. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Requires the Public Utilities Commission to transfer funds from the Hydrogen Fueling System Subaccount of the Public Utilities Commission Special Fund to the Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount of the Fund. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Requires the Department of Transportation to establish a clean vehicle rebate program to provide rebates for the purchase or lease of new and used zero-emission vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Establishes the clean vehicle special fund. Beginning 1/1/2027, establishes a transportation affordability and energy security tax. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Reestablishes the Agricultural Development and Food Security Special Fund. Renames the Environmental Response, Energy, and Food Security Tax, also known as the barrel tax, as the Environmental Response, Energy, Carbon Emissions, and Food Security Tax; gradually increases barrel tax rates; and allocates portions of barrel tax revenues to the Agricultural Development and Food Security Special Fund, Carbon Emissions Tax and Dividend Special Fund, Airport Revenue Fund, and Boating Special Fund. Establishes a refundable Carbon Cashback Tax Credit and appropriates funds to the Department of Taxation to administer the tax credit. Establishes the Carbon Emissions Tax and Dividend Special Fund to be used in the administration of the barrel tax and Carbon Cashback Tax Credit and for public awareness of the Carbon Cashback Tax Credit. Requires the Department of Taxation to submit reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Appropriates funds to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for certain geothermal resource exploration and development activities and the hiring of consultants. Requires the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to engage in consultation with beneficiaries of Hawaiian home lands regarding activities funded and to comply with the environmental impact statements law. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
