Bill Text: HI SB1323 | 2020 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Relating To Appliance Efficiency Standards.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2019-12-01 - Carried over to 2020 Regular Session. [SB1323 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2020-SB1323-Amended.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
1323 |
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THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY STANDARDS.
BE IT
ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the high cost of living in Hawaii adds to the importance of adopting policies that promote and encourage energy efficiency, which can provide relief for families faced with high utility bills. Without state appliance efficiency standards to provide consumer protection, appliance manufacturers unload their less efficient appliance inventory in states like Hawaii because they cannot sell them in states with heightened standards like California, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.
The legislature also finds that new appliance efficiency standards have the potential to save Hawaii families and businesses billions of dollars while also conserving energy and water resources. According to a 2017 national study from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Hawaii has the best opportunity in the nation to save money through the implementation of appliance efficiency standards. The study found that by adopting appliance efficiency standards, Hawaii could save nearly $1,000,000,000 in electricity costs over twenty years, which is the equivalent of about $215 annually for each Hawaii household. Although many appliances, including refrigerators, dishwashers, and commercial air conditioners, are regulated by national appliance efficiency standards, the study found that states can save billions of dollars by adopting state-level appliance efficiency standards for appliances that are not regulated by national standards.
The legislature further finds that by adopting state appliance efficiency standards, the State can:
(1) Provide a boost to the local economy, which occurs when consumers and businesses spend their economic savings on other goods and services;
(2) Protect consumers against manufacturers who would otherwise sell less efficient appliances that they cannot sell in other states with heightened standards;
(3) Ensure that Hawaii residents do not miss out on potential savings while progress on standards at the national level is uncertain;
(4) Improve electric system reliability and potentially reduce the need for new energy and water infrastructures based on the resulting energy and water savings;
(5) Lower electricity bills for residents and businesses; and
(6) Reduce air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions, which can result in public health benefits and help the State meet its clean energy and climate mitigation targets.
Furthermore, the legislature finds that the cost of most appliances specifically listed in this Act are equal to the cost of non-compliant appliances, or available at a minimal cost premium.
The legislature recognizes the State of California as a leader in establishing state-level appliance efficiency standards that protect consumers. Accordingly, the legislature finds that Hawaii should adopt the California appliance efficiency standards.
The purpose of this Act is to require the public utilities commission and department of business, economic development, and tourism to adopt the existing appliance efficiency standards promulgated in California.
SECTION 2. Chapter 196, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"Part
. Appliance Efficiency
Standards
§196-A Purpose. The purpose of this part is to direct the public utilities commission and department of business, economic development, and tourism to adopt minimum appliance efficiency standards for products sold or installed in the State consistent with existing appliance efficiency standards established in California.
§196-B Rules. (a) By January 1, 2021, the public utilities commission and department of business, economic development, and tourism shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to effectuate the purposes of this part; provided that any rules adopted shall include:
(1) Minimum appliance efficiency standards for new products, including but not limited to those product types set forth in section 196-C; provided that any determination by the public utilities commission and department of business, economic development, and tourism in setting minimum efficiency standards shall be based upon a determination that:
(A) Increased efficiency standards would serve to promote energy or water conservation in the State; and
(B) The standard would be cost effective for consumers who purchase and use those new products; and
(2) Test procedures and methods for the testing of products.
The public utilities commission and department of business, economic development, and tourism, in adopting rules, may establish standards for products not specifically listed in section 196-C.
(b) No new or increased efficiency standards shall become effective within one year after the adoption of any amended regulations establishing increased efficiency standards.
§196-C Scope. (a) The public utilities commission and department of business, economic development, and tourism shall adopt the appliance energy efficiency standards in title 20 California Code of Regulations, as in effect on July 1, 2018, for:
(1) Computers and monitors;
(2) Faucets;
(3) High color rendering index fluorescent lamps;
(4) Showerheads; and
(5) Spray sprinkler bodies;
provided that the public utilities commission and department of business, economic development, and tourism shall not adopt any standard that is preempted by federal law.
(b) This part shall apply to the sale, lease, or rent and the offering for sale, lease, or rent of appliances and devices identified in subsection (a).
(c) This part shall not apply to:
(1) New products manufactured in the State and sold outside the State;
(2) New products manufactured outside the State and sold at wholesale inside the State for final retail sale and installation outside the State;
(3) Products installed in mobile manufactured homes at the time of construction; or
(4) Products designed expressly for installation and use in recreational vehicles.
(d) If any standard adopted by the public utilities commission and department of business, economic development, and tourism pursuant to this part is subsequently preempted by federal law, all other state appliance efficiency standards not preempted and that can be given effect without the preempted standard shall remain in effect.
§196-D Implementation. (a) On or after January 1, 2021, no new computer, computer monitor, faucet, high color rendering index fluorescent lamp, showerhead, or spray sprinkler body shall be sold, leased, or rented, or offered for sale, lease, or rent in the State unless the efficiency of the new product meets or exceeds the efficiency standards provided in rules adopted pursuant to this part.
(b) On or after January 1, 2022, no products shall be installed for compensation in the State unless the efficiency of the new products meets or exceeds the efficiency standards provided in rules adopted pursuant to this part."
SECTION 3. In codifying the new sections added by section 2 of this Act, the revisor of statutes shall substitute appropriate section numbers for the letters used in designating the new sections in this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
Appliance Efficiency Standards; Public Utilities Commission; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism
Description:
Requires the public utilities commission and department of business, economic development, and tourism to adopt state appliance efficiency standards consistent with California's existing appliance efficiency standards. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
