THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2577
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

Relating to Geothermal energy.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that in 2022, twenty-nine per cent of Hawaii's energy generation stemmed from renewables.  Currently, the Hawaii clean energy initiative has a goal for the State to reach one hundred per cent clean energy by 2045.  Geothermal power harnesses the power of steam to produce electricity and could be a major player in accomplishing Hawaii's energy and renewable goals.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the Hawaii state energy office to conduct a state-wide blanket environmental impact statement for geothermal exploration and development.

     SECTION 2.  In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $           or       per cent.  This current declaration takes into account general fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2024-2025 in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act only.  The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:

     (1)  The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and

     (2)  The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the Hawaii state energy office to conduct a state-wide blanket environmental impact statement for geothermal exploration and development.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii state energy office for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

 

Report Title:

HSEO; Geothermal Energy; EIS; Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative; Expenditure Ceiling; Appropriation

 

Description:

Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded.  Makes an appropriation to the Hawaii State Energy Office to conduct a state-wide blanket environmental impact statement for geothermal exploration and development.

 

 

 

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