Bill Text: HI SB2801 | 2020 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Relating To Energy.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 7-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-02-11 - Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to CPH. [SB2801 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2020-SB2801-Amended.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2801 |
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THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO ENERGY.
BE IT
ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that there is increasing opposition to the development of utility scale wind energy facilities in certain areas of the State. While utility scale wind energy facilities are a valuable source of renewable energy, opponents argue that there are many unintended consequences of utility scale wind energy facilities. There are financial, societal, and environmental costs to industrial wind energy. The building of utility scale wind energy facilities requires large infusions of tax dollars and raises concerns of harm to native species, including endangered Hawaiian hoary bats, and other potential negative health impacts.
The legislature further finds that communities near utility scale wind energy facilities are often subject to extended exposure to excessive noise levels and shadow flickers. Residents living near utility scale wind energy facilities have reported numerous negative health impacts, including earaches, dizziness, fainting, migraines, and trouble sleeping. These symptoms are in addition to the nuisance noise levels and shadow flickers caused by the operation of the wind-powered system. The legislature also finds that the communities who are most affected by the construction of utility scale wind energy facilities often are asked to carry the burden of having their homes be in close proximity to utility scale wind energy facilities, yet receive no direct benefits to offset the potential risks of living under wind turbines.
The purpose of this Act is to require the public utilities commission to establish preferential electricity rates for households within a one-mile radius of a utility scale wind energy facility.
SECTION 2. Chapter 269, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§269- Preferential electricity rates; residential
property near utility scale wind energy facilities. (a) The public utilities commission shall establish
preferential electricity rates for residential properties located within a one-mile
radius of a utility scale wind energy facility.
(b) In considering preferential rates pursuant to this
section, the public utilities commission shall ensure that any subsidization being
paid by other customers is limited and reasonable and shall periodically review
and adjust the rate, if necessary.
(c) For purposes of this section "utility scale wind energy facility" means any identifiable facility, equipment, apparatus, structure, or the like capable of generating at least five megawatts of power that converts wind energy to useful thermal or electrical energy for heating, cooling, or reducing the use of other types of energy that are dependent upon fossil fuel for their generation."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
Public Utilities Commission; Preferential Electricity Rates; Residential Property; Utility Scale Wind Energy Facility
Description:
Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish preferential electricity rates for residential properties located within a one-mile radius of a utility scale wind energy facility. Requires the Public Utilities Commission to review and adjust the preferential rate, if necessary. (SD1)
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
