THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

113

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 
   


SENATE RESOLUTION

 

requesting the CONVENING OF an emissions working group to MEASURE the state's power plant and motor vehicle emissions and develop comprehensive strategies to reduce emissions.

 

WHEREAS, existing law does not regulate electric power plants to control the emission of nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, mercury, and carbon dioxide; and

WHEREAS, these pollutants could be harmful to health if the amount of emissions are not regulated; and

WHEREAS, the consequence is severe respiratory disease such as asthma and premature death; and

WHEREAS, electric power plants are the nation's number one air polluter and older power plants pollute up to ten times more than newer power plants; and

WHEREAS, nationally, power plants are responsible for seventy-six per cent of total sulfur dioxide emissions, fifty-nine per cent of nitrogen oxide emissions, thirty-seven per cent of mercury emissions, and forty per cent of manmade carbon dioxide emissions; and

WHEREAS, reducing emissions from electric power plants will result in preventing disease and death, increased end-use efficiency, increased fuel efficiency, and increased use of renewable energy will result in reduced emissions, reduced mercury contamination in fish and animal tissue, reduced acid rain, and global warming; and

WHEREAS, if Hawaii is to be a leader in the alternative energy industry, the State needs to look at progressive measures to incorporate clean burning fuels and renewable energy sources into its infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, there is evidence that the planet's climate is becoming warmer, with potentially catastrophic effects on coastal areas and global weather patterns; and

WHEREAS, many scientists suspect that a significant cause is a man-made increase in emissions of greenhouse gases, which trap heat inside the Earth's atmosphere; and

WHEREAS, the Chicago Climate Exchange (Exchange), also known as "CCX", is the first major attempt in the United States at establishing a market for reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and

WHEREAS, also known as "carbon trading", the Exchange offers energy companies, manufacturers, and governments that reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases the opportunity to make money while protecting the environment; and

WHEREAS, the Exchange, is a voluntary attempt to create market incentives for participants to cut emissions by reducing and trading greenhouse gas emissions; and

WHEREAS, the benefits of participation in the Exchange include reducing the long-term costs of controlling greenhouse gases; receiving financial benefits from environmentally sustainable practices, including reduced energy costs and raised productivity; and enhancing environmental leadership reputation among stockholders, customers, and employees; and

WHEREAS, the State, in coordination with private industry, must identify the levels of emissions among the two major contributors–-power plants and motor vehicles–-and develop strategies such as the Exchange to reduce emissions for the environment, health, economy, and future of Hawaii; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-Second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, that the Department of Health is requested to convene an emissions working group to measure the State's overall emissions from motor vehicles and power plants, and to propose strategies and legislation to reduce emissions; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the emissions working group include representatives from: the Department of Health, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, Public Utilities Commission, Department of Transportation, University of Hawaii, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Hawaii Energy Roundtable, and Hawaiian Electric Company; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the emissions working group provide an interim report to the Legislature on its progress by September 19, 2003, and a final report not later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2004; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Department of Health, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, Public Utilities Commission, Department of Transportation, University of Hawaii, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Hawaii Energy Roundtable, electric power plant industry, and auto industry.

Report Title:

Emissions Working Group