Legislation Promoting Renewable Energy Moves Forward in the State Senate
To help address the rising costs of electricity and fuel in Hawaii, the Senate Committee on Energy, Environment, and International Affairs voted on February 9th, to advance five bills aimed at expanding renewable energy programs throughout the state. The bills focus on making state facilities more energy efficient and providing tax incentives for consumers that purchase vehicles that operate on clean fuels.
The Senate Committee on Energy, Environment and International Affairs voted to advance the following five bills subsequent to a hearing held on Thursday, February 9th, 2006.
SB 2118 - RELATING TO LOW EMISSION AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT VEHICLES - Exempts low emission and energy-efficient vehicles from payment of parking fees charged by any government authority, other than the federal government
SB 2119 - RELATING TO A VEHICLE CONVERSION TAX CREDIT - Provides tax credit for the purchase of conversion equipment, including the cost of conversion, up to 50 percent of the cost or $2,500.
SB 3177 - RELATING TO CLEAN FUEL - Provides a tax incentive for the purchase of passenger vehicles or light trucks that operate on clean fuels
SB 3183 - RELATING TO VEHICULAR EMISSIONS - Directs the DOH to develop greenhouse gas emission standards and adopt rules that achieve the maximum feasible reduction of greenhouse gases emitted by passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks and any other vehicles determined by the department to be vehicles whose primary use is noncommercial personal transportation in the State.
SB 3187 - AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN STATE FACILITIES - Authorizes the issuance of $25,000,000 in general obligation bonds to finance the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, installation, and improvement of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies in state facilities.