STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1010

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2021

 

RE:   S.B. No. 304

      S.D. 2

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 304, S.D. 2, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CARBON OFFSETS,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to establish procedures for the Department of Transportation to assist and enable a person to voluntarily purchase a verified carbon offset for carbon dioxide emissions resulting from the person's air travel to or from an airport in the State.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Blue Planet Foundation and one individual.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from 350Hawaii.org and two individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Transportation and Office of Planning.

 

Your Committee finds that there are many contributors to climate change, and transportation-generated greenhouse gas emissions are a significant contributor.  This measure helps the State achieve its zero emissions clean economy target by establishing a carbon offsetting and reduction scheme that may appeal to air travelers who are aware of the climate change implications of their travel.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 304, S.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair