STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1682

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2023

 

RE:   H.C.R. No. 193

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 193 entitled:

 

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE GOVERNOR AND STATE DEPARTMENTS TO INVESTIGATE OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED BY THE DIRECT PAY PROVISION IN THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT THAT ALLOWS FOR DIRECT PAYMENT OF CLEAN ENERGY INCENTIVES TO STATE GOVERNMENT ENTITIES FOR THE COST OF INSTALLING SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS IN STATE FACILITIES,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to urge the Governor and state departments to investigate opportunities provided by the direct pay provision in the Inflation Reduction Act that allows for direct payment of clean energy incentives to state government entities for the cost of installing solar energy systems in state facilities.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Accounting and General Services, Hawaii State Energy Office, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation Commission, 350Hawaii.org, Blue Planet Foundation, and Hawaii Solar Energy Association.

 

     Your Committee finds that installing solar energy systems on state facilities would lower energy use, save money for the State and taxpayers in the long term, and reduce the State's contributions to carbon emissions.  Your Committee further finds that the Inflation Reduction Act includes a provision allowing direct payment of clean energy incentives to tax-exempt entities who cannot take advantage of federal tax credits for clean energy, such as states and counties, for activities such as installing solar energy systems, including batteries, on state facilities.  This measure encourages state entities to pursue this opportunity and maximize the use of federal funds to reduce the costs of installing renewable energy systems on state facilities.

 

     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 concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 193 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair