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HR 54

Honoring several cities upon their designation as Georgia PlanFirst communities; commend

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bethany Ballard and 5 co-sponsors

HR 54 establishes a working group in Hawaii to evaluate geothermal energy regulations, aiming to boost renewable energy development and address policy barriers.

House Read and Adopted
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Bill Summary · HR 54

Summary of HR 54: Geothermal Energy Working Group Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HR 54 is a resolution that requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to convene a working group focused on evaluating the regulatory and policy landscape surrounding geothermal energy in Hawaii. The intent of this resolution is to enhance the understanding and development of geothermal energy resources in the state, which could play a significant role in Hawaii's transition to renewable energy.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of a Working Group: The resolution mandates the formation of a working group that will assess current regulations and policies related to geothermal energy.
  • Evaluation Focus: The working group will specifically evaluate:
    • Existing regulatory frameworks
    • Policy barriers to geothermal energy development
    • Opportunities for enhancing geothermal energy utilization in Hawaii
  • Collaboration: The working group is expected to include stakeholders from various sectors, including government agencies, industry experts, and community representatives.

Affected Parties

  • Hawaii State Energy Office: Responsible for leading the working group and facilitating discussions.
  • Geothermal Energy Developers: Companies and organizations involved in geothermal energy projects will be directly impacted by any regulatory changes or policy recommendations that arise from the working group's findings.
  • Local Communities: Residents and local governments may be affected by the development of geothermal energy projects, both positively (through job creation and energy independence) and negatively (through environmental concerns).

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: January 3, 2025
  • Committee Referrals: Initially referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, then to the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection (EEP) and the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce (CPC).
  • Adoption: The resolution was adopted in its final form on April 3, 2025, with a recommendation for adoption from the CPC.
  • Voting Outcome: The resolution passed with 8 votes in favor, 0 against, and 2 excused. Representative Iwamoto voted aye with reservations.

Related Legislation

  • HCR 58: This bill has a companion resolution that may address similar issues or provide additional context to the discussions surrounding geothermal energy in Hawaii.

Conclusion

HR 54 represents a proactive step towards harnessing geothermal energy in Hawaii by establishing a dedicated working group to explore and address the regulatory and policy challenges. The outcomes of this resolution could significantly influence the future of renewable energy development in the state.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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