HI HB1463

Removes biomass from Hawaii's renewable portfolio standards definition of renewable energy, effective upon approval.

Eliminates biomass, biomass crops, agricultural and animal residues and wastes, and municipal solid waste from the list of qualifying renewable energy sources under Section 269-91, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Retains wind, solar, hydroelectric, biogas, geothermal, ocean energy, biofuels, and hydrogen from renewable sources as qualifying renewable energy sources.

Legislature finds biomass energy is not carbon-neutral as previously assumed, with wood burning releasing 30-50% more carbon per unit of energy than coal combustion.

Legislature determines intact forests provide greater climate benefit through carbon sequestration than through use as biomass fuel, supporting goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.