H.B. 2097 Summary

• Amends the definition of "power-generating facility" in Section 343-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes to expand environmental impact assessment requirements beyond fossil-fueled facilities to all combustion-based electricity-generating facilities.

• Applies to new combustion electricity-generating facilities exceeding 5.0 megawatts electrical output rating, including facilities not in commercial operation as of January 1, 2024 that plan to operate commercially after that date.

• Applies to expansions of existing combustion electricity-generating facilities where incremental electrical output rating exceeds 5.0 megawatts.

• Applies to conversions of electricity-generating facilities from one energy source to another source requiring combustion, where the converted facility's electrical output rating exceeds 5.0 megawatts.

• Takes effect upon approval.