This amendment is significant as it introduces a time-sensitive requirement for evaluating the environmental impacts of projects that are stalled or delayed for over 15 years. It ensures that assessment processes remain dynamic and responsive to environmental conditions and social considerations that may evolve over time. Moreover, the bill exempts renewable energy projects from this supplemental requirement, reflecting a commitment to promoting green energy initiatives while maintaining a robust assessment of potential impacts for other types of developments.
Summary
House Bill 361 seeks to amend the Hawaii Revised Statutes regarding environmental impact statements (EIS) and environmental assessments (EA). The bill stipulates that a supplemental environmental assessment or supplemental EIS must be prepared 15 years after a determination of no significant impact or acceptance of an EIS, provided that the proposed action has not been implemented within that timeframe. This provision addresses the need for ongoing environmental scrutiny of previously approved projects that may no longer be viable or may have changed circumstances affecting their environmental impact.
Contention
One point of contention surrounding this bill is the exemption granted to renewable energy projects. Advocates for renewable energy may argue that such exemptions are crucial for fostering the growth of sustainable energy solutions, while critics may voice concerns over potential negative environmental impacts that could occur unchecked due to the lack of ongoing assessments. There may also be discussions regarding how the bill seeks to balance developmental needs against environmental protection, particularly in a state with sensitive ecosystems like Hawaii.