Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR154

Introduced
3/8/24  
Refer
3/14/24  
Introduced
3/8/24  

Caption

Requesting The Attorney General To File A Lawsuit Against Big Oil Corporations For Climate Damages To The State And Engage A Third-party Law Firm That Has Expertise In This Legal Area.

Impact

If implemented, the resolution could pave the way for Hawaii to join a growing number of states suing oil companies for their role in climate change. The anticipated legal battle could lead to significant implications for environmental policy within the state and engender a broader discussion around corporate accountability amidst a changing climate landscape. The resolution reflects a shift towards actively seeking restitution from entities viewed as primary contributors to environmental degradation, which may influence future state governance and legal frameworks around climate action.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR154) proposes that the Attorney General of Hawaii is requested to file a lawsuit against large oil corporations for climate damages inflicted upon the state. The resolution expresses concern that big oil companies have misled the public about their environmental impacts, contributing significantly to global carbon emissions and exacerbating climate change effects that directly affect Hawaii. The resolution specifically points to the potential for recovery of costs incurred by the state due to climate-related expenses, such as infrastructure repairs related to rising sea levels and the need for enhancements to public facilities like schools and libraries due to increased climate threats.

Contention

The push for SCR154 roots itself in the recognition of the increasing burden on the state's economy and infrastructure resulting from climate change. While the resolution has garnered support among many environmental advocates, it also raises questions regarding the practicality of such legal efforts and the potential pushback from the oil industry. The resolution references ongoing lawsuits by other jurisdictions, signaling a recognized trend, but it may also spark debates on the adequacy enforcement of state resources and the potential for lengthy legal processes.

Companion Bills

HI HCR197

Same As Requesting The Attorney General To File A Lawsuit Against Big Oil Corporations For Climate Damages To The State And Engage A Third-party Law Firm That Has Expertise In This Legal Area.

HI SR131

Same As Requesting The Attorney General To File A Lawsuit Against Big Oil Corporations For Climate Damages To The State And Engage A Third-party Law Firm That Has Expertise In This Legal Area.

Previously Filed As

HI SR131

Requesting The Attorney General To File A Lawsuit Against Big Oil Corporations For Climate Damages To The State And Engage A Third-party Law Firm That Has Expertise In This Legal Area.

HI HCR197

Requesting The Attorney General To File A Lawsuit Against Big Oil Corporations For Climate Damages To The State And Engage A Third-party Law Firm That Has Expertise In This Legal Area.

HI HR177

Requesting The Attorney General To File A Lawsuit Against Big Oil Corporations For Climate Damages To The State And Engage A Third-party Law Firm That Has Expertise In This Legal Area.

HI LD635

Resolve, to Direct the Attorney General to Drop the Lawsuit Filed Against Big Oil Companies Concerning Climate Change

HI HCR6009

Requesting the attorney general to file a lawsuit against the People's Republic of China and related parties to seek damages related to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

HI AR56

Urges Governor and AG to pursue legal action against fossil fuel companies for harms caused by climate change.

HI SCR12

Urge Attorney General to file a lawsuit against RealPage, Inc.

HI SCR105

Requesting The Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation And Adaptation Commission To Conduct An Educational Program Regarding The Activities Of Individuals That Contribute To Climate Change.

HI SCR218

Requesting The Department Of The Attorney General To Investigate, Review, And Pursue All Applicable Civil Claims And Criminal Charges Against The Owner And Commercial Operator Of The Yacht "nakoa".

HI SCR198

Encouraging Hawaii Insurers And The Hawaii Property Insurance Association To Reduce Insurance Costs On Local Residents By Pursuing Subrogation Claims Against Polluters Who Knowingly Engaged In Misleading And Deceptive Practices Regarding The Connection Between Their Products And Climate Change.

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