Requesting The University Of Hawaii Economic Research Organization To Conduct A Study On Scope One, Two, And Three Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
The bill seeks to improve the state's capacity to assess its greenhouse gas emissions through Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 classifications. Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from assets owned by the organization, while Scope 2 involves indirect emissions from purchased energy sources. Finally, Scope 3 covers indirect emissions produced along the value chain, including those from employee travel and consumption. By effectively measuring these emissions, the study can identify reduction opportunities, thereby contributing towards the achievement of Hawaii's climate change mitigation targets.
SCR20 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii, which calls for the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization to conduct a comprehensive study on greenhouse gas emissions categorized into three scopes. The resolution emphasizes the state's urgent need to address climate change, highlighting that understanding the sources and trends of greenhouse gas emissions is critical for shaping effective mitigation strategies. SCR20 aims to foster transparency in emission reporting processes and provide actionable insights to influence state policy and practice.
Notably, the resolution encourages the Economic Research Organization to develop recommendations aimed at advancing the state’s transition to a clean economy, which could generate discussions about the implications of proposed strategies on various economic sectors. The study's outcome may lead to new legislation designed to support sustainability initiatives, potentially influencing local businesses and governmental operations in terms of energy consumption and environmental responsibility. Furthermore, the study results are expected to be reported back to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the Regular Session of 2025, providing a timeline for policy development efforts.