Relating To Energy Industry Information Reporting.
If enacted, HB 1022 will amend Section 486J-5.5 and Section 486J-6 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, thereby enhancing the state's ability to collect and utilize energy data effectively for various purposes. The bill will facilitate a more organized data collection mechanism that satisfies both governmental and industrial needs, which could lead to improvements in energy planning and emergency response strategies. By integrating critical infrastructure protection measures into the energy data collection framework, the bill aims to bolster the state's resilience in the face of potential energy-related emergencies.
House Bill 1022 relates to energy industry information reporting in Hawaii, focusing on enhancing the collection and management of energy-related data. The bill proposes amendments to existing sections of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, specifically targeting the establishment of an energy data collection program. This program is designed to support sound policymaking, greenhouse gas emission inventory reporting, and energy planning. An important addition is the promotion of emergency management and critical infrastructure protection among the responsibilities of the program, ensuring that energy-related data can support not only regulatory requirements but also emergency preparedness efforts.
Discussions around HB 1022 appear to be generally supportive among stakeholders involved in energy management and emergency preparedness. Proponents argue that improved data collection and analysis capabilities will lead to better-informed policy decisions that can significantly enhance the state's energy security and response capabilities. However, there may be concerns among some industry stakeholders about the implications of increased reporting requirements and data regulations, which could lead to potential burdens on companies within the energy sector.
While there is an overarching support for improved energy data management, notable points of contention may arise surrounding data privacy and the extent of governmental oversight. Critics might argue that the enhanced powers of data collection for emergency purposes could lead to unnecessary regulatory scrutiny or misuse of sensitive information. Balancing the need for critical infrastructure protection with privacy concerns is likely to be a significant topic during further legislative discussions and committee hearings.