Hawaii Senate Bill SCR122

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/12/25

Caption

Requesting A Commitment To A Nuclear-free, Sustainable Future.

Impact

The resolution aims to reinforce existing local regulations that ban nuclear energy, reflecting the commitment of the Hawaiian community to prioritize clean and sustainable energy solutions. By opposing nuclear energy, the legislature wishes to focus resources on achieving its clean energy goals, particularly the ambitious target of 100% renewable energy by 2045 as established in Act 97 (2015). The resolution contends that nuclear energy would distract from these goals due to its high costs and environmental implications.

Summary

SCR122 is a Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii, requesting a commitment to a nuclear-free and sustainable future. This resolution emphasizes Hawaii's constitutional prohibition on nuclear fission power plants, highlighting the community's opposition to nuclear energy in favor of safer, renewable alternatives. It outlines the risks associated with nuclear power, particularly in the context of Hawaii's unique geographical and geological conditions, which include the potential hazards of transporting nuclear fuel and the challenges of safely storing nuclear waste in an earthquake-prone environment.

Contention

A significant point of contention surrounding SCR122 involves the arguments made by proponents of nuclear energy, who claim it as a viable alternative for achieving carbon-free electricity. However, the resolution counters that even existing nuclear reactors contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and that the resources allocated to nuclear power could be better spent on more efficient and proven renewable technologies such as solar and wind energy. Opponents of the bill argue that dismissing nuclear technology may hinder the exploration of potential advancements in energy generation.