Energy (Oil & Gas)

signed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 172: REQUESTING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS ON THE BEST PATHS TO MAXIMIZE COST REDUCTION AND MINIMIZE FINANCIAL RISK TO HAWAII RESIDENTS WHILE MEETING STATE GOALS.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to conduct an independent analysis of energy options that would reduce costs and financial risks for residents while meeting state renewable energy goals. The resolution calls for two separate evaluations to compare different strategies, including the potential impacts of importing liquefied natural gas versus expanding renewable energy and long-duration battery storage. The analysis is expected to cover energy planning through 2055 and assess how different paths affect consumer costs beyond the state's 2045 renewable energy target. This measure aims to ensure that future energy decisions are based on thorough, objective comparisons rather than assumptions that may limit the scope of available solutions.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill requests analysis to reduce costs and minimize financial risk while meeting renewable energy goals, favoring cost-effective energy solutions for residents.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Oil & Gas Renewable Energy

signed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 166: REQUESTING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO MAKE CERTAIN JUDGMENTS, CONSIDERATIONS, AND DECISIONS WHEN MAKING ANY DETERMINATION RELATING TO A GENERATIONAL ENERGY COMMITMENT FOR THE STATE.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to impose specific conditions before approving any liquefied natural gas-related costs for utilities. The bill requires that all LNG infrastructure costs be fully paid off by 2045, eliminates take-or-pay fuel contracts, prevents rate increases for Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui counties, and mandates utilities share fuel price volatility with customers. Additionally, the resolution asks the commission to deny LNG costs if cheaper renewable alternatives exist or if the agreement would lock utilities into purchasing more gas than needed for renewable energy operations. This measure directly affects Hawaiian Electric and other utilities by setting stricter financial and environmental criteria for approving natural gas projects.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill restricts LNG infrastructure costs and limits utility spending on fossil fuel energy, which aligns with opposing fossil fuel expansion in Hawaii's energy mix.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Renewable Energy

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HCR 207: REQUESTING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO ENSURE THAT CERTAIN CONDITIONS ARE MET BEFORE APPROVING ANY INFRASTRUCTURE, OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, FUEL, OR OTHER COSTS RELATING TO SUPPLYING AND USING LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS.

This bill requests that Hawaii's Public Utilities Commission impose specific conditions before approving any costs related to liquefied natural gas infrastructure, operations, or fuel supply. It directly affects utility companies and ratepayers by requiring that all LNG costs be fully recovered by 2045, eliminating obligations for stranded investments, and ensuring fuel supply agreements allow for a complete phase-out by 2045. The resolution also mandates that LNG approvals must not increase costs for customers in Hawaii, Kauai, or Maui counties, must include protections against fuel price volatility through utility sharing mechanisms, and must deny costs if cleaner alternatives are available or if the commitment exceeds renewable energy needs. Additionally, the bill directs the commission to consider how LNG approvals might impact renewable energy development and to evaluate risks from stranded assets and reliance on single fuel suppliers when reviewing utility costs.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill restricts LNG infrastructure costs and mandates phase-out by 2045, limiting fossil fuel dependence and protecting consumers from stranded investment costs.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes LNG phase-out by 2045, preventing stranded investments and limiting fossil fuel infrastructure expansion, aligning with environmental protection goals.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Renewable Energy

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passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 157: REQUESTING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO MAKE CERTAIN JUDGMENTS, CONSIDERATIONS, AND DECISIONS WHEN MAKING ANY DETERMINATION RELATING TO A GENERATIONAL ENERGY COMMITMENT FOR THE STATE.

This Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to impose specific conditions before approving any costs related to liquefied natural gas infrastructure and operations. The bill directly affects utility companies and ratepayers by requiring that all LNG costs be fully amortized by 2045, eliminating take-or-pay fuel commitments, and ensuring no increased costs for customers in Hawaii, Kauai, or Maui counties. Key provisions also mandate that utilities share fuel price volatility risks with customers and that LNG approvals be denied if cheaper renewable alternatives exist. Additionally, the resolution asks the commission to consider how LNG investments might impact renewable energy development and the risk of stranded assets.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill protects consumers from LNG cost increases and requires full amortization by 2045, limiting fossil fuel utility costs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Renewable Energy

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 194: REQUESTING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS ON THE BEST PATHS TO MAXIMIZE COST REDUCTION AND MINIMIZE FINANCIAL RISK TO HAWAII RESIDENTS WHILE MEETING STATE GOALS.

This House Resolution requests the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to conduct an independent analysis of energy options that would reduce costs and financial risks for residents while meeting the state's 2045 renewable energy goal. The resolution directs the commission to evaluate various strategies, including renewable energy and long-duration battery storage, rather than relying on imported fuels like natural gas. It requires the commission to engage external experts to produce two separate objective analyses that consider cost impacts through 2055 and account for savings beyond the 2045 deadline. This measure aims to ensure a thorough comparison of energy pathways before decisions are made that could lock in billions of dollars in costs or savings for Hawaii.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates analysis to maximize cost reduction and minimize risk while meeting 2045 renewable energy goals, favoring renewables and battery storage over imported fuels.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Oil & Gas Renewable Energy

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HR 197: REQUESTING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO ENSURE THAT CERTAIN CONDITIONS ARE MET BEFORE APPROVING ANY INFRASTRUCTURE, OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, FUEL, OR OTHER COSTS RELATING TO SUPPLYING AND USING LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS.

This House Resolution requests the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to impose specific conditions before approving any costs related to liquefied natural gas infrastructure, operations, or fuel. The bill directly affects utility regulators, energy providers, and ratepayers by mandating that LNG investments be fully amortized by 2045, prohibiting take-or-pay fuel contracts, and ensuring no increased costs for customers in Hawaii, Kauai, or Maui. Key provisions require utilities to share fuel price volatility risks with customers, deny LNG costs if cheaper renewable alternatives exist, and consider how LNG approvals might impact renewable energy development. The resolution also asks the commission to evaluate risks of stranded assets and reliance on single fuel suppliers when determining cost reasonableness.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill protects consumers from increased LNG costs and restricts fossil fuel infrastructure expansion, aligning with energy policy goals of cost containment and consumer protection.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Renewable Energy Utility Regulation

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2904: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Beginning 1/1/2027, requires each county to implement fare-free access to its public transportation systems. Establishes the Fare-Free Public Transportation Tax and Dividend Special Fund. Increases the Environmental Response, Energy, and Food Security Tax on petroleum products to fund fare-free public transportation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases petroleum tax to fund public transportation, directly using tax revenue for a public service and establishing a dedicated fund.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill taxes petroleum products (fossil fuels) to fund fare-free transit, reducing fossil fuel dependence and aligning with energy policy goals.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentIncreases petroleum tax to fund fare-free transit, reducing vehicle emissions and promoting sustainable transportation per Environmental Response tax linkage.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates fare-free public transit systems and funds via increased petroleum tax, directly advancing public transportation access and infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Sales Tax Oil & Gas Public Transit Transportation Funding

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 21, 2026

SB 1668: RELATING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE.

Establishes the Electric Vehicle Charging System and Infrastructure Funding Program and allows the Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount to expend funds for the Program. Increases the amount of petroleum tax to be deposited into the Electric Vehicle Charging System Subaccount. Appropriates funds.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases petroleum tax to fund EV infrastructure program via subaccount appropriation, directly advancing fiscal allocation for clean energy initiative.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyFunds EV infrastructure via Clean Energy program, redirecting petroleum tax to reduce fossil fuel dependence and advance renewable energy adoption.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds EV infrastructure via petroleum tax increases, directly promoting clean energy adoption and reducing transportation emissions per its Clean Energy focus.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds EV charging infrastructure program, directly advancing sustainable transportation infrastructure development through dedicated appropriations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Oil & Gas Electric Vehicles Transportation Funding

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 1568: RELATING TO ENERGY.

Prohibits the Public Utilities Commission from approving costs of infrastructure, operations and maintenance, fuel, or other costs relating to supplying and using liquefied natural gas unless certain conditions are met. Requires the Public Utilities Commission to consider the effect of fossil fuels on renewable energy, stranded investment risks and costs, and costs and risks of reliance on a single fuel supply or monopoly supplier when making determinations of the reasonableness of the costs pertaining to electric or gas utility system capital improvements and operations. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill prohibits LNG infrastructure development, restricting fossil fuel energy infrastructure. This is a clear limitation on a specific energy source, directly opposing expansion of fossil fuel-based energy systems.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Renewable Energy

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 17, 2026

HB 2451: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Beginning 1/1/2027, requires each county to implement fare-free access to its public transportation systems. Establishes the Fare-Free Public Transportation Tax and Dividend Special Fund. Increases the Environmental Response, Energy, and Food Security Tax on petroleum products to fund fare-free public transportation. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases petroleum tax to fund fare-free public transit, directly allocating tax revenue to a public service program per bill's funding mechanism.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyIncreases petroleum tax (energy sector) to fund fare-free transit, reducing fossil fuel dependence and advancing sustainable transportation infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill taxes petroleum (Environmental Response Tax) to fund fare-free public transit, reducing vehicle emissions and promoting cleaner transportation.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates fare-free public transit funding via new tax, directly advancing public transportation access and sustainability through dedicated funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Oil & Gas Public Transit Transportation Funding

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