STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1675

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.R. No. 125

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.R. No. 125 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO ADOPT NATIONAL CARBON FEE AND DIVIDEND LEGISLATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the United States Congress to pass national carbon fee and dividend legislation.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Youth Action Team of the Hawai‘i Citizens' Climate Lobby, Kauai Climate Action Coalition, Citizens' Climate Lobby – Hawaii, Carbon Cashback Task Force, and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas and its concentration in the atmosphere has been increasing rapidly for more than sixty years. Your Committee further finds that many climate change impacts are anticipated for the State, including increases in ocean and air temperatures, sea level rise, droughts, severe weather patterns, ocean acidification, and more frequent and severe wildfires. Imposing a tax on the burning of fossil fuels and returning the revenues to households as a carbon fee and dividend is an effective and equitable way to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and their effects on climate change.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 125 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

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NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair