GeoLawWatch: Tracking Weather & Climate Legislation

Bill summary (AI generated)

This bill amends the Hawaii Revised Statutes to require owners or operators of waste combustion facilities to establish a plan for continuous monitoring and sampling of air contaminants from combustion units. The purpose is to enhance the monitoring of air pollution, specifically targeting toxic emissions that may disproportionately affect communities, including Native Hawaiians. The bill emphasizes the adoption of advanced continuous monitoring technologies that have previously been validated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Key provisions include:

- Continuous monitoring and sampling of various air contaminants, including but not limited to carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrochloric acid, dioxins, furans, heavy metals, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). 
- A requirement for emissions measurements to be taken at least once every two hours, with real-time data reported on a publicly accessible website hosted by the Department of Health. 
- The website will display emissions data, violations of air limits, and trends over time, ensuring transparency for the public and relevant authorities.
- A mandate for the Department of Health to adjust permit limits for air contaminants based on real-time data and to provide annual reports to the Legislature regarding the results of continuous monitoring.
- Specific definitions for terms related to continuous monitoring systems, toxic emissions, and waste combustion facilities.

The bill further outlines protocols for plan submission and approval, and stresses that the implementation of the monitoring plan must occur within three months of approval, with potential extensions for good cause. The bill aims to capture more accurate and comprehensive data concerning air emissions from waste combustion facilities, enhancing public health protection and regulatory oversight.