Hawaii close to give environmental exemptions for geothermal development
Puna Geothermal Power Plant, Big Island, Hawaii (source: betterplace.com)
Alexander Richter
8 May 2012
The Hawaii State Environmental Council is looking at approving environmental exemptions that would allow the State Land Department to drop costly environmental assessments from geothermal exploration projects.
Reported locally, strict environmental regulations in Hawaii have resulted in a lack of investment, due to the cost in time and money for developers.
The subcommittee of the state Environmental Council now heard from potential geothermal developers in the state on why the State Land Department should be allowed to waive certain environmental regulations.
The cost and timelines of the current rules make it restrictive to explore in this state,” said Bill Sherman, land manager for Ormat Technolgies, that owns the 30 megawatt geothermal plant in Puna on the Big Island.
After hearing testimony, the seven member subcommittee approved three environmental exemptions for geothermal exploration. They include non-invasive testing and analysis, the issuance of leases on state or reserved lands, and the drilling of exploration wells.”
On May 17, the full 15-member Environmental Council is to approve the exemptions, which would allow the State Land Department to drop costly environmental assessments from geothermal exploration projects.
Source: KITV
