For Immediate Release: July 31, 2006
DBEDT Release News 06-21

Honolulu--The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), announced today that it joins the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in supporting the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency (NAPEE) and will endorse and encourage efforts to aggressively pursue improvements in energy efficiency throughout the country.

"The State of Hawaii is strongly committed to improve energy efficiency statewide, in both electricity and transportation sectors," said Ted Liu, Director of DBEDT. "Governor Lingle and her administration are pursuing energy efficiency investments and conservation practices in state facilities to Lead by Example. We are pleased to join forces with the Hawaii PUC to play a strong role in a national initiative for specific actions to reduce energy demand while we work on reducing dependence on imported petroleum."

In June, Governor Lingle signed several bills enacted this year by the Legislature as part of a comprehensive "Energy for Tomorrow" initiative. Energy efficiency is a core strategy embodied within those laws, resulting in reduced costs to taxpayers, residents and businesses, while improving our environment and creating local jobs.

NAPEE is a national effort organized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to secure stakeholder commitments for energy efficiency throughout the nation. By organizing diverse interests nationwide, participants will gain from shared experience and better influence national and regional policies and markets.

For more information, contact:
Dave Young
Communications
Phone: (808) 587-1212
Email: dyoung@dbedt.hawaii.gov