Administration Leads by Example in Clean Energy
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With 90 percent of our energy supply currently derived from imported fossil fuels, the Lingle-Aiona Administration is leading the charge to harness Hawai‘i’s abundant renewable resources, including its constant sunshine, strong trade winds, powerful waves and volcanic activity. In January 2008, Governor Lingle announced the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative, an unprecedented and innovative partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that aims to have at least 70 percent of Hawai‘i’s power come from clean energy within one generation – by 2030. As the only state in the nation to have signed this type of partnership, Hawai‘i has already begun to blaze a trail for other states and nations to follow, serving as a test bed of technology, a focus of DOE knowledge and resources, and a place where private companies are launching new ventures. Building on the momentum set forth in the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative, Governor Lingle announced in October 2008 a historic accord reached between the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and the State Consumer Advocate, and the Hawaiian Electric companies. Highlights of the agreement include a commitment to integrate 1,100 megawatts of renewable energy – enough to power one third of O‘ahu’s electricity – into the Hawaiian Electric companies’ grids, and the construction of an undersea cable that will allow renewable wind power from Maui County to be transmitted to O‘ahu. The agreement also calls for 40 percent of electric power to come from renewable sources by 2030, doubling the amount required by the current Renewable Portfolio Standard law. Read the memorandum of understanding. As the world’s most isolated archipelago and oil-dependent state in America, a clean energy future for Hawai‘i isn’t simply a desire – it’s a necessity. In addition to reducing our state’s greenhouse gas emissions, the pursuit of energy independence will also diversify our economy, generate new businesses, develop a skilled workforce and advance technology. Imagine the possibilities if the billions of dollars currently spent importing oil to Hawai‘i were instead invested in our local economy. It is part of the clean energy future the Lingle-Aiona Administration is pursuing. Read More About Hawai`i's Progress
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