Hawaii Takes Bold Renewable Energy Initiatives

Hawaiian governor Linda Lingle announced in October a comprehensive agreement that is aimed at decisively moving the state away from its dependence on fossil fuels for electricity and ground transportation and toward renewable energy.

The historic accord — agreed to between the Lingle-Aiona Administration, including the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and the State Consumer Advocate, and the Hawaiian Electric companies — is an achievement stemming from months of discussions and work on the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative.

The effort, which began in January between the state and U.S. Department of Energy, seeks to move Hawaii toward having 70 percent of its energy use come from clean energy sources by 2030.

"This is a detailed plan to implement the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative with sweeping changes that are needed to reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuel and to achieve a more secure energy and economic future," said Governor Lingle. "I feel strongly that the state and our major utility can and must continue finding common ground in moving forward and taking decisive and bold steps toward an energy-independent Hawaii."

For details: http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=54036