A joint House-Senate conference committee passed a measure yesterday that would make Hawaii a global leader in renewable energy policy. The measure, HB 623 CD1, requires that 100% of Hawaii’s electricity be generated from renewable energy resources, such as wind, solar, and geothermal, by 2045.
The measure, if passed, would make Hawaii the first state in the nation with such a 100% clean energy standard. Blue Planet Foundation, whose mission is to clear the path for 100% renewable energy, praised the move.
“Passage of this measure is a historic step towards a fossil fuel free Hawaii,” said Jeff Mikulina, Executive Director of Blue Planet Foundation. “This visionary policy is a promise to future generations that their lives will be powered not by climate-changing fossil fuel, but by clean, renewable sources of energy.”
“We applaud the leadership of the energy committee chairs, Rep. Chris Lee and Sen. Mike Gabbard, for helping make this historic policy a reality,” he added.
“The greatest achievements in history all started with a goal,” said Henk Rogers, President of Blue Planet Foundation. “Setting our new goal of 100% renewable energy for the islands is the vision we need today to achieve a sustainable tomorrow.”
House Bill 623 also increases the interim requirement to 30% renewable by 2020. Hawaii currently generates about 22% of its electricity from renewable resources.
A few locations around the globe have already achieved 100% clean energy (Iceland, El Hierro, Tokelau, and others), and some have set 100% renewable energy targets (Denmark, by 2050; Tuvalu, Cape Verde, and other small island nations, by 2020; and Japan’s Fukushima prefecture by 2040). Currently, 29 states plus Washington, D.C., have renewable energy standards. Since 2009, Hawaii has had the highest standard of the states (40% renewable by 2030). The California legislature is currently considering two measures to increase the state’s requirement to 50% renewable by 2030.
The measure now goes before both the full House and Senate for a floor vote, likely next Tuesday, May 5.
“With this policy, Hawaii will be sending a signal to the world that 100% renewable energy isn’t just a vision, it’s a commitment,” said Mikulina.
About Blue Planet Foundation
Blue Planet Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to clearing the path for 100% clean energy. We inspire leaders to change the rules and accelerate cost-effective, secure, renewable energy. We inspire communities to adopt smart, replicable energy solutions. We inspire everyone to believe in the power and possibility of a future beyond fossil fuels.
Photo courtesy Blue Planet Foundation on Facebook.