Hawaii Enacts Climate and Energy Bills

Since May, Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle has enacted several renewable energy and efficiency statutes.  Combined, the legislation should help Hawaii achieve the goals of its RPS target of 20% by 2020 and its Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative goal of 70% by 2030.  Signed by Governor Lingle on January 28, 2008, the Initiative aims to reduce Hawaii’s reliance on imported fossil fuels, which currently supply 90% of its energy, by as much as 72%.  Hawaii currently has the highest electricity prices in the nation.

In late May, Governor Lingle signed HB 3179, which streamlines the approval process for biofuel producers to lease state lands.  She also approved SB 2034, SB 3190, and HB 2168, which authorize financing for a wave energy generator, a solar energy facility, and a hydrogen generation facility, respectively.

On June 6, the Governor signed bills SB 988 and HB 2550, authorizing net metering and residential photovoltaic rebates, respectively.  On June 26 she approved SB 644, which requires solar water heaters in all new homes starting in January, 2010.

On July 1, Governor Lingle approved: HB 2863, which streamlines the permitting process for large renewable facilities; HB 2505, which creates a full-time renewable energy facilitator; and HB 2261, which provides loans of up to $1.5 million for farm-based renewable energy projects.

Clean Energy Initiative Press Release
Clean Energy Initiative Memorandum of Understanding
Clean Energy Initiative
HB 3179, SB 2034, SB 3190, HB 2168, SB 988, HB 2550, SB 644, HB 2863, HB 2505, HB 2261