The bold step taken by the Hawaii State Legislature in passing the landmark legislation (HB623) fulfills one of Ige's policy objectives by making Hawaii the first state in the nation to set a 100 percent renewable portfolio standard (RPS) for the electricity sector.
“As the most oil dependent state in the nation, Hawaii spends roughly $5 billion a year on foreign oil to meet its energy needs. Making the transition to renewable, indigenous resources for power generation will allow us to keep more of that money at home, thereby improving our economy, environment and energy security,” Ige said. “I'd like to thank the senate and house energy committee chairs for championing HB623 and ensuring that Hawaii remains a national leader in clean energy.”
“Setting a 100 percent renewable portfolio standard will help drive investment in Hawaii's growing clean energy sector,” said Luis Salaveria, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. “Our commitment to clean energy has already attracted entrepreneurs and businesses from around the world, looking to develop, test and prove emerging technologies and strategies right here in Hawaii.”
