The time is now for alternative energy
ONE of the key issues of the legislative session is energy: where it comes from, what it costs and how it is produced. To keep our state's economy moving, we need to find ways to conserve and we need to explore new energy sources. The ideas are in place, the laws are on the books -- our task for the future is putting ideas into practice.
I am pleased to learn that Governor Lingle views alternative energy and fuel conservation as essential elements in her legislative package, and that her administration is prepared to build upon the work the Legislature has done in recent years to advance those goals.
As chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy, Environment and International Affairs, I have introduced legislation over the years aimed at:
» reducing Hawaii's dependence on fossil fuels;
» moving the state toward the use of renewable energy, and setting realistic deadlines for meeting that goal;
» creating incentives for private industry to develop alternative sources of energy; and
» mandating the application of energy-efficient, environmentally sound practices to the construction of new state buildings.
Hawaii's energy situation is critical. We burn more oil to produce electricity than any other state. Our geographic isolation makes us especially vulnerable to disruptions in the worldwide production of oil. We have a potentially crippling dependence on forces far beyond our control.
Alternative energy, then, would seem to be a goal everyone could embrace. Solar and wind power, biomass and ocean energy all have tremendous potential. As new systems come on line, the cost of energy is bound to drop. Yet Hawaii has moved slowly toward energy self-sufficiency. The opposition has come from those with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, but their arguments lose value with each passing year. It's unrealistic to expect that the price of fossil fuels will drop in the future; experience suggests that it has nowhere to go but up.
A key concept in energy reform is the "renewable portfolio standard." This is the notion that a certain percentage of the state's energy should come from renewable sources, combined with a timeline for that goal to be reached. Hawaii has adopted an RPS of 20 percent by the end of 2020. The measure that is currently in place is flawed, and fixing it will be one of my top priorities for the current legislative session. As written, it has loopholes that will slow its implementation. Once those are closed, we will have meaningful legislation. Renewable energy has met its share of resistance in the past, but times have changed.
"Net energy metering" is another energy reform that is now on the books. Like the renewable portfolio standard, it will offer real savings to the consumer as soon as key decisions are made about how it will be administered. Net energy metering encourages the use of renewable energy generators by making renewable energy cost-effective -- a key principle behind the state's new focus on energy reform.
Another idea that is coming to the fore is the LEED standard for the development of sustainable, energy efficient construction methods. LEED stands for "leadership in energy and environmental design," and it's another example of energy reform that has met with its share of opposition through the years. The administration now recognizes that construction that applies the LEED standard pays for itself in a very short time and leads to significant savings for Hawaii's taxpayers over the long haul.
The Hawaii Energy Policy Forum has created a comprehensive 10-point plan that charts a course for Hawaii's energy future. It calls for the development of renewable energy sources from material already available to us. It encourages the development of solar energy, hydrogen, ethanol and bio-fuels. It strikes a balance between sound energy policy and the energy needs of Hawaii's people. It commits the state to investment in sustainable communities and the reduction of energy costs. Details can be found online at www.hawaiienergypolicy.hawaii.edu/.
Whether in the development of renewable energy sources or building construction, Hawaii's state government can lead the way. Government is in a unique position to set standards, create incentives, establish timelines and lead by example. I'm delighted to see that there's an apparent sea change in the administration's attitude toward renewable energy.
Despite the undeniable crisis conditions we face, there is reason to hope. For the first time in our history, we have the bipartisan political will to move the state toward energy self-sufficiency. I look forward to working with the administration as we move from the idea stage to the real work before us: the implementation of sound ideas whose time has finally come.
Sen. J. Kalani English, a Democrat, represents District 6 (Kahoolawe, Molokini, Lanai, Molokai, Haiku, Upcountry, Hana). He is chairman of the Senate Energy, Environment and International Affairs Committee.