Hawaii Announces Clean Energy Initiative

The US Department of Energy has entered into a partnership with the state of Hawaii to reduce the state's heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels. The initiative sets a goal of 70 percent renewable energy by 2030, and would make Hawaii into a global model of clean and sustainable energy use.

The Clean Energy Initiative will generate electricity using wind, solar, wave, geothermal, and biofuel technologies. Goals of the project include integrating clean energy into existing infrastructure, designing renewable energy systems for islands, and developing regulations and policies that will encourage efficiency and sustainability.

Governor Linda Lingle announced the partnership at the Major Economies Meeting on Energy Security and Climate Change in Honolulu this week. Her administration has supported several green policies, including the 2007 Global Warming Solutions Act, mandating a reduction of Hawaii carbon emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.

[State of Hawaii - Governor Lingle]