New laws will impact energy efficiency and clean transportation
The State of Hawaii continued to demonstrate its leadership and commitment to clean energy and transportation with the signing of energy-related bills by Gov. David Ige earlier today.
“We consider these to be wins, not only for Blue Planet Foundation, but also for Hawaii’s clean energy future,” said Melissa Miyashiro, Managing Director of Strategy & Policy, who oversaw the nonprofit’s advocacy efforts for the 2019 State Legislative session. “It takes creative policy solutions to help clear the path towards our 100% goal. We are grateful to Gov. Ige for his stamp of approval and appreciate collaborating with Rep. Nicole Lowen, Sen. Glenn Wakai, and the legislative body to see these important issues across the finish line.”
Act 141 establishes state appliance energy efficiency standards that are similar to California state standards and go beyond federal requirements. Originally HB 556, the law is expected to save Hawaii residents and businesses up to $537 million in cumulative utility bill savings over 15 years. Products covered in the new law include computers and computer monitors, faucets, showerheads, sprinklers, and certain fluorescent lamps. Blue Planet Foundation worked closely with legislators and other local and national stakeholders to shape and advocate for the bill.
Act 142 creates a rebate program for public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Originally HB 1585, the law establishes a rebate program ($400,000 over two years) for the installation and upgrade of EV charging stations, with priority given to chargers that are publicly accessible, serve multiple tenants, employees or customers, or are designated for electric vehicle fleets. With more than 9,000 EVs in Hawaii, the law is designed to spur the expansion of public EV chargers, specifically to meet the needs of drivers who cannot charge at home. The funding will come from the barrel tax.
“Both measures seek to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions while also ensuring that everyone benefits from the transformation to clean energy,” added Miyashiro.