Lingle signs three alternative-energy bills into law
Governor Linda Lingle signed into law three measures to increase Hawaii's reliance on solar, wind and other clean-energy sources. The governor and clean-energy enthusiasts say the new laws will reduce the state’s dependence on foreign oil. They are:
HB 1464 requires Hawaii's electric utilities to generate at least a quarter of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020, and 40 percent by 2030. The law also directs the state to enact standards to reduce energy consumption by 30 percent by 2030, and requires property owners to disclose the cost of electricity for a recent three-month period before selling their homes.
SB 1202 mandates electric car charging stations in parking lots and dedicating 1 percent of parking spaces in most parking lots for electric vehicles by Dec. 31, 2011. The requirement will increase an additional percentage point for each additional 5,000 registered electric vehicles.
SB 464 is intended to attract more private investment in renewable energy.
Advocates also are urging Lingle to sign another bill, HB 1271, that would impose a per-barrel tax on distributors of petroleum to finance clean-energy initiatives. The measure would raise the levy from 5 cents to $1.05, generate $31 million annually and expand use of the revenues to include clean-energy projects and food-safety programs. It could cost consumers 2 to 3 cents more per gallon of gasoline. Lingle has until Tuesday to declare if she will veto the bill.
