Energy law needs to be renewed, English says

The Maui News
Thursday, January 20, 2005

HONOLULU – State Sen. J. Kalani English said one of his priorities this legislative session will be to correct language in a state law aimed at encouraging Hawaii utilities to increase development and use of renewable energy sources.

As it now reads, English said, the Renewable Portfolio Standards Act of 2004 does not exclude fossil fuels from its list of renewable energy sources. He said the law should reduce Hawaii's dependence on fossil fuels, which are not renewable energy sources, and should stabilize energy costs.

"This law needs to be corrected," he said.

English, chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and International Affairs, said he'll focus on fuel consumption, renewable energy, care for the environment and issues related to tourism, development and economic growth this session.

"Tax credits for the use of solar and wind energy have been proven to be an effective way to encourage the use of renewable energy sources," English said.

He said lawmakers would look at removing a sunset provision on those tax credits and increasing the dollar amount for the credits if possible.

"Investments in local renewable energy create long-term benefits for all our islands," he said.

English said he'd also advocate a bill calling for more stringent cruise ship emission standards. The measure would cover discharges of gray water, other wastewater and air emissions from cruise ships and other commercial passenger vessels.

Copyright © 2004 The Maui News

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