By Gary Hooser Judging from a variety of not so very subtle signals coming out of the legislature, the 2012 legislative session will feature a full frontal assault on environmental protections. Framed under the banner of eliminating “regulatory barriers” in order to stimulate economic development and create jobs, numerous bills to dismantle important environmental protections […]
Clean Energy Goals Are A ‘Steep Uphill Climb’ [Civil Beat]
he Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative was inked four years ago, setting up the mandate for the state to achieve 70 percent clean electricity (40 percent renewable generation, 30 percent energy efficiency) by 2030. Since then, our total electricity usage has steadily declined, from 10,585 GWh in 2007 to 9,986 GWh in 2011. And thanks to […]
Maui Council OKs $16million for Water Projects
The Council unanimously approved $13 million for the Waikamoi flume replacement, $2 million to replace the Kamole tank and $1 million to replace the Kaupakalua Road waterline. Details at Maui News
Electric Vehicles Under Attack?
Rocky Mountain Institute sees EVs as a crucial step in moving the United States away from fossil fuels for reasons of national security, human health, environmental protection and durable economic advantage. EV benefits go beyond fuel economy. Reinventing Fire, RMI’s new, peer-reviewed book backed by 30 years of Institute research, shows that EVs—ultimately made of […]
Hawai’i Tackles Sea Level Rise
Hawai‘i Coastal Zone Management Act. The HCZMA, codified in Chapter 205A of the Hawai ‘i Revised Statutes, is an important planning tool for regulating development and land use within the coastal zone. The Act already contains objectives and policies for protecting life and property from coastal hazards and storm surge but could be amended to […]
PUC: HECO Can’t Add Fees to Rooftop Solar
Yesterday, the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Hawai‘i (PUC) issued an order denying several proposals by Hawai‘i’s investor-owned utilities that would have raised barriers to homes and businesses installing renewable energy systems like rooftop solar. The ruling resolved a handful of disputed issues between the utilities and renewable energy organizations over rules for […]