Extending Renewable Energy Standards
Origin: Hawaii State Legislature
Bill Name/Number: H.B. 623
Link: Click here
Summary: Signed in June 2015, this act made Hawaii the first state to attempt complete decarbonization of the
power sector by requiring 100 percent of its electricity to come from renewable energy resources by 2045.
Talking Points & Important Information:
• According to Green Tech Media, Hawaii’s current energy mix is more than 80 percent fossil fuel, with oil
providing the majority of electricity generation on the islands; however, renewables are growing fast. Hawaiian
Electric Company, the state’s sole privately owned utility company, previously determined it would be feasible
to reach 40 percent renewables by 2030. Getting to 100 percent by 2045 will be difficult, but not entirely farfetched.
• In addition to the myriad public health and environmental benefits associated with alternative energy, the
renewable energy economy is a driver of job creation. Fossil fuel technologies are largely mechanized and
capital intensive whereas the clean energy