Clean
transportation policies set to pass tomorrow promote sustainability, fight
climate change
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – In passing
bills supporting electric vehicle use in Hawaiʻi, the Legislature is paving the
way for the state to take its first major steps toward implementing a strong
clean transportation policy.
Representative Nicole E.
Lowen, Chair of the House Committee on Energy and Environment and author of two
of the bills, said the time has come for Hawaiʻi to
transition away from fossil-fuel powered vehicles.
"In order to meet our
emissions reduction goals, we must address the transportation sector, which
accounts for two-thirds of Hawaiʻi's imported oil, and is not included in the
100 percent RPS requirement, which applies only to electric power
generation."
"Increasing the number and availability of charging stations is the most important thing we can do right now to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles," said Rep. Lowen (Kailua-Kona, Hōlualoa, Kalaoa). "Within the next five years, EVs are expected to cost about the same as gasoline fueled vehicles, but price parity alone won't be enough to drive consumers to go electric--having infrastructure in place is the key to making EVs affordable, accessible, and convenient for everyone."
The clean transportation bills expected to
be passed by the House tomorrow:
HB1585 HD1 SD2 CD1 creates a rebate
program for the installation or upgrade of electric vehicle charging stations
in publicly accessible commercial areas, workplaces, and multi-unit dwellings.
The rebate is not for single-family residences or parking stalls reserved for
individual use.
HB401 HD1 SD2 CD1 allows state and
county agencies to enter into performance contracts for electric vehicle fleets
and charging infrastructure.
HB 852 HD1 SD1 CD1 clarifies and
strengthens the role of the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office in developing policies
and programs to support the adoption of clean transportation.
Rep. Lowen said these measures help to
democratize the use of electric vehicles, because building out infrastructure
makes EVs more affordable, accessible, and convenient for low- and
middle-income working people.
Representative Troy Hashimoto (Kahakuloa, Waihe‘e, Waiehu, Pu‘uohala, Wailuku, Waikapū) introduced
HB 401.
"It's important for government to set
the example and HB 401 will provide a tool for the state and counties to
benefit from the long-term savings from investing in electric vehicles, without
the upfront costs," said Rep. Hashimoto.
Murray Clay, Managing Partner of the
Ulupono Initiative, submitted testimony in support of the bills saying electric
vehicles are an important avenue to address Hawai‘i's pressing climate issues
and align with the state's health, energy, and environmental goals.
"EVs
are the future, but they currently only represent less than one percent of all
passenger vehicles in the state. Hawai‘i must be proactive to encourage this
still nascent market and be prepared with the necessary infrastructure,"
Clay said in his testimony.
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