Issue Position: Addressing Clean Energy and Climate Change

Issue Position

Hawaii is already facing eroding beaches, a diminishing fresh water supply, and growing hurricane frequency as result of our changing climate. As a first step, Chris passed a groundbreaking law making Hawaii the first state to mandate 100% renewable electricity by 2045. He also passed a law directing the state to eliminate fossil fuels for all ground transportation. Progress toward 100% renewable energy has already saved Hawaii over a third of a billion dollars and Chris was honored to be named a national "Solar Champion" for this work.

When utilities began blocking consumers from installing solar panels, Chris convened public hearings and passed a law that directed the utility to let more consumers take advantage of solar energy. He was also named national "Best Policymaker" by the US Green Building Council Center for Green Schools for two laws he passed making Hawaii the first state to direct all public schools and universities to produce 100% of their own power from renewables by 2035.

Sea level rise and impacts of global warming are already impacting Hawaii and our economy. Action must be taken not only because it will help boost the local economy, but more importantly because it is the morally right thing to do for our next generation. Chris authored the Hawaii Climate Adaptation Initiative directing all levels of government to work together to address sea level rise and prepare for these coming changes. He also passed a law establishing a process to allow local farmers to receive carbon credits and be paid for sequestering carbon.

Chris has been working with leaders around the country and passed a resolution calling on other states to follow Hawaii's efforts to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy which have saved consumers millions, created thousands of jobs, and benefited our economy.

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