I am committed to helping our nation towards energy independence. We must strengthen our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil. By employing new technology, we can lower energy costs and have greater efficiency. We must shift to cleaner energy to reduce global warming. Hawaii has significant potential for clean, alternative energy sources including solar, wind and ocean energy. I support increased investment in renewable energy technology and strongly support requiring that we mandate that renewables become an increasing share of our energy source. Hawaii can and should be a leader in alternative and renewable energies. We must make this commitment to our future and explore options that could promote diversifying our economy.
Strategy to Address the Energy Crisis: I support legislation that promotes public transportation, curbs oil market manipulation, pushes for the responsible development of our domestic energy supply, increases energy efficiency, and promotes renewable energy.
- Fuel Prices: To provide immediate relief from fuel prices, I voted for a measure that temporarily suspended oil purchases for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), the government's oil stockpile. I support legislation that tightens oversight of oil futures trading in order to reduce the excessive speculation that is driving up energy prices.
- Drilling: I do not believe that drilling for oil in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve (ANWR) is the solution to reducing our gas prices. Currently, 68 million acres of undeveloped onshore and offshore federal oil reserves are being warehoused by the energy industry. The oil industry should diligently develop production on these reserves instead of locking up more public lands and threatening our beaches and wilderness.
- Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: We need to reduce our dependency on oil by improving energy efficiency standards and investing in renewable energy. I supported a bill that was enacted into law in December 2007. The comprehensive energy package establishes new vehicle efficiency standards (the first in 32 years), creates a renewable fuels standard, and sets new standards for lighting and appliances.
