Statement of Congresswoman Hirono in Support of President Obama's Efforts Lead-by-Example on Energy Independence

Statement

Today, President Barack Obama issued a bold directive to all federal agencies and departments instructing them "to lead by example and contribute to meeting our national goals of reducing oil imports by one-third by 2025 and putting one million advanced vehicles on the road by 2015."

A copy of President Obama's Memorandum on the Federal Fleet is attached.

Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and outspoken Hawaii advocate for energy independence and renewable fuels, issued the following statement in support of the President's actions today:

"The record high gas prices we're facing in Hawaii and across the country underscore a simple truth--the only solution is to break free from our dependence on fossil fuels. I applaud President Obama's initiative, which is a bold step toward ending that dependence for good.

The President's memo not only requires the federal government to purchase and lease only alternative-fueled vehicles, like hybrid or electric or biofuel, by the year 2015, it also recognizes the need to rebuild our infrastructure to make alternative vehicles a reality for all Americans.

President Obama's bold leadership-by-example on energy independence will drive private investment and lead to the building of a prosperous, energy independent Hawaii and America."

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