Issue Position: Energy and Enviornment

Issue Position

The islands of Hawaii are among the wonders of the world and home to one of the most pristine, beautiful and delicate environments in the world. The islands' unique access to energy generated by the sun, the wind, the ocean, plants and magma make it the perfect laboratory for research and development of renewable, sustainable power sources.

But while we look for ways to make Hawaii and the nation less reliant on imported fossil fuels, we must protect the environment that makes these innovations possible.

It is my duty to ensure that federal efforts to increase investment in Hawaii's economy include making sure business and foreign interests are aware of the need to balance their investments with environmental protection and preservation. We must promote our state as a leading destination for research and development of alternative energy sources but we must do so responsibly.

I am working in a bipartisan fashion in the U.S. House of Representatives to secure funding for education programs in our schools and universities that provide the curriculum and training necessary to build a workforce capable of developing and maintaining cutting-edge alternative energy programs. We must take advantage of this moment, when the world is realizing that burning fossil fuels for power is sustainable.

I have joined the Congressional Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition and am working with my colleagues to advance policies that promote clean energy innovation and domestic manufacturing, develop renewable energy resources, create green jobs and address global climate change.

Hawaii has an opportunity to lead the counter and the world forward into a sustainable future while creating our own environmentally friendly energy independence.

I will also collaborate with leaders in business and technology to focus responsible, environmentally sound investment in alternative energy production in Hawaii.

If we work together to responsibly expand Hawaii's green technology sector, we diversify our economy, create jobs and help preserve the paradise we call home.

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