Hirono: "Republicans' "Why Bother?' Approach to Clean Energy is Damaging to Hawaii's Future"

Statement

Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (HI-02) today released the following statement on her vote against H.R. 6213, The No More Solyndras Act, legislation that would prevent the U.S. Department of Energy from accepting new applications to the federal loan guarantee program for energy projects:

"One of Congress's top responsibilities is to make sure taxpayer dollars are spent cost-effectively and promote vital national priorities, like strengthening our economy. I believe we absolutely need stronger accountability measures and changes to our loan guarantee program. And we also need to make sure we're developing new businesses in clean energy to stay competitive globally and help end our reliance on foreign oil.

"Unfortunately, the Republicans would rather throw the baby out with the bath water. This approach is in line with their efforts through this entire Congress to oppose efforts to move America toward a clean energy future. Republican leaders seem to believe a clean energy future will never happen, so why bother?

"In Hawaii, we know they're wrong. We have the nation's most ambitious clean energy goals. And thanks to federal investments and support from state, local, and private resources, we're getting closer to meeting them. Hawaii's clean energy industries have generated over $1 billion in economic activity and created over 11,000 jobs--with many more to come. People, businesses, and communities across our state are benefitting from numerous projects focused on clean energy and efficiency that are helping reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

"We still have a long way to go. That's why our country should be working to level the playing field for clean energy. This is a priority that Hawaii's energy leaders have stressed to me time and again. Instead of scrapping the program, we should reform it with more accountability and invest in innovation that helps our economic competitiveness.

"That's the path to a more energy independent future for Hawaii and the rest of the country."

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