Governor Lingle Signs Bill to Initiate "Lead by Example" Energy Conservation Program for State Agencies
GOVERNOR LINGLE SIGNS BILL TO INITIATE "LEAD BY EXAMPLE" ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR STATE AGENCIES
Governor Linda Lingle today signed into law a bill that marks a milestone in the Lingle-Aiona Administration's Energy for Tomorrow vision. The bill (HB2175 HD2 SD2 CD1) is part of a bold and strategic energy plan that encourages and supports market-based development of reliable, cost-effective, and self-reliant energy for Hawai`i.
"Through this new law we are reaffirming the state's responsibility to Lead by Example to establish a secure energy and economic future for the people of Hawai`i," said Governor Lingle. "This new law, which was passed with bipartisan support by the Legislature, will help state agencies increase energy efficiency and will set an example for residents and businesses to embrace energy conservation and support energy alternatives."
HB2175, along with three other bills supported by the Administration and passed by the Legislature (SB2957, SB3185, and HB2848), represents a breakthrough in securing the state's energy future in a comprehensive and integrated manner.
This bill, which becomes Act 96, emphasizes energy efficiency by:
* Adding Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards for new State facilities and instructing the Department of Accounting and General Services to install renewable energy devices such as solar water heaters and Energy Star appliances.
* Requiring, starting July 1, 2006, that 20 percent of newly purchased light-duty vehicles (passenger cars, pickup trucks, vans, SUVs, and other vehicles under 8500 gross vehicle weight rate) acquired by the state be "energy efficient" vehicles, such as those that run on biodiesel, ethanol, hybrid electric/gasoline, or hydrogen fuel cells. The percentage will rise to 35 percent in 2007 and will increase by 5 percent each year thereafter to a maximum of 75 percent.
* Instructing state agencies to maximize usage of energy-savings contracts, including performance contracts and utility energy-efficiency service contracts at no net cost to taxpayers.
* Promoting the use of "green building" practices by requiring counties to establish priority processing of permit applications for construction projects that incorporate energy efficiency and environmental design.
* Appropriating $5 million in general funds to develop and implement a photovoltaic net energy metered pilot program in public schools.
"This bill also puts into law various steps my Administration has already taken to make our state buildings and motor vehicle fleet more energy efficient," said Governor Lingle, referring to Administrative Directive 06-01 she issued in January of this year.
Today's bill-signing ceremony at the State Capitol is the first of four ceremonies planned around the state to mark the passage of comprehensive Energy for Tomorrow legislation. Bill signing ceremonies will be scheduled for the neighbor islands in the coming weeks.
http://www.hawaii.gov/gov/news/releases/2006/News_Item.2006-05-12.2553