Action alert: SB 3185

An important clean energy bill, SB 3185, is up for public hearing this Tuesday morning (March 21, 2006). While the measure currently contains some policies to revolutionize how Hawai`i produces and uses electricity, a proposed House draft would severely weaken the bill. We need many voices expressing support for aggressive clean energy policy at this hearing. We have committments from the Governor and community leaders to collectively support the elements of an strong energy bill as listed below. This message has to be delivered loud and clear if we want significant change this year.

WHAT TO DO:
1) Submit written testimony. It's never too late. Click here (if that doesn't work, email testimony@capitol.hawaii.gov with "Support SB 3185 SD1 with amendments" in the subject). Or fax to 586-6501 (Oahu) or 1-800-535-3859 (neighbor islands). Alternatively, you can email your testimony to us as a Word doc or PDF attachment and we will fax it for you. Hearing notice here. Sample testimony and further information is below or at www.hi.sierraclub.org/energy/. Highlights:

• We need aggressive clean energy reforms to pass in 2006.
• The proposed HD1 does not achieve the desired reform as drafted.
• New policy needs to contain: a true renewable standard of 20% clean energy by 2020; penalties for utility non-compliance except in the case of extreme circumstances; an energy efficiency standard of 20% by 2025; and a requirement that the electric utilities share the risk of future oil price spikes.

2) Testify in person on Tuesday morning, 9am, room 309. The Governor will likely be in attendance.

3) Contact the Committee leaders. Chair Hermina Morita, 586-8435 (neighbor island toll free 274-3141 + 68435). Chair Bob Herkes, 586-8400 (neighbor island toll free 974-4000 + 68400). Ask them to pass an amended SB 3185 that creates a true 20% renewable standard.

SAMPLE TESTIMONY
House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection
House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce
March 21, 2006, 9:00 A.M.
45 Copies
TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF SB 3185 SD2 WITH AMENDMENTS

Chairs Morita and Herkes and members of the committees:
While I support much of the proposed SB 3185 SD2 HD1, it must be amended to put Hawai`i on a path toward energy independence. The price of oil is near $70 per barrel. The year 2005 was the hottest since modern recording began. Weird weather has many scientists scratching their heads. We need to wean Hawai`i from its near-absolute dependence on expensive, greenhouse gas-producing, imported oil. Some progress has been made in siting new clean energy projects, but given the current rate of growth in energy consumption, Hawaii’s fossil fuel dependence over the next decade and a half will remain virtually unchanged at 94%. We are running to stand still. One reason is the state's lack of clear policy setting standards regarding what percentage of our electricity comes from clean, indigenous resources. SB 3185 could change that, putting us on the path to a clean energy future. But it must be amended to include the following:

• A renewable portfolio standard of 20% by 2020 that includes only clean power generation, such as wind, solar, and biomass, and does not include any fossil fuel sources or simple energy efficiency.
• An aggressive "energy efficiency standard" of at least 20% by 2025 and allow the creation of an "energy efficiency utility" to manage electricity conservation programs, similar to Vermont's model.
• A provision to "de-link" the value of renewable energy and the price of oil by establishing long-term fixed price renewable energy sources that are competitively bid.
• A requirement that the electric utility to share in future oil price increases, not simply pass on the cost through ratepayers bills (via the current "energy cost adjustment clause").
• No easy "off-ramps" that allow the utilities to simply ignore the clean energy requirements.

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Sincerely,
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MAHALO!