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Hawaii geothermal bill could expand geothermal energy production

Hawaii geothermal bill could expand geothermal energy production Puna Geothermal Power Plant, Big Island, Hawaii (source: betterplace.com)
Alexander Richter 11 May 2012

Geothermal legislation has been put in front of Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie. By amending the Hawaii State Planning Act it aims at to encourage development on state and public trust land.

Reported yesterday, the state legislative in Hawaii has put forward a geothermal energy bill before the governor of Hawaii.

The legislation could expand geothermal energy production across the state by amending the Hawaii State Planning Act to encourage development of geothermal energy projects on state and public trust land.

“I really believe that the consumer should own the resource because it’s a mineral,” explained Sen. Malama Solomon, who introduced Senate Bills 2001 and 3003.

Geothermal energy is seen as a key option for the state to reach its clean energy goal of 70 percent of energy to come from renewable energy by 2030. Currently the state depends on diesel for most of its electricity supply, with only 10 percent coming from renewables.

“Solomon also introduced a resolution calling for more transparency from alternative energy companies. If renewable energy plants offered information that met current technological standards, she believes there might not be as much confusion over intermittent and firm alternative energies.

“This new regulatory responsibility will put Public Utilities Commission in better position to make sound recommendations about what works and what doesn’t work for Hawaii when it comes to indigenous renewable energy resources,” she said.”

State Governor Neil Abercrombie has until the middle of June to decide on the legislation put in front of him. It seems like he only has an option to either veto it or letting it become law with or without his signature.

Source: The Huffington Post