Lawmakers in Hawaii just passed legislation last week in a 74-2 vote, requiring the state to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable energy resources by 2045.

The bill, known as HB 623, if signed by Governor David Ige, will make Hawaii the first U.S. state to attempt to complete decarbonization of the power sector, so reports GreentechMedia.

Hawaii’s current energy protocol is reportedly more than 80% fossil fuel.  Would a move to 100% renewable energy by 2045 be feasible?  Many believe so, including the Hawaiian Electric Company, the state’s privately owned utility company.The company found that the state could actually get to 65% by 2030, at a “large net cost savings for the customers,” according to GreentechMedia.

Chris Lee, the Chairman of the House Energy and Environmental Protection Committee in Hawaii, had this to say in a statement:  “As the first state to move toward 100 percent renewable energy, Hawaii is raising the bar for the rest of the country…Local renewable projects are already cheaper than liquid natural gas and oil, and our progress toward meeting our renewable energy standards has already saved local residents hundreds of millions on their electric bills.”

Good on you, Hawaii.  Should other states follow its lead?  Sound off below.

- The Off The Grid Team

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ora Media, LLC its affiliates, or its employees.

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