"In Hawaii, we already know that clean energy is the way forward. While we are blessed with abundant sources of renewable energy, unfortunately we rely mostly on imported fossil fuels. That means we are sending money overseas when we could be supporting local green jobs. The solution is self-sufficiency through clean energy and energy efficiency, as it will promote economic prosperity, national security, and environmental protection."
Senator Akaka is a leader in promoting clean, safe sources of renewable energy such as wind, solar, wave, ocean thermal cooling, biofuel, and hydrogen. His energy initiatives have focused on using cleaner and more efficient sources of fuel to alleviate America's dependence on oil. He has consistently supported funding for energy sciences as well as research and development.
Priorities
Senator Akaka recognizes the tremendous importance of energy efficiency, and he supports increased energy efficiency for buildings, transportation, power systems, and industry. Deploying energy efficient technologies saves money and protects the environment. Thoughtful design and construction promote productivity and health while making best use of our resources.
Senator Akaka is a strong proponent of increasing fuel efficiency standards for automobiles and trucks. The transportation sector accounts for 28 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
Senator Akaka is also an advocate for marine and hydrokinetic energy, hydrogen fuel cell technologies, smart grid technologies and related cybersecurity, and tax incentives for clean energy.
Concerned by the risks posed by nuclear power, Senator Akaka will continue to advance policies that protect human health and national security. In the 111th Congress, Senator Akaka sponsored the Energy Development Program Implementation Act and Furthering International Nuclear Safety Act.
Recent Accomplishments
Senator Akaka is a founding member of the Senate Hydrogen Caucus, which is dedicated to increasing the visibility and knowledge of hydrogen energy. His vision for our nation's energy future resulted in hydrogen and methane hydrates legislation being enacted into law. This led to a cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell project at Hawaii Natural Energy Institute.
Renewable ocean energy technologies have also been advanced by Senator Akaka's legislative work. The Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Promotion Act, which was introduced by Senator Akaka and included in the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-140), authorizes $50 million in funding for this initiative from FY 2008 through 2012. This led to a U.S. Department of Energy grant of $978,000 to establish a National Marine Renewable Energy Center in Hawaii. Senator Akaka also cosponsored the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Research, Development, and Demonstration Act (P.L. 96-310). The Act lays the foundation for federal funding for research and development of OTEC systems. The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority in Kona demonstrated the world's first production of net electrical power via a closed-cycle OTEC.
Senator Akaka worked to include $36 million for demonstration projects to convert sugar cane into ethanol in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58). He also championed a loan guarantee program to help Hawaii ethanol manufacturers capitalize their production facilities for sugar cane-to-ethanol at $50 million per project.
