Working For Sustainable Energy Policies & A Cleaner Environment

Hawai‘i continues to lead the nation in renewable energy production. In 2015, Hawai‘i became the first state in the country to set a 100% clean energy goal by 2045 and our state and counties have made great progress toward this goal. We must continue to utilize our abundant renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and more, and move away from foreign oil and fossil fuels. Tulsi is an original cosponsor of H.Res.540, which would build off the progress made in states like Hawai‘i and support unprecedented national priorities for combating climate change, including goals for 50% of electricity derived from renewable sources by 2030 as well as the transition to 50% near zero greenhouse gas emissions and 100% clean renewable energy by 2050.
 
Hawai’i Leads in Renewable Energy
Hawai‘i ’s abundant and diverse natural energy sources make our state an ideal location for innovation and growth in the renewable energy sector. Tulsi supports the extension of renewable energy tax credits, which have helped spur the development of clean energy right here at home. The investment tax credit and production tax credit have been critical in growing our supply of domestically-produced renewable energy and should remain part of our national energy policy. 

In Hawai‘i, protecting our environment is more than just a policy discussion; it is a way of life, embedded in the fabric of our culture and society. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, Tulsi worked to ensure that the expansion of military projects in Hawai‘i do not harm our environment. She has also included a provision in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 National Defense Authorization Act to require the Department of Defense to propose an infrastructure plan for improvements to the Red Hill Underground Fuel Storage Facility on O‘ahu. In addition, Tulsi working to secure additional federal funding to protect our oceans and coral reefs, which are vital to our coastline, marine health and life, ecosystem, and local economy. She has cosponsored H.R.4811, the Coral Reef Sustainability Through Innovation Act, to allow federal agencies to award grants to efforts that promote coral reef research and conservation.