Issue Position: Environment

Issue Position

Our environmental awareness in Hawai`i has led to many laws that protect our land and water. However, the pressures of development and population growth are overrunning some of our islands' unique, scenic areas. I will work to bring federal resources to preserve and protect our environmental resources, including our coastal areas, for future generations.

One of the most important environmental challenges we face today is weaning ourselves from our dependence on oil. This means making cleaner cars. It also means moving toward use of clean, renewable energy. In Hawai`i, we have a resource-rich natural environment that provides access to numerous alternative power sources including wind, solar, wave, seawater, biomass, and biofuel. We have the technology and the know-how to enjoy economic growth while using 20 percent less energy than we do today.

In Congress I will fight for increases in the CAFE standards that make cars cleaner. I will work with experts to move forward on ideas such as Renewable Energy Income Tax Credits and proposals to require utility companies to share a percentage of the cost increases associated with fluctuation in oil prices. Such policies would encourage both public and private investments in alternative energy.

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