Hawaii Clean Energy Law and Policy

Douglas A. Codiga, Esq. Attorney, Schlack Ito Lockwood Piper & Elkind, Honolulu

Abstract

Hawaii has embarked on a major transition from the use of imported fossil fuels to the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency, or "clean energy," for electricity production and transportation. This transition is driven by environmental and economic concerns and shaped by energy law and policy. This presentation will provide a brief overview of key developments in the emerging law of clean energy in Hawaii, including the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, the feed-in tariff and decoupling proceedings before the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, Renewable Portfolio Standards, permitting and environmental review of commercial renewable energy development projects, transportation and electric vehicles, and the possible impact of federal legislation (such as the American Clean Energy and Security Act) in Hawaii.