Governor participating in national U.S. Climate Action Week events
Gov. David Ige today joined U.S. Climate Alliance governors for a virtual discussion on how the states and the Biden administration can expand economic opportunity through collaborative climate action.
Gov. Ige joined California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, Maine Gov. Janet Mills and Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes for the U.S. Climate Action Week event, “Win the Future”: Creating economic opportunity, jobs, and new state-federal partnerships through bold climate action.
Under Gov. Ige, Hawai‘i became the first state in the country to mandate 100% renewable energy by 2045. Since the mandate was first implemented in 2015, five states, including New York and California have adopted similar goals.
“Addressing climate issues can and should play a significant part in our pandemic recovery efforts. Making the transition to renewable, indigenous resources for power generation allows us to keep at home at least $4 billion currently spent out of state for oil. We save on electricity bills and generate jobs, in turn improving our economy, environment and energy security,” said Gov. Ige.
During the discussion, Gov. Ige recalled the Great Recession (2007-2009) during which renewable energy projects led the way to economic recovery in Hawai‘i, by saving thousands of construction jobs. According to State Economist Eugene Tian, solar construction increased from two percent to about 30 percent of total construction dollars from 2007 to 2012. Solar construction hired more than 8,000 workers when the industry was struggling.
“This past year, when Hawai‘i’s economy was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, solar construction is again leading the way and helping us to build back better,” Ige said.
In 2020, home PV systems – now with batteries – are being installed across the state, in homes of all backgrounds and income levels. Installations in 2020 are nearly 8% higher than in 2019, despite the pandemic, according to Tian.
The solar industry continues to directly employ thousands of workers in diverse and well-paying jobs in construction, installers, salespeople, service technicians, business, professional services, contractors, designers, electricians, engineers, and financiers.
“We have seen first-hand the dire impact the COVID-pandemic had on our travel industry. Our 100% renewable energy goal will not only provide clean, renewable power, but it will increase our economic diversification and economic opportunity, which will help us build more resilient, healthier communities,” said Gov. Ige.
The governor is scheduled to speak tomorrow, at another U.S. Climate Action Week event -- Biden 100 Days: Can the U.S. take lead in averting climate catastrophe.
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