Saturday, January 30, 2010

Food and Energy-Making the Connection

This week's broadcast of the Hawaii Public Radio show Energy Futures is about the energy embedded in the food we eat in Hawaii. Since 90% of our food is imported, the thousands of food-miles embedded in what we buy and eat is one of the biggest uses of energy in the state. Promoting local and sustainable food production (as opposed to export-oriented commodity crops) is one of the biggest ways we can reduce our energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.


HIPL has a documentary about how Cuba transformed its food production system after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the dramatic reduction in food as well as fossil fuel imports. It's called The Power of Community. This film documents how Cuba became a model for locally grown, organic food, the proliferation of neighborhood farmer's markets, strengthened community relations, and improved personal health. If you're interested in a viewing and discussion of this 60-minute film, email us.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

National Climate Seminars

The Bard Center for Environmental Policy is again hosting the National Climate Seminar series. This is a call-in seminar held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, 3:00 PM Eastern time. You can email questions in advance and ask questions during the seminar. Podcasts are also available.
The upcoming schedule is below:


01/27 - William Schlesinger, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies:
Ecology of a Hot Planet

02/03 - Joe Romm, Climate Progress:
The US Senate and Getting to 450



02/17 - Kristen Sheeran, E3 Network:
Equity and Global Warming



03/03 - Larry Schweiger, National Wildlife Federation:
Facing Mass Extinction



04/07 - The Yes Men:
Pranksterism for a Dead Serious Message



05/05 - Elysa Hammond, Clif Bar:
Transforming Corporations Around Climate



05/19 - Ross Gelbspan, Journalist:
Democracy and Climate Solutions

Alternative Climate Change Bill

A new federal "climate change" bill has been submitted in the Senate. The new framework the CLEAR bill proposes, plus the "cap-n-dividend" approach, is much more aligned with the values of HIPL than the cap-n-trade bill passed by the House. A summary of the bill's pro's and con's is below. Read the full article and let us know what you think.

A New Outside-the-Beltway Climate Bill Deserves Support; Why Won't Enviros Get Behind It?
By David Morris
AlterNet
Posted on December 27, 2009

"Whatever President Obama promised in Copenhagen, Congress will have to deliver. The near-term prospects are dim. One key problem is that until recently, all climate bills have been assembled by hundreds of legislators trying to placate thousands of lobbyists. The results have been predictable. Virtually uninhibited carbon trading, a Wall Street delight, is at the core of most climate bills. The projected emission reductions are often more aspirational than real. Carbon allowances are dispensed freely and widely to buy off virtually every interest group.

"While Democratic Party leaders have been talking to lobbyists inside the Beltway, Senator Maria Cantwell, D-WA and her staff have been looking for answers from activists and experts outside the Beltway. The result is the Carbon Limits and Energy for America's Renewal (CLEAR) Act. Co-sponsored by Susan Collins, R-ME, this groundbreaking bill avoids the compromises and subterfuges of existing climate bills and embraces a new philosophical and strategic approach.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Hawaii Energy Efficiency Program

The Honolulu Star-Bulletin reported recently on the Hawaii Energy Efficiency Program, www.hawaiienergy.com. This program provides rebates to households for purchasing Energy Star-approved appliances.


    The eligible appliances include:
  • ceiling fans ($40)
  • clothes washers ($50)
  • dishwashers ($50)
  • refrigerators ($50)
  • window air conditioners ($75)
  • ductless split air conditioners ($110)

Hawaii has also applied to participate in a federal rebate program, so there may be the possibility soon to benefit from both state and federal programs.


And don't forget about ShopIPL, an online energy efficiency store for faith communities and their members sponsored by Interfaith Power & Light. You can get significant discounts on energy efficiency products at this site.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Hawaii Energy Briefing, Jan 08

The Hawaii Energy Policy Forum is hosting a fast-paced energy briefing:
Friday, January 08
10:00-11:15 AM
State Capitol Auditorium (map)

Tentative Agenda:



10:00 AM – State of the Industry
  • Welcome - Jay Fidell
  • Opening Remarks - Rep. Hermina Morita
  • Report on Recent Developments - Ted Peck
  • Update from Three of our Energy Pacesetters



    10:30 AM – Energy Initiatives for 2010
  • Presenting the Initiatives - Jay Fidell
  • Sustaining Energy Leadership - Carl Freedman
  • Maximizing Energy Efficiency - Darren Kimura
  • Advancing Renewable Energy - Kelly King & Mark Duda
  • Closing Remarks - Sen. Mike Gabbard



    11:00 AM – Continue discussion with energy experts on
    the Fourth Floor Concourse

  • Saturday, January 2, 2010

    2010 A Great Year for Renewable Energy in Hawaii

    The new year is shaping up to be a great one for renewable energy in Hawaii.
    • First, Hawaii's "solar roof" law (Act 204) went into effect January 01. This law mandates that all new homes have a solar hot water system installed.
    • Second, the La Ola 1.2 MegaWatt solar farm on Lanai is up and running (YouTube video). The electric utility estimates this will provide 30% of the island's peak load.
    • First Wind is pursuing plans to expand wind energy generation on Maui and install new generating capacity on Molokai and Oahu.
    • The final EIS for the Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning cooling system planned for downtown Honolulu has been published.
    • HIPL member Temple Emanu-El is negotiating with a local company to install a photovoltaic electricity generating system on their property. The congregation is taking advantage of a purchase power agreement to reduce the cost and receive the tax credit benefits from the federal and state governments that are not directly available to non-profits.
    • Finally, HIPL is negotiating with a local photovoltaic supplier and installer to provide discounts to HIPL member households for bundled purchases of household PV systems. Contact hipl@hipl.org or check back regularly for updates.

    HIPL Receives Grants to Ramp Up Efforts

    We are proud to announce that Hawaii Interfaith Power and Light has received two grants totaling $7500 from the Hawaii People's Fund ($2500) and the Hawaii Community Foundation ($5000) to assist us in recruiting new member faith communities and to carry out energy audits at member churches. Our goal for 2010 is to recruit 20 new member communities and carry out 10 energy audits. Look for updates about conducting an energy audit at your faith community's buildings or campus at our website, hipl.org. If you're interested in having your faith community become a member or want to learn more about HIPL, email us at: hipl@hipl.org.