Urging The Governor And State Departments To Investigate Opportunities Provided By The Direct Pay Provision In The Inflation Reduction Act That Allows For Direct Payment Of Clean Energy Incentives To State Government Entities For The Cost Of Installing Solar Energy Systems In State Facilities.
Impact
HR198 aims to promote the installation of solar energy systems in state facilities, potentially leading to considerable reductions in electricity costs and carbon emissions. In the fiscal year 2022 alone, state entities consumed more than 520 million kilowatt hours of electricity costing taxpayers $173 million. By implementing solar energy solutions, the state could save funds that can be redirected to other essential services, thereby enhancing financial efficiency while also supporting environmental goals.
Summary
House Resolution 198 (HR198) urges the Governor and state departments of Hawaii to explore opportunities provided by the direct pay provision in the Inflation Reduction Act. This provision allows state and local governments to receive direct payments for clean energy initiatives, specifically for the installation of solar energy systems, which can cover up to thirty percent of the project's costs. The resolution is significant as it highlights the importance of harnessing federal funds to boost local clean energy practices and reduce the state's energy expenses.
Contention
The resolution is posited against the backdrop of Hawaii's climate emergency declaration and the federal government's substantial investments in clean energy through the Inflation Reduction Act, totalling $369 billion. Notably, the bill must address challenges in institutional capacity among state departments to utilize these federal incentives effectively. Stakeholder engagement is crucial for the designated departments, such as Education and Transportation, to prepare for funding's deployment and maximize its benefits on a local level. In essence, the resolution calls for a systematic approach to harness these opportunities amidst the pressing climate crisis.
Same As
Urging The Governor And State Departments To Investigate Opportunities Provided By The Direct Pay Provision In The Inflation Reduction Act That Allows For Direct Payment Of Clean Energy Incentives To State Government Entities For The Cost Of Installing Solar Energy Systems In State Facilities.
Requesting The Hawaii State Energy Office To Conduct A Study Of The Different Energy Consumption Sectors To Determine Which May Be Most Quickly And Cost-effectively Decarbonized Through Additional Public Investments In Combustion-free Alternatives.
Urging The Department Of Accounting And General Services And The Department Of Human Resources Development To Evaluate Subsidizing Public Transit For Public Employees.
Requesting The Hawaii State Energy Office To Conduct A Study Of The Different Energy Consumption Sectors To Determine Which May Be Most Quickly And Cost-effectively Decarbonized Through Additional Public Investments In Combustion-free Alternatives.