LNG Plan Threatens Hawaii's 2045 Clean Energy Goal

The state of Hawaii's plan to switch from oil to liquefied natural gas (LNG) for electricity generation has been met with criticism, citing it as a contradiction to the state's goal of achieving clean energy by 2045. According to a letter to the editor published in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, the LNG proposal is based on a study that assumes continued high levels of oil burning up to and beyond 2045, which contradicts the state's decarbonization plan.

The letter argues that pursuing the LNG proposal would undermine the state's efforts to transition to clean energy. The Honolulu State Energy Office (HSEO) has produced both a narrow study and a grand plan for achieving clean energy by 2045, but it seems the administration is basing its decisions on the narrower study.

The critics point out that this inconsistency matters greatly, as it would lock the state into burning fossil fuel right up to its 2045 target. This raises concerns about the state's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and achieving clean energy goals.