Hirono Backs Obama’s Plan for Energy Independence

By Wendy Osher

Hybrid vehicle, file photo by Wendy Osher.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), is backing the president’s plans for energy independence.

President Barack Obama yesterday issued a directive to all federal agencies and departments instructing them to “lead by example” and contribute to the nation’s reduction in oil dependence.

The national goal is to reduce oil imports by one-third by 2025, and put one million advanced vehicles on the road by 2015.

“The record high gas prices we’re facing in Hawaii and across the country underscore a simple truth—the only solution is to break free from our dependence on fossil fuels. I applaud President Obama’s initiative, which is a bold step toward ending that dependence for good,” said Congresswoman Hirono, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and advocate for energy independence and renewable fuels.

“The President’s memo not only requires the federal government to purchase and lease only alternative-fueled vehicles, like hybrid or electric or biofuel, by the year 2015, it also recognizes the need to rebuild our infrastructure to make alternative vehicles a reality for all Americans,” said Rep. Hirono.

“President Obama’s bold leadership-by-example on energy independence will drive private investment and lead to the building of a prosperous, energy independent Hawaii and America,” she said.