BEYOND COPENHAGEN

Hawaii Gas Tax Could Pay for Renewables

One of the country's largest gas guzzlers is considering raising taxes on oil to pay for renewable energy.

Hawaii may add a 2 to 3 cent tax on every gallon of gasoline in order to raise $30 million for the state's renewable energy initiatives.

Hawaii wants to generate 40 percent of its energy from renewables by 2030.

The state's Democrat-controlled legislature tried to increase oil taxes last year, but it was voted down by Republican Governor Linda Lingle. She said the state couldn't afford its airline industry to take such a huge financial hit.

But under the new proposal, the airline industry would be exempt from the tax increase.

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