The full Senate voted 80 to 17 to approve the spending bill, with Senator Inouye and Senator Daniel K. Akaka supporting the measure. "More than 90 percent of Hawaii's energy comes from petroleum and the state's two refineries import oil from Alaska and foreign countries. Given our unique access to water, wind, solar and geothermal resources, we should be pushing hard to develop sustainable alternatives in order to lessen our dependence on imported energy ... Hawaii consumers should not be subject to volatile energy markets motivated by actions outside of our state's control. These funds will help our researchers and local energy producers develop the types of alternatives that make sense for our state." "This bill fosters American innovation in clean energy and energy efficiency. Full Article at All American Patriots