When the Association of Pacific Island Legislators (APIL) met
in Honolulu last week, the membership heard from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) on the efforts in Micronesia to drive forward into the future
less reliant on foreign fuels. Each and
every day islanders from Majuro to Yap
spend each day without the modern amenities of power as a means to help
drive their respective island societies and economies. While the larger island like Guam may enjoy
such technologies across much of the unincorporated U.S. Territory, there are
many isolated areas of Micronesia that still do not have electricity serving
residents.
Legislators listened intently to an SPC presentation that was
not exactly an "eye opener", but allowed them all to re-think their
collective positions on this important quality of life issue and how to help
bring every part of their respective island communities into the 21st
Century. GET, LLC was privileged to be part of this important audience held at the Hawaii State Capitol Building.
We learned that there are fascinating things happening across Micronesia
related to advancing the use of renewable energy. Solar power is bringing 6,000
people in the Marshall Islands access to basic electricity for the first time
ever. Solar powered-lanterns are
bringing light to isolated parts of Yap that was previously done courtesy of kerosene-fueled
fires or other means. This is the first
time that at least 7,000 people there will have access to electricity and
specifically lighting. Also, Hydropower
is changing lives in Pohnpei. Other
renewable energy sources like wind and Biofuels are allowing commerce and job creation to thrive
throughout the remote islands of the FSM. Palau is adding grid connected solar
photovoltaic systems into their Capitol Building and Guam is anxiously awaiting
the completion of a 100 kW solar array construction project in Inarajan. There
is no question that electricity can change lives all while preserving centuries
old cultural practices. The SPC study
did highlight the need to protect culture and preserve our way of life by
finding smart policies to make this work for every man, woman and child across
our great region of the Pacific.
Legislators remarked of ways to bring affordable solutions to
the islands. Policies that endorse
technologies with multiple applications were encouraged. Commitments to create modern laws and new
regulations related to this important issue were shared with the shared concern
that they all are driven with community input was broadly accepted best
practices for island communities.
There were some missing components. Renewable Energy targets were outlined but
associated policies were are not placed on the front burner-low hanging fruit
to begin the trek to wean ourselves from fossil fuels. Energy efficiencies to include the changing of
light bulbs or the use of energy efficient appliances can help this across the
islands, but many see food and other staples more important that these swift and
largely sustainable moves. Lawmakers were intrigued with this, but challenged
to bring about such policies that would be of great help to reduce energy. Even transportation-the means that connects
us to the world around us all-is complex and makes this issue even more
important, especially related to energy security.
We as a global community should get behind the APIL's efforts on the
energy front. They all are committed. They all are prepared to be leaders in
energy. They all know the fallout for
not taking action or by a misstep to satisfy small constituencies that benefit
financially while the greater communities of Micronesia remain left behind with
such a simple amenity of life in the island and part of the world community.