An energy law program will be offered to students next fall at the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s William S. Richardson School of Law.

The energy law program is in development and will be available next fall as well as a course called "Renewable Energy and Climate Change."

"There is a need for lawyers to help finance large and small energy projects," said Shalanda Baker, associate professor of law.

Baker is developing the law program that will focus on energy policy in Hawaii and prepare students to be a part of the energy industry.

"This is the best place to be to think about creative policy solutions about energy and the best place to be to provide a road map for the rest of the world," Baker said. "We have such a unique set of circumstances here in Hawaii."

Baker said the energy environment in Hawaii provides opportunities for the students and she wants to make sure they are prepared.

"I am looking at developing courses for students to jump right into these jobs. We are also working with the community to provide more job opportunities for students," Baker said.

Baker is working with community stakeholders such as the Public Utilities Commission and Hawaiian Electric Co.

"Everyone is working toward a sustainable energy future. The PUC indicated that it is really willing to lead the country in that regard in making more flexible and renewable energy," Baker said.

"If you wanted to do energy work or energy policy work, Hawaii is the best place in the world to be."