Clean Fuels Alliance America welcomes Hawaii clean-fuel standard

Clean Fuels Alliance America applauds Hawaii Gov. Josh Green for signing legislation to create a clean-fuel standard in his state.

This new law will help drive demand and open a new market for biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) while spurring economic opportunity and improving the health of its citizens.

Senate Bill 2999 tasks the Hawaii Department of Transportation to develop regulations to reduce transportation emissions by 10 percent from 2019 levels by 2035 and no less than 50 percent by 2045.

HDOT must adopt program rules by Jan. 1, 2028, with implementation beginning Jan. 1, 2029.

This technology-neutral and market-based program will generate new opportunities for the fuels industry to help meet these carbon-emissions reduction targets.

“As a native of Hawaii, I am thrilled by the state’s leadership in passing the clean-fuel standard,” said Cory-Ann Wind, Clean Fuels’ director of state regulatory affairs. “It marks a pivotal moment in Hawaii’s commitment to a sustainable future. Cleaner fuels like biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel will play a significant role in helping Hawaii reach its climate goals.”

Jeff Earl, Clean Fuels’ director of state governmental affairs, added, “Gov. Green’s action demonstrates that clean transportation fuels deliver benefits that extend beyond emissions reductions. Hawaii’s new Clean Fuel Standard aligns with Gov. Green’s ‘Health Beyond Healthcare’ initiative by recognizing that cleaner air and a healthier environment are essential to improving public health.”

Hawaii becomes the fifth state to pass a clean-fuel standard alongside California, Oregon, Washington and New Mexico.