Bill > SB2999

This bill requires the Department of Transportation to establish a clean fuel standard for alternative fuels in the State by January 1, 2028, with the goal of reducing the carbon intensity of transportation fuels to lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve public health. The standard will involve setting annual carbon intensity targets, with a phased implementation starting with a 10% reduction below 2019 levels by 2035 and a 50% reduction by 2045, and will apply to diesel and gasoline starting January 1, 2029. The rules will use the Argonne National Lab's GREET model to measure lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from fuel production and use, and will include mechanisms for generating credits for cleaner fuels and deficits for dirtier fuels, with provisions for credit trading, banking, and potential linking to similar programs in other states. The bill also allows for optional mechanisms such as cost containment, credit generation for electricity used in transportation, and opt-in provisions for certain exempt fuel uses, with a requirement that at least 50% of credit value generated by electric utilities and public agencies be directed towards electrified transportation programs benefiting underserved populations. Alternative fuel is defined as any non-fossil fuel used for transportation, and carbon intensity refers to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions per unit of fuel energy.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2999&year=2026