Hawaii's legislature has passed a bill establishing a Clean Fuel Standard that would require significant reductions in the carbon intensity of transportation fuels, with the renewable natural gas industry hailing the move as a landmark step for the state.
Senate Bill 2999 CD1 sets carbon intensity reduction targets of at least 10% below 2019 levels by 2035, rising to at least 50% by 2045. The Hawaii Department of Transportation would be directed to establish programme rules by 1 January 2028, with implementation beginning the following year.
If signed by Governor Josh Green, Hawaii would become the fifth US state to adopt a clean fuel programme, joining California, Oregon, Washington and New Mexico.
Advocates of the approach point to California as evidence of its effectiveness: the state's diesel mix is now more than 75% comprised of renewable fuels since its own programme was introduced.
The bill recognises a range of organic waste streams — including municipal solid waste, wastewater and agricultural residues — as potential feedstocks for renewable natural gas (RNG), a provision welcomed by the RNG Coalition, which lobbied throughout the legislative session.
"This legislation is an important step unlocking new investment in renewable natural gas and other low-carbon fuels while strengthening Hawaii's energy resilience," said Yanni Psareas, the coalition's manager of state government affairs.
The bill now heads to Governor Green for consideration.
Hawaii moves to adopt clean fuel standard backed by RNG industry
