Hawaii becomes fifth US state to adopt Clean Fuel Standard for low-carbon transportation

Hawaii has become the fifth US state to adopt a Clean Fuel Standard (CFS), following California, Oregon, Washington, and New Mexico. Governor Josh Green signed SB 2999, directing the state's Department of Transportation to establish a program aimed at reducing carbon intensity in transportation fuels. The state is heavily dependent on imported petroleum and has the highest residential gas costs in the country, making this shift particularly significant. The CFS is expected to boost production of low-carbon fuels like renewable natural gas (RNG). Hawaii currently has one operational RNG project at the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant and a planned facility converting bana grass into RNG. Supporters, including the RNG Coalition, highlight that similar programs have led to near-total replacement of fossil-based road fuels in some markets over the past decade. This move positions Hawaii to reduce its reliance on imported oil while supporting the broader trend of energy diversity across North America. The policy is a scalable and flexible tool for cutting emissions in the transportation sector, which remains a major source of greenhouse gases.