Hawaii Governor Josh Green signed Senate Bill 2999 into law, creating a clean fuel standard that requires the state Department of Transportation to set lifecycle emissions reduction benchmarks. The law uses a credit and deficit system to reward cleaner fuels and penalize carbon intensive ones. It mandates a 10% reduction in transportation fuel carbon intensity below 2019 levels by 2035, and a 50% reduction by 2045. The standard for alternative fuels must be implemented by January 1, 2028, with gasoline and diesel standards following by January 1, 2029. The law aims to support local agriculture and renewable energy industries by expanding markets for homegrown fuels and waste to energy options. Public engagement and rule making will be transparent, with updates posted on the HDOT portal. This policy follows models already proven in other states and represents a concrete step toward decarbonizing Hawaii's transportation sector. The law's phased approach and specific targets provide a clear framework for reducing emissions from a major source.
