Requesting The Hawaii State Energy Office To Convene A Renewable Liquid Fuels Working Group To Study Local Production, Development, And Incentives For Renewable Liquid Fuels.
If adopted, this resolution would empower the working group to facilitate local production of renewable fuels, such as renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, and explore appropriate technologies and feedstocks suitable for Hawaii's context. The group is also tasked with evaluating existing tax incentives related to renewable fuel development while contemplating the introduction of a clean fuel standard designed to promote the usage of renewable liquid fuels, aligning with the state's sustainability goals.
Senate Resolution 82 requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to convene a Renewable Liquid Fuels Working Group aimed at studying the local production, development, and incentives for renewable liquid fuels. Acknowledging the role of the transportation sector in contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, SR82 posits that renewable liquid fuels can mitigate these emissions across various transport modes, including aviation. The resolution notes precedent from other states which have implemented similar legislative measures supporting renewable fuels and recognizes Hawaii's reliance on diverse fuel sources for tourism and commerce.
General sentiment around SR82 appears to be supportive, with key stakeholders acknowledging the potential environmental benefits of renewable fuels. The proactive approach of forming a working group signals a collaborative effort towards enhancing Hawaii's energy independence and reducing reliance on fossil fuels while embracing growth in the renewable energy sector. Nonetheless, the resolution also invites diverse participation from various entities, ensuring a comprehensive examination of renewable fuel initiatives.
While SR82 primarily promotes the establishment of a working group, anticipated points of contention could arise regarding the specifics of the incentives and the mechanisms for incentivization. Challenges may emerge over the choice of technologies or how the clean fuel standard is framed, with potential debates about balancing environmental goals against economic implications for stakeholders involved in fuel production and distribution.