HI SB146

Energy resources coordinator must conduct a study on biofuel production potential in Hawaii to displace significant amounts of petroleum-based liquid fuel.

Study must examine ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel, synthetic bio-based diesel/gasoline/jet fuel, and other relevant biofuels through consultation with producers, researchers, landowners, distributors, and end users.

Report must include for each biofuel type: demand projections (near/mid/long-term), feedstock availability, in-state and out-of-state production capacity, costs, technology status, emissions, logistics, and supply stability.

Coordinator must recommend whether specific biofuel mandates are necessary and whether the existing ethanol fuel requirement in Hawaii Revised Statutes section 486J-10 should be maintained, modified, or repealed.

Preliminary report due to legislature no later than 20 days before 2012 regular session; final report due no later than 20 days before 2013 regular session.