HI SR143

Requests the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to evaluate how renewable fuels, including biogas and gases from renewable and sustainable sources, can contribute to achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2045 under the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative.

Requires the department to submit a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2019 Regular Session convenes.

Notes that Hawaii's renewable portfolio standard was 9.4 percent in 2008 and emphasizes that renewable hydrocarbons and biofuels will be critical to meeting the 2045 clean energy goal, particularly for the transportation sector which accounts for two-thirds of the state's energy usage.

Highlights that one-third of petroleum usage comes from commercial aviation, making biojet fuel development important for Hawaii's biofuel portfolio.

References Act 202, Session Laws of Hawaii 2016, which established a renewable fuels production tax credit to encourage renewable fuel production.