HONOLULU, HI (May 7, 2026) – Hawaii legislators on May 6 passed legislation to create a Clean FuelStandard to advance the State’s climate goals, improve air quality, and promote economic development.
If Governor Josh Green signs the bill, SB 2999, Hawaii’s move would follow the success of similar of policiesin California, Oregon, and Washington, and the April 2026 implementation of a program in New Mexico.’
‘The Low Carbon Fuels Coalition celebrates and applauds the Hawaii legislature for passing the clean fuel standard,’LCFC Executive Director Robin Vercruse said. ‘Programs in other states have not only exceededcarbon intensity targets, but inspired significant economic development. Hawaii is now in line to do reap thoseproven benefits.’
Elements of the Hawaii legislation include:
- Creation of a credit market to reward the production and use of low-carbon fuels in the State
- Jan. 1, 2028 implementation date
- Eligibility for aviation and maritime fuels
- Measures to protect the program and consumers from unexpected market conditions
Governor Green has until July 15 to sign the bill.Hawaii’s LCFS program would encourage the manufacture and use of cleaner fuels, sparking an economic boon, and providing new jobs. In addition to economic growth and carbon reductions, the law delivers significant additional benefits: lowering air pollution, reducing impacts on human health, diversifying the energy used in transportation, and creating fuel market competition.
Other states currently considering a clean transportation fuels standard include Massachusetts, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York.
The Low Carbon Fuels Coalition (LCFC) is a 501(c)(6) trade association of diverse companies and organizations that support market-based, technology-neutral clean fuel policies. The LCFC is the leading legislative and regulatory expert and proponent for state clean fuel standards, as well as a prominent advocate for national and international initiatives to diversify and decarbonize transportation fuels.
###