THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

108

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

Encouraging the Department of Agriculture and Hawaii State Energy Office to increase the state's usage of biodiesel and to fund programs that support the development of the biodiesel industry.

 

 

     WHEREAS, sustainable agriculture, food security, and energy security are critical priorities for the State; and

 

     WHEREAS, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic highlighted the need to diversify the State's economy and focus on local food and energy production; and

 

     WHEREAS, there is a global need to reduce petroleum dependence and greenhouse gas emissions, including the emissions produced by diesel engines; and

 

     WHEREAS, biodiesel, which is made from plant-based oils and animal fats, offers a safe and sustainable alternative to petroleum-based fuels; and

 

     WHEREAS, many crops can be used for biodiesel production, including pongamia trees, sunflowers, and safflower; and

 

     WHEREAS, byproducts from biodiesel production can be used as livestock feed and in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries; and

 

     WHEREAS, a single biodiesel refinery is expected to create more than $25,000,000 in revenue, $1,000,000 in general excise tax revenue, and hundreds of jobs for the State's residents; and

 

     WHEREAS, the biodiesel industry's growth will also provide additional opportunities for agricultural research, further diversifying the State's economy and helping to grow the agricultural sector; and

 

     WHEREAS, the growth of crops for biodiesel fuels will help the State to reach its mandate of one hundred percent renewable energy by 2045; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2024, that the Department of Agriculture and Hawaii State Energy Office are encouraged to increase the State's usage of biodiesel and to fund programs that support the development of the biodiesel industry; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor; Lieutenant Governor; Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture; and Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Department of Agriculture; Hawaii State Energy Office; Biodiesel; Biofuels;