THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	146
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		Proposed

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO BIOFUEL.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the State needs to expand the use of biofuels as a viable source of energy in order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and imported oil.  The use of biofuels is consistent with the State's goals relating to renewable energy and sustainability.  The legislature further finds that imposing a statutory requirement to utilize biofuels as energy may be premature at this time in view of the lack of research and development in the industry, the nascent nature of the industry, and the uncertain availability of biomass crops in Hawaii to produce liquid or gaseous fuel.

     The purpose of this Act is to direct the department of business, economic development, and tourism to conduct a study on the feasibility of expanding biofuel production in the State to become a significant source of transportation fuel.

     SECTION 2.  The department of business, economic development, and tourism shall conduct a study on the feasibility of expanding biofuel production in Hawaii to become a significant source of transportation fuel.  The department of business, economic development, and tourism shall report its findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2012, including:

     (1)  An estimate of the projected demand for biofuel, and the availability of biomass crops in Hawaii to produce acceptable biofuel and meet the projected demand for biofuel;

     (2)  The capacity of a biofuel producer's facilities to produce sufficient amounts of biofuel to meet the projected demand for biofuel;

     (3)  An estimate of the number of gallons of biofuel that can be produced solely from feedstock grown in the State;

     (4)  The percentage of transportation fuel sold in the State that should be biofuel-based;

     (5)  Proposed legislation; and

     (6)  Any other relevant information that the department deems necessary for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

Biofuel; Feasibility Study; Transportation Fuel

Description:

Requires the department of business, economic development, and tourism to study the feasibility of expanding the production of biofuels in the State to become a significant source of transportation fuel.  Report to 2012 legislature.  (Proposed SD1)

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