The American Biogas Council (ABC) commended Hawaii lawmakers for passing clean fuel legislation that would create a market-based system to encourage production of lower-carbon transportation fuels, including renewable natural gas and electricity generated from biogas.

Once signed into law, Hawaii will join California, Oregon, Washington, and New Mexico in adopting a clean fuel standard designed to reduce transportation emissions while supporting investment in lower-carbon fuels and related technologies.

Clean fuel programs create revenue opportunities for biogas producers through low-carbon fuel credits tied to emissions reductions from renewable fuel production and use.

Biogas projects capture methane from organic waste sources such as food waste, manure, landfills, and wastewater solids to produce renewable natural gas and electricity.

According to the American Biogas Council, renewable natural gas and electricity generated from biogas can qualify for high-value credits in clean fuel programs because of their emissions-reduction potential.

“Hawaii’s clean fuel policy will expand markets for low-carbon fuels like renewable natural gas and biogas-generated electricity,” said Patrick Serfass, executive director of the American Biogas Council.

ABC said similar programs in other states have helped finance biogas capture and waste-to-energy projects supporting renewable natural gas fueling for buses and trucks as well as renewable electricity for EV charging.

The organization said Hawaii’s policy is intended to support cleaner transportation options while strengthening local energy production and reducing dependence on imported fuels.

For Hawaii, which has some of the nation’s highest energy costs, the legislation could help increase access to locally produced transportation fuel and electricity while supporting broader emissions-reduction goals.