Report Title:

Alternative fuels; incentives

Description:

Taxes renewable alternative fuels at an effective rate of one-quarter that of diesel fuel on an energy content basis.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1539

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to taxation of alternative fuels.

 

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

SECTION 1. The purpose of this Act is to reduce certain state taxes on alternative fuels by fifty per cent. Further reducing the tax rate on alternative fuels will decrease the price of alternative fuels, making them more attractive to consumers. Increased use of alternative fuels in internal combustion engines will reduce the amount of air pollution generated by our cars, allow our cars to get better mileage, reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, and stimulate a business sector that is primed for exceptional growth in the twenty-first century, the business of alternative energy.

In the case of biodiesel alone, EPA testing shows that a 20% blend with conventional diesel fuel reduces carbon monoxide production by up to 20%, and total hydrocarbon emission by up to 30%, resulting in reducing the ozone forming potential of hydrocarbon emissions by nearly 50%, making biodiesel a "greener" fuel. Tests also measure reduced levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and nitrited PAH compounds when compared to petroleum diesel exhaust. These compounds, present in diesel exhaust, are potential cancer causing compounds, making biodiesel a healthier fuel when looking at the exhaust product.

Many states are passing legislation favorable to alternative fuels and increased use of alternative fuels is becoming a reality. Incentives that facilitate the increased use of alternative energy, such as this one, will help pave the way for a greener and more prosperous Hawaii.

SECTION 2. Section 243-4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:

"(c) The tax shall not be collected in respect to any benzol, benzene, toluol, xylol, or alternative fuel sold for use other than for operating internal combustion engines. With respect to these products, other than alternative fuels, the department by rule shall provide for the reporting and payment of the tax and for the keeping of records in respect thereto, in such manner as to collect, for each gallon of such product sold for use in internal combustion engines for the generation of power, or so used, the same tax or taxes as apply to each gallon of diesel oil. With respect to alternative fuels, the only tax collected shall be that provided in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of this subsection. This subsection shall not apply to aviation fuel sold for use in or used for airplanes.

(1) Every distributor of any alternative fuel for operation of an internal combustion engine shall pay a license tax to the department of [1] one-quarter of one cent for each gallon of such alternative fuel sold or used by the distributor.

(2) Every distributor, in addition to the tax required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, shall pay a license tax to the department for each gallon of alternative fuel sold or used by the distributor for operating a motor vehicle or motor vehicles upon the public highways of the State at a rate proportional to that of the rates applicable to diesel oil in subsection (b), rounded to the nearest one-tenth of a cent, as follows:

(A) Ethanol, [0.29] 0.145 times the rate for diesel;

(B) Methanol, [0.22] 0.11 times the rate for diesel;

(C) Biodiesel, [0.50] 0.25 times the rate for diesel;

(D) Liquefied petroleum gas, 0.33 times the rate for diesel; and

(E) For other alternative fuels, the rate shall be based on the energy content of the fuels as compared to diesel fuel, using a lower heating value of one hundred thirty thousand British thermal units per gallon as a standard for diesel, so that the tax rate, on an energy content basis, is equal to [half] one-quarter the rate for diesel fuel.

The taxes so paid shall be paid into the state treasury and deposited in special funds or paid over in the same manner as provided in subsection (b) in respect of the tax on diesel oil.

(3) If any user of alternative fuel furnishes to the distributor a certificate, in such form as the department shall prescribe, or the distributor who uses alternative fuel signs such certificate, certifying that the alternative fuel is for use in operating a motor vehicle or motor vehicles in areas other than upon the public highways of the State, the tax as provided by paragraphs (1) and (2) of this section shall not be applicable; provided that no certificate shall be required if the alternative fuel is used for fuel and heating purposes in the home. In the event a certificate is not or cannot be furnished and the alternative fuel is in fact used for operating an internal combustion engine or operating a motor vehicle or motor vehicles in areas other than upon the public highways of the State, the user thereof may obtain a refund of all taxes thereon imposed by such paragraphs. The department shall adopt rules to administer the refunding of such taxes imposed."

SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2003.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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