Resolution:Biodiesel Crop Demonstration

Text of the Resolution
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF A BIODIESEL CROP DEMONSTRATION PROJECT

WHEREAS, renewable energy such as "biodiesel" means a cleaner-burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources; and

WHEREAS, technically speaking, biodiesel is a vegetable oil methyl ester compound containing no petroleum and easily blended with petroleum diesel at any percentage; and

WHEREAS, biodiesel can be produced locally from oilseed crops, contributing to diversified agriculture and sustainable energy; and

WHEREAS, renewable fuel is offered at a stable price unlike fossil fuels; and

WHEREAS, even at a minimal twenty per cent blend, biodiesel significantly reduces emissions and eliminates black smoke, positively impacting congested streets and thoroughfares, particularly for pedestrians; and

WHEREAS, the current success of and demand for biodiesel can stimulate agriculture, which has implications for the future in sustainable energy solutions (reducing dependence on foreign oil), diversified agricultural industry, a cleaner, greener environment, and the creation/retention of jobs for a stronger economy; and

WHEREAS, the biodiesel fuel produced commercially in Hawai`i meets all United States Environmental Protection Agency and American Society of Testing and Materials standards; and

WHEREAS, biodiesel is better for diesel engines, providing increased lubrication that can lower maintenance costs and even extend the life of the engine; and

WHEREAS, Hawai`i fleets are finding biodiesel preferable and even less expensive in many cases; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Maui and Democratic Party of Hawai`i that the State of Hawai`i and/or County of Maui are requested to fund a non-genetically modified organism (GMO) biodiesel crop demonstration project or projects in order to determine the economic feasibility of growing energy crops statewide, with the purpose of sharing such agronomic research with independent farmers, corporate agricultural entities, agricultural researchers, and anyone else interested in furthering energy crops for the benefit of Hawai`i citizens, and to encourage the development of biofuel crops throughout Hawai`i; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Hawai‘i State Legislature, and to the Mayor and the Chair of the Council of each county; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor and the State Director of Agriculture.

This resolution was amended and adopted in committee 5/26/06.

Infobox information

 * Type: State Party Resolution
 * Topic Tags: Energy independence, Green Jobs, Alternative energy
 * Passed: May 27, 2006 Hawaii Democratic Party Convention (HDPC), Honolulu Hawaii
 * Sponsor 1:
 * Sponsor 2:
 * Supporting signatures:
 * Progeny:
 * Ammended and adopted for submission to the convention floor by Business and Economic development committee, May 26, 2006 HDPC.