California Introduces Bill to Enhance Hydrogen Program
Key Ideas
- California Assembly Bill 716 aims to amend the Hydrogen Program to provide financial incentives for in-state hydrogen projects.
- The bill emphasizes the importance of reducing emissions and maximizing air quality, equity, health, and workforce benefits.
- Financial incentives can be used as matching funds for selected entities, with a focus on not supplanting existing credits.
- Projects that benefit diverse geographic areas of California will be prioritized under this amended program.
The California Legislature has introduced Assembly Bill 716, proposed by Carrillo, to amend the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission's Hydrogen Program. The bill aims to offer financial incentives to eligible in-state hydrogen projects to support the demonstration or scale-up of hydrogen production, processing, delivery, storage, and end use. While the proposed changes are nonsubstantive, they aim to enhance the existing program. The bill outlines that financial incentives can act as matching funds for entities receiving grants under specific federal laws, without replacing existing credits. Emphasis is placed on ensuring that the incentives contribute to reducing sector-wide emissions, with priority given to projects that have broader benefits across California, including diverse geographic areas, and promote air quality, equity, health, and workforce improvements. The bill reflects a positive sentiment towards hydrogen development, highlighting the state's commitment to enhancing the hydrogen industry while prioritizing environmental and societal benefits.