Bipartisan coalition urges US$ 300M funding for hydrogen infrastructure in California
The lawmakers wrote regarding the Governor’s proposed investments in zero-emission vehicle fueling infrastructure and the re-authorisation of the Clean Transportation Program (CTP).
A bipartisan coalition of around 20 lawmakers has asked for US$ 300 million funding for hydrogen in the state budget and allocation of 20% of the state’s Clean Transportation Program funding to support hydrogen fueling infrastructure in California.
In their 2nd June letter to Senate President Pro Tempore, Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood), the lawmakers wrote, “For all communities to truly participate in this exciting transition, hydrogen fueling infrastructure will be critical.”
They also highlighted, “Because of its fast fuelling capabilities and vehicles offering longer ranges and larger sizes without a loss in efficiency or capacity, fuel cell electric vehicles offer a 1:1 replacement for gasoline and diesel vehicles.”
The legislators wrote, “Intended to support Executive Order N-79-20 related to zero-emission vehicles, the 2021-2022 revised budget proposal provides $500M in general fund dollars for near-term investments in fueling infrastructure.”
The Senators who signed the letter:
- Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera)
- Anna Caballero (D-Salinas)
- Bill Dodd (D-Napa)
- Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach)
- Ben Hueso (D-San Diego)
- Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger)
- Josh Newman (D-Fullerton)
- Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita)
The Assembly Members who signed the letter
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters)
- Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove)
- Jordan Cunningham (R-San Luis Obispo)
- Tom Daly (D-Anaheim)
- Vince Fong (R-Kern County)
- Chad Mayes (I-La Quinta)
- Adrin Nazarian (D-North Hollywood)
- Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach)
- Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton)
- James Ramos (D-Highland)
- Robert Rivas (D-Hollister)
In addition, Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-Fairfield) also signed a separate letter urging for supporting hydrogen infrastructure
Mr Frazier wrote, “The Air Resources Board’s most recent Mobile Source Strategy projects fuel cell vehicles will constitute 25% of light-duty zero emission’ vehicles, which equates to well-above 6 million vehicles.”
He further said, “Fast refuelling and unlimited capacity provide even more compelling benefits in the heavy-duty vehicle space, including transit districts.”
