SB 414: Climate change: applications using hydrogen: assessment.

Existing law establishes as a policy of the state to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible, but no later than 2045, and to achieve and maintain net negative greenhouse gas emissions thereafter and to ensure that, by 2045, statewide anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are reduced at least 85% below the statewide greenhouse gas emissions levels in 1990. Existing law requires the State Air Resources Board, by June 1, 2024, to prepare and post an evaluation on its internet website related to the use of hydrogen in the state.

This bill would, on or before December 31, 2025, require the State Air Resources Board, in consultation with the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (Energy Commission) and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), upon appropriation by the Legislature, to complete an assessment of the use of hydrogen in certain applications, as specified. The bill would require the assessment to incorporate the findings of, and not duplicate, the above-described evaluation. The bill would require the state board, the Energy Commission, and the PUC to consider the findings in the assessment in their plans, rulemakings, reports, or other process related to the planning, implementation, or regulation of hydrogen production, distribution, storage, or usage in the state.