Today, Reps. Katie Porter (D-CA) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) reintroduced two bills to encourage the development of clean hydrogen fuel for heavy-duty transportation. The Hydrogen for Trucks Act and Hydrogen for Ports Act would incentivize research, development, and implementation of hydrogen and fuel cell technology in two sectors in which it is particularly difficult to reduce pollution. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and John Cornyn (R-TX) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“California leads the nation in clean energy research, so Californians know firsthand how investing in the technology of tomorrow strengthens our economy while safeguarding our environment for future generations,” said Rep. Porter. “Hydrogen is a promising, clean fuel source for industries that struggle to find reliable clean-energy alternatives, like trucking and maritime shipping. Our bipartisan bills would advance innovation in hydrogen technologies, making our economy more resilient and globally competitive.”

“As we grapple with energy affordability and our responsibilities to the future, we need to encourage energy innovation and pursue an ‘all-of-the-above’ approach,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “Hydrogen fuel cell technology is a promising solution, and our bipartisan bill will better enable Americans and small businesses to harness the full potential of this reliable resource.”

The reintroduction of Rep. Porter’s Hydrogen for Ports Act and Hydrogen for Trucks Act follows the Administration’s allocation of more than $7 billion to establish regional hydrogen hubs around the country. After Rep. Porter’s advocacy, California was awarded the largest amount—$1.2 billion— to spur hydrogen infrastructure development that is expected to bring 220,000 clean energy jobs to our communities. The ARCHES network, made up of businesses and stakeholders in every part of the state, will spearhead the creation of the new hydrogen hub.

“The hydrogen and fuel cell industry is extremely grateful for the leadership demonstrated by Congresswoman Porter and Congressman Bilirakis in promoting these bills to advance the deployment of hydrogen technologies across heavy-duty trucking and port equipment. This is a clear bipartisan recognition that hydrogen will play a critical role in driving decarbonization across the country, while also enhancing our economy by creating thousands of good-paying jobs and driving private investment here in America,” said Frank Wolak, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA), which endorsed both bills.

In addition to her work to secure California’s selection as a hydrogen hub, Rep. Porter has championed clean hydrogen in Congress as a growing alternative to fossil fuels. During the annual appropriations process earlier this year, Rep. Porter pushed for research and development of clean energy technologies like hydrogen fuel. In 2021, Rep. Porter brought Labor Secretary Marty Walsh to California to tour UCI’s clean energy infrastructure and hear about the National Fuel Cell Research Center. She visited again last year to learn more about the center’s ongoing innovative work. Rep. Porter continues to emphasize the economic advantages of our clean energy transition.

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