California Bill Threatens $1.2 Billion Hydrogen Funding, Risks Jobs and Clean Energy Goals Amid Controversy.

A bill being debated in California’s Assembly could jeopardize the Biden Administration’s $1.2 billion award to accelerate the development and deployment of clean renewable hydrogen. The bill, authored by Assembly member Steve Bennett (D-Ventura), would mandate the “3 Pillars” principles on hydrogen production in California. Opponents argue these requirements will chill the development of renewable and clean hydrogen, crucial to cutting pollution and expanding clean energy in the state. They also warn that it could risk California’s status as one of seven regional “hydrogen hubs” in the U.S. named by the Department of Energy. The funds for hydrogen awarded to California would result in cutting up to two million metric tons of carbon emissions annually, creating an estimated 220,000 new jobs, including 130,000 in construction and 90,000 permanent jobs, and sending 40 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities.