Publicly available hydrogen-fueling stations: electric vehicle charging stations.
With the proposed amendments, the bill abolishes the previous requirement that mandated a $20 million annual allocation for hydrogen station funding. Instead, funding will be determined annually by the commission based on the needs assessed by the state board, influencing the establishment of a potentially expanded network of hydrogen stations—rising from a target of 100 to 200 stations. This flexibility in funding is aimed at improving the accessibility of hydrogen fueling options while also providing funds for corner cases such as electric charging stations as estimated in the biennial assessments.
Senate Bill 1329 aims to amend Section 43018.9 of the California Health and Safety Code, primarily focusing on enhancing the availability of publicly accessible hydrogen-fueling stations and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure statewide. The bill requires the State Air Resources Board to assess and report on the number of hydrogen fueling stations necessary to ensure statewide access to hydrogen fuel beginning June 30, 2023, and annually thereafter. This legislative move aligns with California's broader environmental goals outlined in the 2020 Mobile Source Strategy and Executive Order N-7920, emphasizing the need for reduced air pollution and promotion of alternative fueling systems.
The sentiment surrounding SB 1329 appears largely constructive. Advocacy groups supporting renewable energy and clean transportation view this bill as a positive step towards clean air initiatives and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. However, there are underlying concerns regarding the potential inadequacy of funding and focus on implementation at the local level, especially for disadvantaged communities often underrepresented in such infrastructure developments.
Primary points of contention include the balance of state-level regulatory authority versus local control in deciding how best to implement and fund these energy stations. Furthermore, the bill's reliance on annual assessments could lead to unintended consequences, such as delays in infrastructure improvements or inconsistent access to hydrogen fueling. Critics also worry that the amendatory shift might lead to less predictable funding streams and delayed progress in constructing adequate fueling infrastructure.