Relative to hydrogen energy and establishing a hydrogen advisory committee.
By creating the hydrogen advisory committee, HB139 sets a framework for examining the production, distribution, and utilization of hydrogen, while also streamlining permitting processes for hydrogen facilities. The bill encourages collaboration across different sectors, linking energy production with opportunities in transportation and manufacturing. As such, it is intended to foster economic growth through clean energy initiatives, aligned with national trends toward sustaining renewable energy resources.
House Bill 139 establishes a hydrogen advisory committee within the New Hampshire department of energy to promote the use and development of hydrogen infrastructure derived from clean energy sources. The bill emphasizes the potential of hydrogen as a zero- or low-carbon energy source, capable of supporting various sectors, including electricity generation, transportation, and industrial functions. It highlights the state's commitment to clean energy jobs and aims to leverage federal funding to enhance the hydrogen industry within New Hampshire.
While proponents laud the bill for its forward-thinking approach to clean energy, there are concerns regarding the implementation and potential regulatory challenges. Opponents argue that reliance on hydrogen production, particularly from fossil fuel sources, could undermine the very environmental benefits the bill seeks to promote, if regulations are not stringently established. Additionally, the construction of new infrastructures, such as hydrogen pipelines, raises questions about safety and local community impacts, potentially sparking debates around environmental justice and local governance.