Rep. Jim Costa, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Expand the Use of Hydrogen to Lower Costs and Reduce Emissions

FRESNO, Calif. – U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Marc Molinaro (NY-19), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), and Don Bacon (NE-02) introduced the bipartisan Hydrogen for Industry Act, which creates a program for hydrogen to be used to produce building materials such as steel, cement, glass, chemicals, and fuel.  

“I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to provide funds for demonstration projects that will showcase hydrogen’s ability to decarbonize the manufacturing, transportation, and agricultural industries,” said Costa. “Sustained investment in hydrogen is necessary to bolster U.S. energy independence and further efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2035.” 

BACKGROUND
Hydrogen energy will play an important role as we transition the industrial and transportation sectors to a carbon net-zero future. By promoting the use of hydrogen, the United States can reduce pollution, lower costs for consumers, and help our nation remain competitive in the growing hydrogen economy.     

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorized $8 billion to develop large-scale hydrogen production programs across the country. Since 2021, there have been major investments in California’s 21st Congressional District, including $24 million for hydrogen-powered buses in Fresno, CA. 

Costa has been a champion for dairy digesters, and there are over 15 digesters in his district that have allowed dairy farms to advance their sustainability goals and provide a key feedstock for hydrogen production.

The Hydrogen for Industry Act builds on the Bipartisan Infrastructure law by supporting the development of hydrogen as an emissions reduction solution, including: 

• Establishing a commercial-scale demonstration program for hydrogen use in heavy industry.

• Providing competitive grants to hydrogen demonstrations in industries such as iron and steel, cement, chemicals, and refining, among other industrial products.

• Directing the Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Commerce, and Secretary of Transportation to jointly conduct a study on the impact, cost, and safety. 

 
The bipartisan Senate version of the bill, S.646, the Hydrogen for Industry Act of 2023, was introduced on March 2, 2023, by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).