Oklahoma legislators have enacted nine new laws that provide a legal framework for hydrogen fuel production, usage, and distribution, putting citizens and companies in a stronger position to produce, utilize, and distribute the alternative energy source.
Sens. Mark Allen, Kim David, John Michael Montgomery, Adam Pugh, Frank Simpson, and Zack Taylor, along with Reps. Brad Boles, Terry O’Donnell, Ryan Martinez, Mark McBride, Garry Mize, and Kevin Wallace, jointly sponsored hydrogen fuel bills in the 58th Oklahoma State Legislature (February 7 to May 27).
“We’re really interested in Oklahoma opening up commercial transportation for hydrogen, especially with the price of diesel fuel currently,” David, who co-sponsored three successful measures, said. She claims that the state’s location along Interstate 40 makes it perfect for freight transportation utilizing alternative fuel cars.
“A few firms have expressed interest in relocating to Oklahoma, and it’s all about being able to develop commercial vehicles that use hydrogen.” “Passing this bill paved the way for it,” she explained.
Last year, David co-chaired a state task team to look at hydrogen fuel options. It was part of the endeavor to figure out what kinds of legislation would be required. She expressed her optimism that the new legislation will help hydrogen “take off” in the United States. “It’s not just one energy we’re interested in; it’s a mix,” she continued, “and this is a fantastic balance for our portfolio in Oklahoma.”
As the measures made their way through the House and Senate, Gov. J. Kevin Stitt signed them.
“This legislation, in my opinion, should indicate that we are interested in and prepared to engage in the hydrogen business and want to be a partner,” Montgomery said. “It’s safe to assume we’ll be vying for the title of hydrogen hub.” We’re thrilled to see how this may complement our current energy portfolio, and we’re hopeful about the possibility of a dependable new mode of transportation.”
Senate Bill 1190, which went into effect on July 1, allows the State Board of Career and Technology Education to create hydrogen energy courses to fulfill workforce demands.
Six more hydrogen laws go into effect on November 1st. The state’s Low-Carbon Energy Initiative operations include hydrogen generation, storage, distribution, and infrastructure, according to SB 1852. Oklahoma will set a yearly hydrogen fuel goal of 2 million metric tons by 2028 (through SB 1853) utilizing a low- or zero-carbon source.
SB 1856 allows the state secretary of energy and environment to launch a grant program for carbon sequestration from natural gas-based hydrogen generation.
House Bill 3054 exempts motor vehicles with engines that are partially or entirely powered by electric batteries or hydrogen fuel cells from the weight requirements.
