Close Menu
Energy NewsEnergy News
  • NEWS
    • Breaking News
    • Hydrogen
    • Energy Storage
    • Grid
    • SMR
    • Projects
    • Production
    • Transport
    • Research
  • SPOTLIGHT
    • Interviews
    • Face 2 Face
    • Podcast
    • Webinars
    • Analysis
    • Columnists
    • Reviews
    • Events
  • REGIONAL
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • Middle east
    • Pacific
  • COMMUNITY
  • ABOUT
    • Advisory Board
    • Contact us
    • Report Your News
    • Advertize
    • Subscribe
LinkedIn X (Twitter) YouTube Facebook
Trending
  • South Korea’s Largest Hydrogen-Only Fuel Cell Plant Begins Operation in Ulsan
  • Ingeteam Commissions Castilla y León’s First Green Hydrogen Plant
  • Norway’s Karmsund Hydrogen Project to Begin Operations in 2028
  • ITM Power Bets on ‘Hydrogen-as-a-Service’ with New German Subsidiary Hydropulse
  • Greece Weighs Hydrogen Ambitions Against Power Costs and Lack of Subsidies
  • Teesside to Anchor £96M Pipeline Push as Ofgem Backs East Coast Hydrogen Network
  • RIC Energy Secures Site for 220MW Hydrogen-Based E-Fuels Project in Castilla y León
  • ITM Power Gets FEED Contract for Uniper’s Humber H2ub
LinkedIn X (Twitter) YouTube Facebook
Energy NewsEnergy News
  • NEWS
    • Breaking News
    • Hydrogen
    • Energy Storage
    • Grid
    • SMR
    • Projects
    • Production
    • Transport
    • Research
  • SPOTLIGHT
    • Interviews
    • Face 2 Face
    • Podcast
    • Webinars
    • Analysis
    • Columnists
    • Reviews
    • Events
  • REGIONAL
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • Middle east
    • Pacific
  • COMMUNITY
  • ABOUT
    • Advisory Board
    • Contact us
    • Report Your News
    • Advertize
    • Subscribe
Energy NewsEnergy News
Home Home - Americas
Green Hydrogen H2 News

Hydrogen vs. Electric: The Legislative Clash Shaping California’s Green Mobility Landscape

Anela DoksoBy Anela Dokso22/08/20233 Mins Read
Share
LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email WhatsApp Telegram

Amidst the surge of electric vehicles dominating the market, California stands as a trailblazer in the race towards a sustainable future. Governed by a steadfast commitment to combat climate change, the state is at the crossroads of determining the role hydrogen fuel cells will play in shaping the clean transportation landscape.

As Democrats in the state Legislature deliberate over funding hydrogen fueling stations, a profound question emerges: Can hydrogen carve its niche alongside electric vehicles, or will it succumb to the dominance of batteries?

As California’s leadership positions electric vehicles as a pivotal force in achieving a carbon-neutral economy, the lesser-known contender, hydrogen fuel cells, seeks its own moment in the spotlight. Democrats in the state Legislature are embroiled in debates over the allocation of funds for hydrogen fueling stations. This battleground holds significance not only for hydrogen supporters but also for major players in the fossil fuel industry, including Chevron, Shell, and Toyota, seeking to transition into hydrogen technology.

The crux of the debate lies in the allocation of state funds. A lobbying group advocating for hydrogen’s cause seeks a designated 30% share of money from the state Clean Transportation Program, amounting to $300 million over the next decade. However, the slow adoption of hydrogen cars paints a contrasting picture, with only two models available and limited sales. A mere 1,767 hydrogen-powered cars were sold in California this year, compared to the overwhelming presence of over 760,000 battery-powered vehicles.

Hydrogen cars offer emissions-free transportation, but the technology’s Achilles’ heel is its reliance on compressed hydrogen gas, primarily derived from natural gas, a fossil fuel. While electric vehicles source energy from a greening grid, the sourcing of hydrogen gas poses a dilemma. California’s investments have resulted in a network of 65 hydrogen fueling stations, with a mere two located outside the state, posing challenges for long-distance travel.

In the legislative arena, Democrats are at a crossroads over the extent of funding for hydrogen fueling stations. Assembly Bill 241, authored by Eloise Gómez Reyes, proposes designating 10% of the program’s funds for hydrogen infrastructure. The debate encapsulates both supporters and skeptics of hydrogen’s potential. Some legislators argue that hydrogen cars have fallen behind due to inadequate funding, while others question the viability of directing funds towards an underdeveloped technology.

The debate’s outcome holds significant ramifications for California’s clean transportation future. As California races against time to establish a robust network of charging stations for electric vehicles, the funding for hydrogen stations hangs in the balance. The program’s expiration looms if an agreement isn’t reached. With its consistent funding mechanism, the Clean Transportation Program is a linchpin in California’s ambitious clean car transition.

Share. LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email

Related Posts

ABS Grants Design Approval to HD Hyundai’s Offshore Floating Nuclear Power Concept

ABS Grants Design Approval to HD Hyundai’s Offshore Floating Nuclear Power Concept

23/06/2025
hydrogen

Natural Hydrogen Push Gains Traction in Canada as REV and MAX Power Form Strategic Alliance

19/06/2025
Climate Misinformation Emerges as Critical Threat to Global Emissions Targets, IPIE Warns

Climate Misinformation Emerges as Critical Threat to Global Emissions Targets, IPIE Warns

19/06/2025
Hydrogen

Nova Scotia’s Natural Hydrogen Prospects Advance as QIMC and QMET Launch Phase 2 Exploration

16/06/2025
Nikola’s Hydrogen Dreams Dissolve as Assets Head to Auction Block

Nikola’s Hydrogen Dreams Dissolve as Assets Head to Auction Block

11/06/2025
Small Modular Reactors

First Hydrogen Taps Molten Salt SMRs to Power Green Hydrogen and AI Growth

09/06/2025
Hydrogen

South Korea’s Largest Hydrogen-Only Fuel Cell Plant Begins Operation in Ulsan

25/06/2025
Hydrogen

Ingeteam Commissions Castilla y León’s First Green Hydrogen Plant

25/06/2025
hydrogen

Norway’s Karmsund Hydrogen Project to Begin Operations in 2028

25/06/2025
hydrogen

ITM Power Bets on ‘Hydrogen-as-a-Service’ with New German Subsidiary Hydropulse

25/06/2025

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest news from the hydrogen market subscribe to our newsletter.

LinkedIn X (Twitter) Facebook YouTube

News

  • Inteviews
  • Webinars
  • Hydrogen
  • Spotlight
  • Regional

Company

  • Advertising
  • Media Kits
  • Contact Info
  • GDPR Policy

Subscriptions

  • Subscribe
  • Newsletters
  • Sponsored News

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest news from EnergyNewsBiz about hydrogen.

© 2025 EnergyNews.biz
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Accessibility

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.