news

WASHINGTON, DC—Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) and Stephanie Bice (R-OK) today introduced the Department of Energy Clean Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2022, bipartisan legislation that would empower the Department of Energy (DOE) to strengthen its efforts to support R&D of clean hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

“Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve worked to advance forward-thinking legislation that will support innovation and development of U.S. industries while tackling the threat of climate change,” Congressman Tonko said. “Clean hydrogen offers us an opportunity to secure a clean energy future. But these opportunities will not be realized without strong federal investment. I’m proud to join Congresswoman Bice to introduce this bill that invests in clean hydrogen research and development. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this bill and driving American innovation.”

“Oklahoma is striving to become a leader in hydrogen production, transportation, and storage,” Rep. Bice said. “This legislation instructs the Secretary of Energy to implement a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of hydrogen for its implementation as an energy source. I am grateful for the leadership of Congressman Tonko on this important issue.”

The Clean Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research, Development, and Demonstration Act:

• Authorizes a series of programs and activities at DOE to conduct research, development, and demonstration programs relevant to hydrogen and fuel cell technologies
• Currently, the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) leads hydrogen and fuel cell R&D activities within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and coordinates related activities with DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), Office of Nuclear Energy (NE), and the Office of Science. This bill codifies many of the existing activities led and coordinated by the HFTO that were not included in the Energy Act of 2020 or the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
• Authorizes emerging activities, including:
  • Improving stationary fuel cells to achieve greater than 80,000 hours of durability;
  • The development of advanced computer modeling to optimize energy system operation for clean hydrogen production in different electricity markets; and
  • R&D to improve the use of hydrogen and hydrogen blends in the production of iron, steel, cement, fertilizer, chemicals, and energy-dense fuels.

A fact sheet of the legislation can be found HERE.