Bill Text: WV HB2814 | 2023 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: To create a Hydrogen power task force
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 4-1)
Status: (Passed) 2023-05-01 - Chapter 168, Acts, Regular Session, 2023 [HB2814 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2023-HB2814-Introduced.html
WEST virginia legislature
2023 regular session
Introduced
House Bill 2814
By Delegate Young
[Introduced January 19, 2023; Referred to the Committee on Energy and Manufacturing]
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new article, designated §24-2I-1 and §24-2I-2, all relating to the creation of a Clean Hydrogen Power Task Force in West Virginia; providing for a short title; and providing for the establishment of the task force.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
Article 2I. CLEAN hydrogen power task force
§24-2I-1. Title.
This article shall be known as "Clean Hydrogen Power Task Force Act".
§24-2I-2. Establishment of the task force.
(a) There is hereby established a task force to study carbon-free, hydrogen-fueled energy in West Virginia's economy and energy infrastructure. Such study shall include, but need not be limited to:
(1) A review of regulations and legislation needed to guide the development and achievement of economies of scale for the clean hydrogen ecosystem in the state;
(2) An examination of how to position the state to take advantage of competitive incentives and programs created by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, as well as the Inflation Reduction Act;
(3) Recommendations for workforce initiatives to prepare the state's workforce for hydrogen fueled energy-related jobs;
(4) An examination of the sources of potential clean hydrogen, including, but not limited to, wind, solar, biogas and nuclear;
(5) Recommendations for funding and tax preferences for building hydrogen-fueled energy facilities at sites throughout West Virginia;
(6) Recommendations regarding funding sources for developing hydrogen fueled energy programs and infrastructure; and
(7) Recommendations for potential end uses of hydrogen-fueled energy.
(b) The task force shall consist of the following members:
(1) Two representatives from the electricity division of an electric distribution company that has a service area of eighteen or more cities and towns, who shall be appointed by the Senate;
(2) Two representatives from the electricity division of an electric distribution company that has a service area of not more than seventeen cities and towns, who shall be appointed by the Senate;
(3) A representative from the gas division of an electric distribution company that has a service area of eighteen or more cities and towns, who shall be appointed by the Senate;
(4) A representative of the building trades, who shall be appointed by the Senate;
(5) Three representatives of West Virginia manufacturers of hydrogen-fueled energy technology, who shall be appointed by the Senate;
(6) Three representatives of environmental organizations that advocate for renewable energy, who shall be appointed by the Senate;
(7) The chairperson of the Public Service Commission, or the chairperson's designee;
(8) The Commissioner of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, or the commissioner's designee; and
(9) The Department of Economic Development, or the department's designee.
(c) All initial appointments to the task force shall be made not later than 90 days after the effective date of this section. Any vacancy shall be filled by the appointing authority, as applicable.
(d) The chairperson shall be elected by members of the task force, and the chairperson of the task force shall schedule the first meeting of the task force, which shall be held not later than 120 days after the effective date of this section.
(e) Not later than July 1, 2024, the task force shall submit an electronic report on its findings and recommendations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance having cognizance of matters relating to energy.
(f) The task force shall terminate on the date that it submits such report or July 1, 2024, whichever is later.
NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to create the Hydrogen Power Task Force.
Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law, and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.
