Bilirakis Reintroduces Two Bipartisan Bill to Promote Hydrogen-Powered Transportation

Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) reintroduced two pieces of bipartisan legislation known as the Hydrogen for Trucks Act of 2023 and the Hydrogen for Ports Act to the House of Representatives. The bills, brought forth as well by Congresswoman Katie Porter (D-CA) would promote hydrogen in “heavy-duty transportation.”

According to Rep. Bilirakis’ press release, the Hydrogen for Trucks Act would “incentivize heavy-duty vehicle owner-operators to purchase hydrogen trucks and fueling infrastructure, while the Hydrogen for Ports Act would promote the use of hydrogen-fueled equipment at ports and in shipping applications.”

Hydrogen serves as a promising resource in the future of electricity and sustainability. However, it has been slow to get off the ground in comparison to other energy sources such as solar, wind, and nuclear.

However, as the Bilirakis press release points out, hydrogen produces no tailpipe emissions, and with heavy-duty vehicles accounting for a quarter of emissions on the road, the prospect of hydrogen could serve as a long-term solution.

"As we grapple with energy affordability and our responsibilities to the future, we need to encourage energy innovation and pursue an ‘all-of-the-above' approach," said Bilirakis. "Hydrogen fuel cell technology is a promising solution, and our bipartisan bill will better enable Americans and small businesses to harness the full potential of this reliable resource."

Moreover, Rep. Porter provided her thoughts as well, stating that these pieces of legislation would “advance innovation” and strengthen the American economy.

“California leads the nation in clean energy research, so Californians know firsthand how investing in the technology of tomorrow strengthens our economy while safeguarding our environment for future generations,” said Rep. Porter.

She continued, “Hydrogen is a promising, clean fuel source for industries that struggle to find reliable clean-energy alternatives, like trucking and maritime shipping. Our bipartisan bills would advance innovation in hydrogen technologies, making our economy more resilient and globally competitive.”

In the upper chamber, Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Chris Coons (D-DE) were ahead of the curve in terms of reintroducing this bill to the 118^th Congress.

Despite Bilirakis and Porter’s package including two bills, Sen. Cornyn and Coons’ package includes both the Hydrogen for Ports Act and the Hydrogen for Trucks Act as well as the Hydrogen for Industry Act and the Hydrogen Infrastructure Finance Innovation Act.

Sen. Cornyn gave his thoughts in March.

“Hydrogen is a versatile energy source, but we lack the infrastructure to reap its benefits for a wide range of industries,” said Senator Cornyn. “This legislation would help make hydrogen more accessible and cost-effective so businesses and consumers can utilize this reliable energy resource.”

The bill stalled in the Senate after it was first introduced. However, with bicameral and bipartisan backing, it could gain some traction.