WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Scott Peters (D-CA-50) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1) introduced the Hydrogen Infrastructure and Innovation Act (HIFIA). This bipartisan, bicameral legislation establishes a pilot program to provide grants and flexible, low-interest loans for new or retrofitted hydrogen infrastructure projects (such as transportation, storage, and refueling stations). The companion bill is being led in the U.S. Senate by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and John Cornyn (R-TX).

Hydrogen is a high-output energy source that does not emit harmful greenhouse gasses. These traits make it an attractive option for hard to decarbonize sectors like shipping, long-haul trucking, and heavy industry where emissions are high but many renewable energy sources are not viable. Hydrogen will help us fill this gap to meet our climate goals and reduce emissions and pollution in the air our communities breathe.

“Investments in clean hydrogen are essential for meeting our climate goals, reducing pollution, and creating the green energy jobs of the future,” said Rep. Peters. “But for hydrogen to be successful, we also need to invest in the infrastructure that will make it available where it is needed. Our bill will give this emerging industry the kick-start it needs to thrive while helping us act with the urgency the climate crisis demands.”

“Hydrogen and fuel cell technology are the key to a cleaner American energy future,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “I am proud to introduce the Hydrogen Infrastructure and Innovation Act and grateful to Congressman Peters, Senator Cornyn, and Senator Coons for their partnership. Our legislation will ensure that federal resources for, and research on, hydrogen, a crucial domestic energy source, are made available to communities across the country. Innovative investments like those provided by this proposal are essential to pollution reduction, job creation, and U.S. energy security.”

“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.” 

“We must be able to transport hydrogen from where it is produced to where it can be used and stored to ensure a robust hydrogen economy in the United States,” said Senator Coons. “By enabling flexible and low-interest financing, this bipartisan bill will incentivize further hydrogen development and help us meet our climate goals while bolstering energy security and creating good-paying jobs.”

Modeled after the successful TIFIA (highway infrastructure) and WIFIA (water infrastructure) programs, the Hydrogen Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act is part of a larger bipartisan, bicameral package called the “Hydrogen Infrastructure Initiative.” The commonsense legislation would simultaneously expand the use of this emergent clean energy resource, bolster research on the efficient use and transportation of hydrogen, and reduce the environmental impacts of greenhouse gases.

“The hydrogen and fuel cell industry is extremely grateful for the leadership demonstrated by Congressmen Fitzpatrick and Peters in reintroducing the Hydrogen Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act. HIFIA would create a pilot financing program to provide grants and flexible, low-interest loans for retrofitted or new hydrogen transport infrastructure projects. This is a clear bipartisan recognition that hydrogen will play a critical role in driving decarbonization across the country, while also enhancing our economy by creating thousands of good-paying jobs and driving private investment here in America,” said Frank Wolak, President and Chief Executive Officer, Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association.

Read the bill text here.

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