2019 Advocacy Activities

So far in 2019, the CHBC has submitted the following letters and comments:

• On December 2, the CHBC submitted comments to the CPUC in support of the FuelCell Energy (“FCE”) and Toyota Motor North America (“Toyota”) Petition to Modify Decision 15-09-004, and in support of expedited attention to the Petition. Read the comments here >>
• On December 2, the CHBC submitted comments to the California Energy Commission regarding the SB 100 Technical Workshop. Download the comments here >>
• On November 27, the CHBC submitted comments on the Draft 2019 IEPR . Download the comments here >>
• On November 21, the CHBC submitted comments on the September 24, 2019 workshop on AB 74 Studies on Vehicle Emissions and Fossil Fuel Demand and Supply, hosted by CalEPA, which expressed support for the state’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 and that including hydrogen related issues among the priorities of the two studies is essential. Read the full recommendations in the comments here >>
• On November 11, the CHBC submitted comment to the CEC regarding the public workshop on the Revised Natural Gas Price Forecast and Draft Outlook Electricity Modeling and Results. Download the comments here >>
• On November 5, the CHBC submitted reply comments to the CPUC regarding Microgirds Pursuant to Senate Bill 1339. Read the comments here >>
• On October 29,  CHBC staff and members attended the Southern California SB 100 Scoping Workshop at the SCAQMD Headquarters in Diamond Bar to provide oral comments on the role of renewable and zero carbon hydrogen to achieve the deep decarbonization goals established by SB 100. The input provided reflected the previous comments submitted for the California Energy Commission’s Joint Agency Workshop on the Senate Bill 100 Report held on September 19. Download the September 19 comments here >>
• On October 18, the CHBC submitted comments for the CPUC rulemaking proceeding regarding microgrids. The comments relayed the important roles hydrogen and fuel cells play in microgrid systems in California, as essential providers of long duration, flexible storage, generation, and grid support services. The CHBC also expressed its support for the proposed scope as laid out in the OIR. Read the comments here >>
• On October 17, the CHBC submitted comments to the California Energy Commission regarding the 2019 IEPR Workshop on Near Zero Electricity. Download the comments here >>
• On October 2, the CHBC submitted comments to the California Energy Commission on the Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Research Roadmap, expressing support for efforts to develop a strategic DER Research Roadmap that would address both long-term and short-term energy system goals for California. The comments outlined decarbonized hydrogen as a solution with great potential in California. Download the comments here >>
• On October 2, the CHBC submitted comments to the California Energy Commission regarding the Joint Agency IEPR Workshop on Climate Adaptation. The comments outlined the need to have a diverse set of energy solutions to ensure reliable and resilient energy services. Hydrogen has the potential to play a prominent part of the strategy to adapt to the changing climate. Download the comments here >>
• On September 24, the CHBC submitted comments to the California Energy Commission regarding the Joint Agency Workshop on Energy Efficiency and Building Decarbonization conducted on the August 27. The comments urged the joint agencies to support a technology-neutral approach to decarbonizing California’s buildings, rather than narrow the strategy to electrification-only of all end uses for all buildings. Download the comments here >>
• On September 19, the CHBC submitted comments to the California Energy Commission regarding the Joint Agency Workshop on the Senate Bill 100 Report, held on September 5, 2019. The comments emphasized the collaborative opportunity to accelerate the transition to clean energy economy-wide, and not just minimally deliver on statutory requirements. Download the comments here >>
• On September 10, the CHBC sent a letter to the LA Metro Board regarding the Metro Bus Fleet Forecast and Zero Emission Bus Program Update. Read the CHBC comments here >>
• On August 29, the CHBC submitted comments to the Air Resources Board regarding the Carbon Neutrality: Scenarios for Deep Decarbonization Workshop. The CHBC outlined the role of renewable and zero carbon hydrogen in achieving California’s decarbonization goals post 2030 and expressed its support for efforts to evaluate multiple pathways to deep decarbonization by maximizing synergy between currently distinct energy sectors and industries in California. Read the comments here >>
• On August 20, the CHBC submitted a letter to the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) and Port of Long Beach (POLB) regarding the Clean Air Action Plan Clean Truck Fund Rate. The CHBC expressed its support for the Clean Truck Fund Rate, specifying that the rate should be high enough to make a difference in the subsequent use of the funds to incentivize zero emission trucks. Read the CHBC letter here >>
• On August 14, the CHBC submitted comments to the California Energy Commission regarding the Transportation Forecast workshop. Read the comments here >>
• On August 13, the CHBC submitted comments to the CPUC regarding the R.19-01-011 Building Decarbonization proceeding. The CHBC expressed disagreement with the CPUC staff proposal to limit eligibility of the BUILD Program to all-electric homes. In light of California’s vulnerability to natural disasters, homeowners should have options and not be forced to choose between decarbonization and resiliency. Read the comments here >>
• On August 13, the CHBC submitted comments on the Integrated Energy Policy Report on Advancing Energy Equity. The comments outlined the benefits of hydrogen and fuel cells to support the disadvantaged communities (DACs), the need to develop an education program on hydrogen and fuel cells for policymakers and DACs, and provided a series of policy recommendations to expand availability of hydrogen fuel cell technologies to DACs. Read the comments here >>
• On August 12, the CHBC submitted comments on the Draft Technology Pathways and Status Updates for the Heavy-Duty Three-Year Investment Strategy, expressing support for the strategy and its goal to develop the zero-emission and low-emission technologies needed to enable air quality and climate change goals. Read the comments here >>
• On August 2, the CHBC submitted comments to the Air Resources Board regarding the Role of the Industrial Sector in Meeting California’s Carbon Neutrality Goals. The comments outlined the great potential renewable hydrogen to help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the industrial sector. Specifically, decarbonization of the ammonia production, oil refining, and steel manufacturing. Read the CHBC comments here >>
• On August 1, the CHBC submitted comments to the California Energy Commission regarding the Clean Transportation Plan. The comments outlined six recommendations for the CEC to consider, which would address challenges that may impede maintaining current progress or achieving future success in the Clean Transportation Program. Read the CHBC comments here >>
• On July 31, the CHBC sent a letter to CPUC Commissioner Clifford Rechtschaffen urging the CPUC to open a process within the R.13-02-008 proceeding to consider issues related to hydrogen injection into the common carrier system. The CHBC stated that examining pipeline blending protocols and standards is a crucial next step in establishing regulatory frameworks that support scaling up renewable and low carbon hydrogen in California. Read the CPUC letter here >>
• On July 30, the CHBC submitted comments to the Port of Long Beach and Port of Long Angeles Environmental Planning and Management Department regarding the recently released 2018 Feasibility Assessment for Cargo-Handling Equipment. The CHBC’s comments expressed overall support for the CAAP and its goal of transitioning all equipment to zero emission and desire further consideration of fuel cells as the technology develops. Read the CAAP comments here >>
• On July 30, the CHBC submitted comments to the Air Resources Board regarding the Work Group Meeting for Heavy Duty Projects in the 2019-2020 Funding Plan. The comments proposed that the ARB consider funding large interconnected projects of zero emission heavy duty fuel cell electric vehicles and applications through a competitive solicitation process. These projects would combine new and existing zero emission fuel cell projects in order to validate operational feasibility with regards to endurance, operational range and cost-effectiveness. Read the ARB comments here >>
• On July 10, CHBC submitted a list of hydrogen projects in operation or under development in response to a request by California Energy Commission Commissioner Patty Monahan. This is in addition to CHBC’s IEPR comments submitted on July 2. Read the projects document here >>
• On July 2, the CHBC submitted comments to the CEC on the May 2, 2019 IEPR Commissioner Workshop on the Status of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Market. The CHBC expressed strong support for Commission’s regular examination of the ZEV market, but expressed concern that the workshop focused virtually exclusively on plug-in/battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology and ignored hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle (FCEV) technology. Read the comments here >>
• On June 25, the CHBC submitted comments to the CEC on the June 6, 2019 Energy Commission staff workshop on the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure and Decarbonization Targets regarding the assumptions and principle conclusions of the study, particularly those regarding the viability of renewable gas in comparison to electricity. Read the comments here >>
• On May 31, the CHBC submitted a letter of support to Senator Nancy Skinner for SB 44, which establishes a strategy for medium and heavy duty vehicle deployment. Read the letter here >>
• On May 28, The CHBC sent a letter of congratulations to newly confirmed California Energy Commission Chair, David Hochschild. Read the CHBC letter to Chair Hochschild here >>
• On May 15, the CHBC sent a letter of support (if amended) for AB 491, which requests a study on the impacts of injecting/blending hydrogen into the existing natural gas pipeline. Read the letter here >>
• On May 14, the CHBC submitted a letter of opposition to the CPUC on the Revised Alternate Proposed Decision Regarding Biomethane Tasks in Senate Bill 840 (R.13-02-008). Read the letter here >>
• On May 14, the CHBC submitted a letter opposing the Revised Alternative Proposed Decision Regarding Biomethane Tasks in SB 840. Read the CHBC’s letter here >>
• On May 7, the CHBC submitted reply comments to the CPUC regarding R. 13-02-008, on Alternate Decision Regarding Biomethane Tasks in SB 840. Read the CHBC’s reply comments here >>
• On May 2, the CHBC submitted comments to CPUC regarding R. 13-02-008, on Alternate Decision Regarding Biomethane Tasks in SB 840. Read the CHBC’s comments here >>
• On May 2, the CHBC submitted a letter of support to the California State Assembly in support of the GoBiz ZEV Budget request. Read the CHBC’s letter here >>
• On April 22, the CHBC submitted a letter to California Gov. Newsom continue the R.13-02-008,Biomethane Standards and Requirements, Pipeline Open Access Rules, and Related Enforcement Provisions (OIR). Read the CHBC’s letter here >>
• On April 3, CHBC submitted a letter expressing support for SB 662, Green Electrolytic Hydrogen, which would allow California utilities to invest in hydrogen production and fueling infrastructure. Read the CHBC’s letter here >>
• On April 1, CHBC submitted a letter in support of AB 745, a bill which would exempt the sale of hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles from state and local sales and use tax for a limited time. Read the CHBC’s letter here >>
• On March 26, the CHBC submitted reply comments to the CPUC regarding R.19-01-011, Order Instituting Rulemaking Regarding Building Decarbonization. Read the CHBC’s reply comments here >>
• On March 15, the CHBC submitted reply comments to the CPUC regarding the R.16-02-007, Administrative Law Judge’s Ruling Seeking Comment on Proposed Scenarios for the 2019-2020 Reference System Portfolio. Read the CHBC’s comments here >>
• On March 11, the CHBC submitted its opening comments to the CHBC regarding R.19-01-011, Order Instituting Rulemaking Regarding Building Decarbonization. Read the CHBC’s opening comments here >>
• On March 5, the CHBC submitted comments to the CPUC regarding  R.16-02-007, Administrative Law Judge’s Ruling Seeking Comment on Proposed Scenarios for the 2019-2020 Reference System Portfolio. Read the CHBC’s comments here >>
• On February 26, the CHBC submitted reply comments to the CPUC regarding R.18-12-006, Order Instituting Rulemaking to  Continue the Development of Rates and Infrastructure for Vehicle Electrification. Read the CHBC’s reply comments here >> 
• On February 4, the CHBC submitted its opening comment to the CPUC regarding the R.18-12-006, Rulemaking to Continue the Development of Rates and Infrastructure for Vehicle Electrification. Read the CHBC’s comments here >>
• On February 1, the CHBC submitted a research reference list for hydrogen blending limits for injection in natural gas systems. This was a follow-up to a meeting the CHBC had with Commissioner Clifford Rechtschaffen, who requested the list. Read the list of studies here >>
• On January 15, the CHBC submitted reply comments to the CPUC regarding the R.16-02-007 on Inputs and Assumptions for Developments of the 2019-2020 Reference System Plan. Read the CHBC reply comments here >>
• On January 8, the CHBC sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom, congratulating him on his successful gubernatorial campaign and informing him on the opportunities to continue California’s emission reduction with hydrogen technology. Read the letter here >> 
• On January 4, the CHBC submitted comments to the CPUC regarding the R.16-02-007 for the IRP on Inputs and Assumptions for Development of the 2019-202 Reference System Plan. Read the CHBC comments here >>