Information provided by the office of Senator Anna Caballero. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
Senator Anna M. Caballero (D-Merced) announced that her bill, SB 1420, passed the Natural Resources Committee in the Assembly before summer recess. Senate Bill 1420 provides a pathway for a sustainable transition to a clean energy economy, better air quality and lower energy costs and high road, green energy jobs. SB 1420 ensures California can produce enough hydrogen to help achieve its climate change goals. The California Air Resources Board states that California cannot reach its emission goals without expanding hydrogen production by 1,700 times present production. In addition, SB 1420 enables California to leverage and maximize the federal Hydrogen Hub status by unlocking private sector investment estimated at $10 billion in California.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Committee Chair Bryan for his engagement and thoughtfulness in our negotiations. SB1420 would enable California to meet its climate goals and allow a transition in the aviation, heavy-duty industry and trucking industries as well as maritime and port industries away from diesel and jet fuel to a cleaner, locally produced product. This would not only decarbonize the fuel, but also eliminate the production of air pollution contaminants,” said Senator Anna M. Caballero (D-Merced). “As we transition to a zero-carbon economy, we must include high road employment opportunities and economic development for our state’s workforce. The number one ask in my district, the Central Valley, a mostly rural agricultural area where wages are low, are good paying, livable wages. The Valley faces the potential loss of 500,000 to 1 million acres of farmland due to climate change. My community needs better jobs, lower energy costs and cleaner air. Hydrogen can boost economic growth, lower energy costs, and reduce diesel and jet fuel usage in a region with poor air quality. This bill is critical to the economic and environmental survival of our planet, our people and our communities.”
SB 1420 allows projects that have received funds from the federal or state government by January 1, 2032 to be eligible for an expedited CEQA judicial review and building permit streamlining.