38592.8.
(a) (1) Before December 31, 2023, 2024, to advance efforts to achieve the state’s goal for carbon neutrality, and upon appropriation by the Legislature for these purposes, the state board shall complete a comprehensive feasibility study assessment of renewable hydrogen production, distribution, transmission,
as defined by the state board, and application within the state.(2) The study
assessment shall include all of the following:
(A) The history of renewable hydrogen production, distribution, and utilization within the state.
(B) The potential job creation and work opportunities related to both of the following:
(i) Renewable hydrogen production facilities.
(ii) Development of transmission and distribution facilities to convey renewable hydrogen from production sites to applications.
(C) The potential for opportunities to integrate renewable hydrogen production with drinking water supply treatment needs, particularly for advanced treatment water
supplies such as desalination, potable reuse, and salt and contaminant removal projects.
(D) The potential for development and siting of renewable hydrogen production facilities on a colocated basis with industries that are historically difficult to decarbonize.
(E) The development of a potential comprehensive renewable hydrogen standard program to plan toward a goal of 100 percent of hydrogen end-use applications using hydrogen produced with zero-carbon resources by December 31, 2045, including steps that could be taken to ultimately implement a goal to provide that all hydrogen end-use applications are using zero-carbon hydrogen. The potential program shall include consideration of programs that assist the state in achieving the goals set forth in Section
454.53 of the Public Utilities Code and shall include consideration of all relevant planning scenarios, incentive programs, policy directions, and implementation plans.
(b) The state board may contract with an educational institution or related organization to conduct the study assessment required pursuant to subdivision (a).
(c)On or before December 31, 2023, the state board shall prepare and deliver to the Legislature, a report that includes the findings pursuant to subdivision (a).
(d)
(c) On or before December 31, 2023, 2024, the state board shall post the report on its internet website.
(e)For purposes of the study undertaken pursuant to this section, the state board shall focus the study analysis and recommendations on hydrogen produced
by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using eligible renewable energy resources through the process of electrolysis.
(f)A report to be submitted pursuant to subdivision (c) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(g)
(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2025, 2027, and
as of that date is repealed.