House unanimously approves Rep. Peter Abbarno’s measure enhancing hydrogen industry opportunities in Washington
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House unanimously approves Rep. Peter Abbarno’s measure enhancing hydrogen industry opportunities in Washington
The state House today unanimously approved a measure to help Washington become an international hydrogen hub.
House Bill 1729, by Rep. Peter Abbarno, would create and expand tax incentives for developing and selling hydrogen fuel products.
“This bill would greatly enhance the opportunity for Washington to become a hydrogen hub,” said Abbarno, R-Centralia. “Communities in Southwest Washington and beyond are competing on the national and international stage to become part of a hydrogen hub and this legislation will help keep us competitive.”
Under the proposed bill, beginning on Jan. 1, 2024, a preferential business and occupation tax rate of 0.2904% would be provided to those engaged in the business of:
- Research, development, or deployment of hydrogen fuel products;
- Manufacturing hydrogen fuel products, including both manufacturers and processors for hire; and
- Making sales at retail or wholesale of hydrogen fuel products.
Abbarno has been a leader in the Legislature on advancing hydrogen, serving as a co-chair of the Hydrogen Caucus. As assistant ranking member on the House Capital Budget Committee, he was integral to securing funding for Washington's first hydrogen refueling station, which is in Chehalis. The 20th District lawmaker has worked on numerous pieces of legislation to support Washington's application to be a hydrogen hub funding recipient.
“A diverse energy portfolio is about security and reliability for residential and commercial users,” said Abbarno. “Hydrogen is an emerging source of transportation fuel, manufacturing energy, and other educational and workforce possibilities. There is substantial private and public investment in hydrogen, and the 20th Legislative District and Washington state are positioned to be the recipients of those investments.”
The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
