Senate energy committee hears safety, transparency arguments over hydrogen blending notice bill

Portland — The Oregon Senate Committee on Energy and Environment on Feb. 10 heard hours of testimony for Senate Bill 685, a measure requiring utilities to provide notice before blending hydrogen into natural gas distribution systems.

Senator Khan Pham, sponsor of SB 685, told the committee the bill (as amended in the -1) requires utilities to notify the Oregon Public Utility Commission, customers and local fire and health departments ahead of hydrogen blending and to provide information about blend ratios, safety and local impacts. "Every gas pipeline has risks," Pham said, arguing that notice would build public trust while allowing the state to continue permitting innovation.

The bill grew out of local opposition to a Northwest Natural pilot in Southeast Portland that mixed hydrogen into residential lines without widespread notice. Environmental-justice and public-health groups urged lawmakers to adopt the -1 amendment or stronger requirements to ensure oversight and community input. "This was done without public notice and no consideration to the impacts," said Arjorie…