District highlights hydrogen locomotive pilot and pending bill on agricultural burning

District staff reported on a pair of climate‑focused developments during the administrative report: a hydrogen locomotive demonstration and a pending state bill addressing agricultural burning.

Hydrogen locomotive pilot: staff described a ribbon‑cutting earlier in September for the first hydrogen fuel‑cell switcher locomotive in operation in the United States. The district said it provided $5 million from the California Energy Commission for the first unit and subsequently secured $15 million from CalSTA for three additional locomotives and related track work, bringing the pilot to four locomotives. Staff noted that each hydrogen switcher reduces NOx emissions by about 3 tons per year — roughly comparable to removing about 2,000 cars from the region — and that the units match diesel power and capability while producing lower noise and zero tailpipe emissions. A director asked about onboard hydrogen storage; staff answered that hydrogen storage is onboard and integrated with the fuel‑cell stack.

Pending legislation on agricultural burning: staff also briefed the board on a cosponsored bill (referred to at the meeting as SB 88) that would support alternatives to agricultural and forest biomass burning, require interagency coordination, and improve emissions tracking. The bill had passed both houses and was with the governor for signature; staff noted the governor’s signing deadline was Oct. 12. No board action was requested at the Sept. 25 meeting.

Ending: District staff supplied the board with these informational updates and did not request action on either topic at the Sept. 25 meeting.