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Committee advances bill directing state fire marshal to adopt hydrogen safety code and appoint expert
Summary
AB 716 would require the state fire marshal to adopt the NFPA Hydrogen Technologies Code as a model, appoint a hydrogen fire safety expert, and provide training to local governments; the committee moved the bill to the next committee for fiscal review.
Assemblymember Carrillo presented AB 716, which would direct the state fire marshal to adopt the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Hydrogen Technologies Code as a model for local governments and appoint a hydrogen fire safety expert to assist local authorities.
Carrillo said hydrogen will play a growing role in California’s clean energy economy but that its “unique properties require additional engineering and safety considerations,” producing uncertainty for local governments with limited experience. She said the bill came from the city of Lancaster and that local stakeholders had worked on the measure.
Rosanna Carvacho Elliott of the California Hydrogen Coalition testified in support, telling the committee AB 716 would “provide much needed clarity” by ensuring consistent statewide standards and training for local fire departments and building inspectors. She said hydrogen’s lighter‑than‑air behavior and low ignition temperatures create special needs for leak detection and fire safety.
Committee members offered no substantive opposition during the hearing. The committee chair announced: “AB 7 16 Carrillo. Motion is due passed to the committee on utilities and energy,” and later the motion was recorded as due passed to the committee on utilities and energy with recorded aye votes; the roll was left open for additional members to add on.
Proponents said the bill creates predictability for industry and resources for local governments as hydrogen projects expand.
