Board passes hydrogen fueling permit rules on first reading despite environmental objections
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Summary
An ordinance to create a building permit process for hydrogen fueling equipment and affirm CEQA findings passed on first reading 9–2 after opponents raised concerns about fossil-derived hydrogen and nitrogen-oxide emissions; Supervisor Fielder voted no and called hydrogen a "Trojan horse for fossil fuel lock in."
The Board of Supervisors voted to amend the building code to create a permitting process for hydrogen fueling station equipment and to affirm the environmental determination. The ordinance passed on first reading by roll call, 9 ayes to 2 nos.
Supervisor Fielder strongly opposed the bill on environmental and justice grounds, arguing that most hydrogen in use today is produced from fossil fuels and that the technology risks prolonging fossil-fuel infrastructure. Fielder said in floor remarks that "98% of hydrogen fuel is made from fossil fuels" and warned that hydrogen projects "risk releasing nitrogen oxides into our atmosphere," adding that "Hydrogen is a Trojan horse for fossil fuel lock in." He concluded, "for this reason, I'll be voting no."
Supporters said the permitting framework is needed to regulate equipment and to move forward procedural clarity for new fueling technologies. The clerk recorded 9 ayes and 2 nos, with Supervisors Chan and Fielder recorded as voting no. The ordinance was passed on first reading.
The ordinance establishes a city permitting pathway for hydrogen fueling equipment and affirms the CEQA determination recorded in the item. Opponents urged caution and stronger environmental review; the measure advances to subsequent readings and implementation steps for permitting and enforcement.
