Official Text and Analysis.

Directs the Office of Renewable Fuels to submit a feasibility study for hydrogen vehicle fueling stations along state highways to the Legislature by December 1, 2023.

Removes Section 401, which allows renewable or electrolytic hydrogen or energy storage facilities to be eligible to opt-in to the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council review and certification process.

Establishes the statewide Office of Renewable Fuels. Authorizes the director of the Department of Commerce to provide state funding assistance to help promote and strengthen applications to secure federal funding to develop a regional clean hydrogen hub. Removes a direction to the Utilities and Transportation Commission to submit a report to the Legislature addressing specific issues related to advancing the production and use of nonfossil feedstock hydrogen in Washington. Authorizes public utility districts (PUDs) to produce, use, sell, and distribute green electrolytic hydrogen. Authorizes municipal utilities to produce, use, sell, and distribute green electrolytic hydrogen and renewable hydrogen. Adds the production of green electrolytic hydrogen to a number of existing tax exemptions that apply to the production of renewable hydrogen. Requires the Department of Revenue to publish guidance to advise county assessors when appraising renewable energy facilities. A null and void clause is added, making the bill null and void unless funded in the budget.

Requires gas companies to file a notice with the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) prior to replacing natural gas with renewable hydrogen and green electrolytic hydrogen to serve customers. Requires the UTC to consider certain information when making a determination on a company’s request for approval of any tariff related to the use of green electrolytic hydrogen or renewable hydrogen as a replacement for natural gas.

Senate concurred in Senate amendments. Passed final passage .