Bill > SB804

This bill establishes new safety standards for hydrogen pipelines in California, requiring the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to develop comprehensive regulations for pipeline design, construction, and monitoring. The bill defines a hydrogen pipeline as a dedicated pipeline primarily transporting hydrogen gas, and mandates that such pipelines be designed to minimize hydrogen leakage, use materials compatible with hydrogen that resist corrosion and embrittlement, and employ continuous measurement and monitoring systems to detect operational anomalies. By January 1, 2028, the PUC must establish safety standards that meet or exceed these requirements and regularly review and update them to incorporate technological advancements. Hydrogen pipeline owners will be required to maintain accurate records of hydrogen concentration levels and leakage, and submit annual compliance reports to the PUC. The bill emphasizes the importance of hydrogen as a potential clean energy solution and recognizes the need for proactive state leadership in setting safety standards in the absence of sufficient federal regulations. Violations of these regulations could be considered a crime, and the bill includes provisions to ensure that local agencies are not financially burdened by implementing these new requirements.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB804