Breakthrough Technologies Institute - Fuel Cells 2000

INTRODUCTION
As concern for energy security grows in the United States, legislation and policy at the
state-level becomes almost as important as at the federal level. Fuel cells and
hydrogen are now being regarded as technologies that can alleviate the United States’
dependence on foreign oil, reduce harmful emissions, and create thousands of new jobs.
Many states have begun to implement initiatives, policy and partnerships to help bring
fuel cells and hydrogen to commercialization while bringing economic prosperity and
environmental relief to their towns.
To help sort through and track all of the activity, Breakthrough Technologies Institute has
developed this comprehensive state-by-state analysis of fuel cell and hydrogen policy,
incentives and demonstrations.
47 states and the District of Columbia have some sort of fuel cell or hydrogen legislation,
demonstration or activism taking place today. Many are laying the groundwork in their
regulations and energy standards for these technologies. This report compiles all the
state-led activity; there are a lot of federally-supported demonstrations and research
programs around the United States as well.
Please note that this report details only programs and incentives that specifically include
hydrogen, fuel cells and zero emission vehicles. Additional support may be available
under other state programs, with hydrogen and fuel cell technologies potentially eligible
under general categories such as “renewably-powered”, “clean energy” or “alternative
fuels”.
Report Format
Each state listing is divided into categories reflecting the type of incentive or support
provided by state or municipal governments. These listings are further subdivided to
reflect activities that support stationary fuel cell installations, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
or hydrogen infrastructure development. Since states vary by the degree and type of
support offered, we have only included the categories that detail current activities.
These categories are:
1. Plans/Strategies –This section includes hydrogen and fuel cell roadmaps
and blueprints, “clean energy” or “green” initiatives that include hydrogen or
fuel cells, and hydrogen and fuel cell educational activities.
2. Standards/Regulations – This section lists interconnection standards, net
metering policies and detailed renewable portfolio standards.
3. Public Agency Policies/Purchasing Programs – This section details rules
that promote the use of fuel cells or hydrogen technologies in state or
municipal-owned facilities and vehicles.
4. Incentives/ Market Stimulation – This section lists grants, loans, rebates
and tax incentives that are offered to either individuals or businesses for the
purchase and installation of fuel cell equipment.
5. Partnerships – This section describes alliances of government, business
and/or academia that are working together to develop hydrogen and fuel cell
policy and are fostering research and demonstration activities.
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