To help to establish Florida as a leader in the development of hydrogen energy technology and to encourage corporate investment in the state, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is spearheading the Florida Hydrogen Energy Technologies Act. Unveiled last month by Governor Jeb Bush at the groundbreaking of Florida’s first hydrogen energy station, the legislation advances Florida’s hydrogen economy through demonstration projects and financial incentives.
"This legislation will put us on the cutting edge of this exciting new technology," said Senator Constantine. "Through our investment, we will become the pioneer state in developing new hydrogen-related industries, bringing clean energy jobs, corporate investment and clean air to Florida."
The Hydrogen Energy Technologies Act:
Increases capital investment and job creation by reducing the costs of purchasing, manufacturing and developing hydrogen energy technologies.
Florida companies will receive temporary corporate tax credits for expenditures and sales tax exemptions on related equipment purchases, making the technology more affordable and prompting increased sales to stimulate investment and job creation.
Expands private-public partnerships to accelerate the commercialisation of hydrogen energy technologies and spur investment in Florida.
Targeted matching grants will be used to attract corporate investment for select, high value demonstration projects to improve hydrogen and solar energy technologies and infrastructure.
Establishes the nation’s first statewide siting standard for hydrogen fueling infrastructure. Creating a single, uniform standard will attract capital investment, reduce costs and ensure consistent safety codes across all regulatory jurisdictions in Florida.
Enables Florida’s utilities to meet the growing demand for electricity and increase reliability while reducing air emissions. Financial incentives for hydrogen electricity generation and power storage will give utilities greater flexibility to provide emergency back-up power, reduce peak operating costs and protect air quality.
"Investing in hydrogen energy technology will help bring new companies and jobs to Florida," said Representative Hasner. "With this legislation, we are leading the way to further improve air quality and reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil."
In 2003, Governor Bush launched "H2 Florida," a statewide initiative to grow the hydrogen technology industry, spur investment and economic opportunity and safeguard the nation’s natural resources. H2 Florida partners the state with industry, local governments and academia to accelerate hydrogen innovation and stimulate a consumer market for the newest hi-tech approach to cleaner, sustainable sources of energy.
To track HB 1597 and SB 2074 or follow Florida’s 2004 session, visit Online Sunshine at the link below. For more information on Florida’s energy initiatives, visit www.FloridaEnergy.org.
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