GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2007

H                                                                                                                                                    1

HOUSE RESOLUTION 329

Sponsors:	Representatives Ray, Howard, Steen (Primary Sponsors);  Faison and Tillis.
Referred to:	Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House.

February 22, 2007

A HOUSE RESOLUTION to promote the accelerated development of a hydrogen economy in north carolina.

Whereas, in less than 18 years, hydrogen technologies and related goods and services are forecast to exceed $1.7 trillion in worldwide sales; and

Whereas, North Carolina taxpayers contribute about $5,000,000 a year in federal tax dollars that are used by the United States Department of Energy for hydrogen research and job creation that occur in states other than North Carolina; and

Whereas, hydrogen makes grid electricity storable, transportable, and usable for highway vehicles, for rail transport, and for the operation of heavy equipment; and

Whereas, hydrogen powers both clean internal combustion engines and highly efficient fuel cells; and

Whereas, it is expected that hydrogen will fuel the next generation of trains, trucks, and cars; and

Whereas, hydrogen can foster energy independence by enabling the storage and transportation of electricity from hydroelectric, wind, tide, biomass, solar power, and other renewable energy sources in North Carolina as well as from nuclear and coal‑fired sources; and

Whereas, underground piped hydrogen could eventually replace a power transmission plant as a more economical and safe alternative that does not involve unsightly overhead transmission lines, which frequently need repair or replacement after ice, hurricane, tornado, and other violent seasonal storms; and

Whereas, the large body of laws and rules specifically crafted for North Carolina's heritage energy technologies may impede the emergence of a hydrogen economy in North Carolina; and

Whereas, the current lack of knowledge about hydrogen's use as an energy medium among North Carolina's human resources – its labor, management, and researchers – may impede North Carolina's participation in the hydrogen economy; and

Whereas, other nations, industry, and the federal government have each demonstrated a sufficient commitment to using hydrogen to render a decision by the State to join the hydrogen economy, a choice it can make with confidence; Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

SECTION 1.  The General Assembly finds that it is in the State's best interest to:

(1)       Move toward a position of leadership in hydrogen research, manufacturing, and commerce.

(2)       Assure that hydrogen figures prominently in university, community college, and public school science curricula.

(3)       Obtain federal funding for hydrogen-related research that complements and does not replicate work already underway in this region.

(4)       Require State agencies to begin identifying practices, laws, and rules that may impede adoption of hydrogen technologies and to consider substituting hydrogen for petroleum applications and vehicles as soon as safety and economics permit.

(5)       Include hydrogen standards in the State Building Code.

(6)       Establish a priority for the use in State facilities of hydrogen standby generating and uninterruptible power rather than the use of lead‑acid battery and diesel generator technology for these purposes.

(7)       Look for opportunities for the State to deploy hydrogen technology whereby the public can observe hydrogen technology in action, thereby becoming familiar with its advantages for the environment, for energy independence, and as a tool for economic development in the State.

SECTION 2.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.