ARTICLE 2I. HYDROGEN POWER TASK FORCE

§24-2I-1. Title.

This article shall be known as "Hydrogen Power Task Force Act".

§24-2I-2. Establishment of the task force.

(a) There is hereby established a task force to study hydrogen-fueled energy in West Virginia's economy and energy infrastructure. Such study shall include, without limitation:

(1) A review of regulations and legislation needed to guide the development and achievement of economies of scale for a hydrogen energy ecosystem in the state;

(2) An examination of how to position the state to take advantage of competitive incentives and programs created by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the federal Inflation Reduction Act;

(3) Recommendations for post-secondary education or workforce initiatives to prepare the state's workforce for hydrogen fueled energy-related jobs;

(4) An examination of the sources of potential hydrogen, including, but not limited to, coal, oil, natural gas, hydro, wind, solar, biogas, and nuclear;

(5) Recommendations for funding and tax preferences for building hydrogen-fueled energy facilities at sites throughout West Virginia;

(6) Recommendations regarding funding sources for developing hydrogen fueled energy programs and infrastructure; and

(7) Recommendations for potential end uses of hydrogen-fueled energy.

(b) The task force shall consist of the following members:

(1) A representative from a regulated electric utility company, who shall be appointed by the Governor;

(2) A representative from the fossil fuel energy industry, who shall be appointed by the Governor;

(3) A representative from the manufacturing industry with experience in hydrogen-fueled energy technology, who shall be appointed by the Governor;

(4) A representative from environmental organizations that advocate for renewable energy, who shall be appointed by the Governor;

(5) The chairperson of the Public Service Commission or his or her designee;

(6) The Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection or his or her designee;

(7) The Secretary of the Department of Economic Development or his or her designee;

(8) The Secretary of the Department of Commerce or his or her designee;

and

(9) A representative from higher education.

(c) All initial appointments to the task force shall be made not later than 90 days after the effective date of this section. Any vacancy shall be filled by the appointing authority, as applicable.

(d) The chairperson shall be elected by members of the task force at the first meeting, which meeting is to be called by the Governor. The first meeting shall be held not later than 120 days after the effective date of this section.

(e) Not later than July 1, 2024, the task force shall submit an electronic report on its findings and recommendations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.

(f) The task force shall terminate on the date that it submits such report or July 1, 2024, whichever is later.