Senate committee narrows HB1620, removes proposed barrel‑tax increase and adopts hydrogen‑fund transfer to support EV charging

The joint AEN/HOU committee voted to amend HB1620 (HD2) to remove language that would raise the environmental response, energy and food security ("barrel") tax and to instead rely on an available hydrogen‑fueling subaccount balance for EV‑charging projects.

Testimony displayed a split between those urging increased investment in charging infrastructure to enable EV adoption—particularly in rural and multifamily settings—and those worried about raising a per‑barrel tax during a period of rising fuel prices and constrained electricity‑grid capacity. Tom Yamachika of the Tax Foundation reiterated skepticism about earmarked special funds. Ashley Norman and other witnesses urged expanding successful existing programs rather than shifting all costs to consumers.

Senators also pressed technical questions on grid capacity. Witnesses noted that incremental charging loads tied to the bill’s proposed funding levels were expected to be small relative to overall system loads, but senators flagged recent localized transmission failures and asked utilities to identify location‑specific constraints.

The committee’s amendment removed the tax increase and adopted an alternate approach to move idle hydrogen fund balances (noted in testimony as roughly $2.6 million) into EV charging support. The amended motion was approved with recorded votes showing four in favor and one no.

Ending: The bill proceeds with committee amendments and a report reflecting the decision to remove the barrel‑tax increase and to redirect existing fund balances for EV charging programs.