Assembly committee advances hydrogen pipeline safety bill, names state fire marshal as regulator

Senator Archuleta told the Emergency Management Committee that SB 804, the Hydrogen Pipeline Safety Act, would close a regulatory gap by designating the Office of the State Fire Marshal as the state regulator with authority to adopt hydrogen-specific safety standards and an administrative fee structure.

"This bill designates the Office of the State Fire Marshal as the safety regulator and enforcement authority for hydrogen pipelines," Senator Archuleta said, adding that the measure does not mandate pipeline construction or approve projects but ensures safety rules would be in place if pipelines are built.

Supporters from labor groups urged passage. Mike Monaghan, speaking for the State Building Trades, said SB 804 will help meet clean-air goals and protect workers: "SB 804 creates a physical infrastructure that will create pipeline safety which is critical for our workers." Martin Bindiolo of the California State Pipe Trades Council also urged an I vote, arguing hydrogen will play a critical role in the clean-energy transition.

Industry representatives, including Ryan McCarthy of Air Products, said they generally support identifying a role for the State Fire Marshal but had remaining technical concerns they wished to resolve with the author and committee staff. Committee members asked no substantive technical questions on the floor; the sponsor accepted committee amendments and the measure was passed as amended to the Committee on Appropriations.

The bill proceeds to appropriations, where fiscal and technical details of any fee structure and program administration will be reviewed.