Expressing support for the designation of October 8, 2025, as "National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day".

Bill Number

H.Res. 788

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Energy

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-10-06: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Last Updated

2026-04-09T10:35:53Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 788) expresses the House of Representatives' support for designating October 8, 2025, as "National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day." It aims to recognize the importance of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in addressing energy, environmental, and economic challenges, while highlighting U.S. leadership in these areas.

Key Provisions

• Background on Hydrogen and Fuel Cells: The resolution includes several "Whereas" clauses outlining facts such as:
• Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe (atomic mass of 1.008).
• The U.S. leads globally in developing and deploying these technologies.
• Hydrogen fuel cells were key to the U.S. space program, including the Moon landing.
• These technologies are advancing through efforts by private industry, federal and state governments, national labs, and universities.
• Fuel cells generate electricity using hydrogen or hydrogen-rich fuels and are described as clean, efficient, safe, and resilient.
• Applications of Fuel Cells:
• Used for stationary and backup power generation, providing reliable energy during grid outages and reducing water use compared to traditional methods.
• Applied in zero-emission transportation, including cars, trucks, buses, trains, military vehicles, ships, and aircraft, with refueling times and ranges similar to gasoline vehicles.
• Deployed in industrial settings like warehouses and exported internationally.
• Hydrogen Production and Safety:
• Hydrogen is nontoxic and can be produced from domestic sources like natural gas, solar, wind, and biogas.
• It helps store energy to support the power grid and integrate renewable sources.
• The U.S. produces and uses about 10 million metric tons of hydrogen annually.
• Safety protocols for handling hydrogen have been developed by engineers and standards professionals.
• Core Resolution: The House supports the designation of "National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day" to promote innovation in these technologies.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

None. This is a non-binding resolution that does not amend, repeal, or create any new laws. It serves as a symbolic statement of congressional support rather than enforceable legislation.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: May encourage federal agencies (e.g., Department of Energy) to highlight hydrogen initiatives, potentially boosting funding or research priorities without mandating action.
• On Citizens: Raises public awareness of clean energy options, potentially inspiring education, career interest in STEM fields related to energy, and support for sustainable technologies.
• On International Relations: Reinforces U.S. leadership in hydrogen technology, which could enhance diplomatic ties with allies in Europe and Asia through technology exports and collaboration on global energy challenges like climate change.
• Overall, impacts are primarily symbolic and promotional, with no direct financial or regulatory effects.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Industry: Private companies involved in production, deployment, and export of these technologies benefit from increased visibility.
• Researchers and Educators: National laboratories, universities, and engineers gain recognition for their ongoing work.
• Government Entities: Federal (e.g., space and energy agencies), state governments, and oversight committees like the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which received the resolution.
• Consumers and Businesses: Those relying on energy solutions, such as logistics hubs, transportation sectors, and utilities, may see indirect promotion of reliable, low-emission options.
• General Public: Citizens interested in environmental sustainability and innovation.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As a simple resolution, it requires only a House majority vote and has no force of law, avoiding any constitutional issues like separation of powers.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in expressing policy preferences without infringing on executive or judicial functions.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by representatives from both parties) for clean energy innovation, potentially signaling broader congressional interest in addressing climate and economic issues through technology. It could influence future legislation on energy policy but carries no binding obligations.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21]

Cosponsors (8)

Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1], Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1]

Recent Actions

• 2025-10-06: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
• 2025-10-06: Submitted in House
• 2025-10-06: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Expressing support for the designation of October 8, 2025, as "National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day". — issued 2025-10-06 — PDF (3 pages)