Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) and Sen. Jon Ossoff (GA) introduced the Hydrogen Aviation Strategy Act to create federal guidelines and conduct studies on the use of hydrogen to decarbonize aviation and to decrease air and noise pollution.
Sen. Ossoff introduced the bipartisan bill with U.S. Sen. Lindsay Graham (SC) in the Senate and Rep. Johnson introduced the House companion.
“Decarbonizing aviation is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry today,” said Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Aviation subcommittee. “The journey to zero emissions in commercial air travel won’t be easy, but hydrogen could be a key player in helping us get there.”
“Hydrogen energy is a promising opportunity to create Georgia jobs, strengthen American energy security, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in multiple sectors, including transportation,” Sen. Ossoff said. “Working with Congressman Johnson and Senator Graham, I’m bringing Republicans and Democrats together to strengthen research and innovation of hydrogen as a next-generation fuel for the aviation sector.”
The legislation requires the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Energy (DOE) to specifically:
• set goals and clarify positions related to hydrogen aviation
• conduct studies on the effect of hydrogen on aviation decarbonization
• review existing regulations and requirements to identify ways to increase the use of hydrogen
• consult NASA, industry partners, airlines, hydrogen producers, and other stakeholders on the use of hydrogen in aviation and set up an advisory committee to develop recommendations for the agencies on the adaption of hydrogen as an aviation energy source
• report to Congress 1 year after enactment of the bill on ways the agencies have exercised leadership in developing policies and conducting reviews related to the safe and efficient use of hydrogen in aviation
• establish a viable path for the certification of hydrogen-powered aircraft that considers existing frameworks
In March of this year, a Dash 8 — a 40-passenger regional airliner — flew for 15 minutes during a test flight to an altitude of 3,500 feet powered by hydrogen fuel cells, which produced only water vapor and heat.
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