Larson & Peers Introduce Resolution for National Hydrogen Fuel Cell Day

Washington Lawmakers Unveil Bipartisan Resolution: National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day

Reps. John B. Larson (CT-01), Jim Costa (CA-21), Paul Tonko (NY-20), David Valadao (CA-22), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) have rolled out H. Res. 1611, a bipartisan resolution that marks October 8, 2026, as “National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day”. This day, celebrated annually on October 8—symbolic of hydrogen’s atomic mass of 1.008—spotlights the crucial role of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in U.S. energy production, transportation, grid reliability, and economic progression.

Rep. Larson’s Advocacy for Fuel Cell Technology

Rep. Larson, Co-Chair of the bipartisan Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus, has been a powerful proponent of fuel cell technology, persistently advocating for the extension of the Investment Tax Credit for fuel cells and linear generators. His efforts resulted in the extension of the credit in both 2018 and 2022 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Moreover, he co-introduced the bipartisan Technology for Energy Security Act and the American Affordability Act, both aimed at lowering costs, stimulating development of American-made clean energy and reducing carbon emissions through incentivizing company production of green and blue hydrogen and fuel cells.

Larson: Connecticut in Vanguard of Clean Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Tech

“Connecticut continues to lead the nation as a hub for the research and development of clean hydrogen and fuel cell technologies,” remarked Larson. He lauded the region’s efforts to drive forward hydrogen production and investment in the fuel cell economy, highlighting their potential to propel American-made clean energy and lower emissions. Emphasizing the need to bring down costs for consumers through collective effort, he called for the growth of the clean energy supply chain across the nation.

Unique Resolution Garnering Broad Bipartisan Support

The United States produces and uses roughly 10 million metric tons of hydrogen annually. This can be derived from numerous domestic resources and used to store energy, while fuel cell technologies find application in transportation, stationary power, and backup power. Larson, Costa, Tonko, Valadao, Fitzpatrick, and Bilirakis are lead sponsors of the House Resolution, and they are joined by Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) as original co-sponsors. The introduction of the Senate Resolution was led by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), with Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Chris Murphy (D-CT) joining as original cosponsors.

Lawmakers Praise Benefits of Fuel Cell Tech

Lawmakers have commended the potential of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies as part of America’s energy future. Costa noted the role of such technologies in strengthening U.S. energy security, building a resilient grid, creating jobs, and reducing emissions. Tonko emphasized how clean hydrogen could contribute to economic growth, energy security, and emissions reduction. Valadao stressed how these technologies could enhance energy independence and drive innovation, while Fitzpatrick underscored their potential to create jobs and reinforce grid reliability.

Industry Leader Applauds Resolution

“Congress has long recognized how hydrogen seamlessly fits into so many of the energy tools in America’s energy portfolio,” noted Frank Wolak, President and CEO of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA). He lauded the resolution and its co-sponsors for their support of Hydrogen Day and the U.S. industry.