Hydrogen pipeline safety.

Senator Archuleta's hydrogen pipeline safety legislation establishes California's first comprehensive regulatory framework for hydrogen transportation infrastructure, requiring the Public Utilities Commission to develop and enforce stringent safety standards by January 2028. The bill mandates that hydrogen pipelines incorporate continuous monitoring systems, utilize materials certified for hydrogen compatibility, and maintain hydrogen leakage at the lowest technically feasible levels.

Under the proposed requirements, pipeline owners must implement real-time measurement systems capable of detecting operational anomalies and enabling rapid response to potential leaks. The legislation requires annual compliance reports documenting hydrogen concentration levels and any detected leakage. While the PUC maintains primary oversight authority, the Energy Commission would enforce these standards specifically for private, intrastate hydrogen pipelines.

The bill creates new enforcement mechanisms by classifying violations of these safety standards as criminal offenses under the Public Utilities Act. This regulatory structure applies to both new construction and major retrofits of existing pipelines where hydrogen comprises at least 50 percent of transported gas volume. The legislation requires no state appropriations, with implementation costs to be absorbed by state agencies and pipeline operators.