Review - S 647 Introduced – Hydrogen for Ports

Earlier this month, Sen Cornyn (R,TX) introduced S 647, the Hydrogen for Ports Act of 2023. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to establish a grant program “to demonstrate hydrogen, ammonia, or fuel cell technologies in maritime and associated logistics application.” The bill would authorize $100 million per year through FY 2028 for the program.

Moving Forward

While Cornyn is not a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, two of his seven cosponsors {Sen Hickenlooper (D,CO), Sen Lujan (D,NM)} are members of the Committee. This means that there may be enough influence to see the bill considered. I see nothing in this bill that would engender any organized opposition to the legislation. The problem comes down to money. While spending reduction is not as important in the Senate as it is in the House this session, it will still be on the minds of the Senate leadership, knowing that a Senate passed bill must still successfully traverse the House to get to the White House.

 

For more details about the provisions of the bill, see my article at CFSN Detailed Analysis - https://patrickcoyle.substack.com/p/s-647-introduced - subscription required.