Larson Joins Bipartisan Colleagues to Introduce Resolution Recognizing National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day
Washington, D.C. - Today, 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) introduced H. Res. 1611, a bipartisan resolution designating October 8, 2026, as "National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day." National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day is observed annually on October 8 in recognition of hydrogen’s atomic mass of 1.008. The day highlights the role hydrogen and fuel cell technologies play in American energy production, transportation, grid reliability, and economic growth.
As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus, Rep. Larson has long championed fuel cell technology and has been a forceful advocate for extending the Investment Tax Credit for fuel cells and linear generators, securing its extension in both 2018 and 2022 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. He co-led introduction of the bipartisan Technology for Energy Security Act to extend the tax credit for another eight years and the American Affordability Act, to bring down costs for households, including a plan to spur the development of American-made clean energy by providing a tax credit to companies that reduce carbon emissions by producing "green" and "blue" hydrogen and fuel cells.
"Connecticut continues to lead the nation as a hub for the research and development of clean hydrogen and fuel cell technologies," said Larson. "For years, I have worked across the aisle to enact tax incentives to boost hydrogen production and invest federal funding to grow our fuel cell economy, unleash the power of American-made clean energy, and reduce emissions. As we recognize the twelfth annual National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, we must work together on real solutions to lower costs for consumers and grow the clean energy supply chain across the country."
The United States produces and uses approximately 10 million metric tons of hydrogen each year. Hydrogen can be derived from a variety of domestic resources and used to store energy, while fuel cell technologies are used for transportation, stationary power, and backup power. Larson, Costa, Tonko, Valadao, Fitzpatrick, and Bilirakis are co-leads of the House Resolution, with Reps.Mike Lawler (NY-17), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joining as original co-sponsors. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) led the introduction of the Senate Resolution, with Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Chris Murphy (D-CT) joining as original cosponsors.
"Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are an important part of America’s energy future,” said Costa. "By investing in American innovation, we can strengthen our energy security, build a more reliable and resilient grid, create good-paying jobs, and reduce emissions. The United States has long been a leader in developing these technologies, and this bipartisan resolution recognizes the work being done across the country to ensure we continue leading the way."
"Supporting clean hydrogen unlocks a wealth of benefits — boosting our economy, protecting energy security, and reducing emissions," said Tonko. "Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve worked to advance legislation that invests in energy innovation and lowers costs, which is why I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce this bipartisan resolution and support a stronger, healthier, more competitive nation."
"I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing a bipartisan resolution designating October 8th as National Hydrogen Fuel Cell Day. Advancing these technologies is critical to strengthening our nation’s energy independence, driving continued innovation, and enhancing our energy security. An all-of-the-above energy strategy will help lower energy costs for Central Valley communities while ensuring our farms, businesses, and homes have access to the reliable energy they need to thrive," said Valadao.
"The question is not whether America will need more energy—it is whether we will lead in producing it. Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies can strengthen our energy security, reinforce the reliability and resilience of our grid, create good-paying American jobs, and help meet growing demand through cleaner, innovative solutions. National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day recognizes the incredible scientists, engineers, manufacturers, and workers driving that progress, and reaffirms our bipartisan commitment to ensuring America continues to lead the world in energy innovation," said Fitzpatrick.
"Congress has long recognized how hydrogen seamlessly fits into so many of the energy tools in America’s energy portfolio," said Frank Wolak, President and CEO of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA). "Whether a feedstock for low-carbon fertilizer and export fuels such as ammonia or used directly as a fuel on its own to power data centers, heavy-duty trucks, and everything in between, hydrogen helps the U.S. meet growing power demand at home while sustaining leadership in energy markets abroad. We thank Representative Costa and the resolution’s co-sponsors for supporting Hydrogen Day and the U.S. industry at large.”