STAFF REPORT
City of Lancaster
CC 20
5/28/2024
JC
Date: May 28, 2024
To: Mayor Parris and City Council Members
From: Alexus Merino, Assistant to the City Manager
Subject: Authorization to Apply for the Formation of the Pacific Hydrogen Alliance Non- Profit Organization
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1.Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to form a California non-profit organization, known as Pacific Hydrogen Alliance.
2.Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to finalize, execute, and sign all documents necessary to proceed with the application process and formation of the Pacific Hydrogen Alliance.
Fiscal Impact:
The formation of the Pacific Hydrogen Alliance is expected to bring in revenue of $100,000 provided by the Department of Energy for the Twin Cities Program. This funding will support initial operational costs and further the objectives of the partnership.
Background:
The Pacific Hydrogen Alliance (PHA) is a proposed non-profit organization to be incorporated in California, dedicated to advancing hydrogen energy solutions at the municipal level. The mission of PHA is to promote sustainable practices, accelerate progress toward carbon neutrality, and foster a global transition to clean hydrogen energy through collaborative efforts among diverse cities. PHA aims to unite cities with a shared vision of a hydrogen-powered future, serving as a catalyst for knowledge sharing, strategic collaboration, and the development of best practices in hydrogen technology. By leveraging the unique strengths and experiences of its member cities, PHA strives to create scalable hydrogen solutions that benefit the planet, economy, and diverse communities.
Member cities include Lancaster, California, a leader in renewable energy that has achieved net-zero emissions and aims to become the first hydrogen city in the United States; Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, a pioneer in hydrogen deployment committed to becoming a zero-carbon city and home to one of the world's largest renewable hydrogen demonstration plants; and the County of Hawai‘i, Hawaii, which boasts a diverse portfolio of renewable resources and focuses on hydrogen advancement in the transportation sector to achieve carbon neutrality.
The Pacific Hydrogen Alliance will engage in activities such as hosting educational workshops, seminars, and informational sessions on hydrogen technology; developing collaborative projects to deploy hydrogen solutions across member cities; implementing community outreach programs to promote the adoption of hydrogen technologies; advocating for policies and regulations that support the growth of the hydrogen economy; and supporting research and development efforts to innovate and improve hydrogen technologies. In the past, the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have launched an initiative, the Twin Cities Program, to build municipal bonds for mutual benefit. Lancaster, Namie, and the County of Hawai‘i have joined this initiative and are committed to sharing knowledge, networks, and strategies for accelerating hydrogen progress and adopting fuel cell technologies. The three cities aim to make significant progress toward carbon neutrality by 2035 by focusing on personal impacts on citizens, hydrogen infrastructure, and environmental benefits.
By working together, the Pacific Hydrogen Alliance aims to pave the way for a hydrogen- powered future, demonstrate hydrogen’s potential as a clean, sustainable energy source, and inspire global change.
Attachment:
Draft 1023 Application Draft Articles of Incorporation Draft Bylaws