Rep. Boles Appointed to Hydrogen Task Force

July 20th, 2021

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, was named by Oklahoma Speaker of the House Charles McCall, R-Atoka, to the Hydrogen Production, Transportation and Infrastructure Task Force, which held its first meeting Monday.

The task force was created under Senate Bill 1021, which was passed by the Legislature and signed into law this spring, to hold at least one meeting each on issues regarding hydrogen production and the distribution of hydrogen.

“The hydrogen industry has the potential to be a multi-billion dollar industry, but right now, we don’t have a lot of working knowledge in this area,” said Boles, who serves as the chair of the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “We want to create a positive business atmosphere where Oklahoma can be a national leader in the hydrogen industry, just as we are in other energy sectors in our state. This task force will allow us as policymakers the chance to learn more about hydrogen and how we could utilize it to create a new facet of our economy, create new jobs and diversify our economy.”

The task force is chaired by Oklahoma Sec. of Energy & Environment Kenneth Wagner. Rep. Mark McBride serves as the House Co-Chair with Sen. Floor Leader Kim David serving as the Senate Co-Chair. There are seven other members as provided by the bill.

The task force’s initial meeting was held on Monday, July 19 in Oklahoma City.

After members of the task force were introduced, the chairs made opening statements and discussed the priorities, subcommittees and aims of the group. The meeting also included a presentation on the basics of hydrogen and how the hydrogen economy and ecosystem works and interacts with Oklahoma’s natural resources, as well as an opportunity for attendees to make comments.

The Task Force culminates on December 1, 2021 when a report on the items described in SB1021 is shared with the Governor, Speaker of the House, and President Pro Tempore of the Senate.