The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently announced that the Florida Hydrogen Energy Technologies Act (FHETA), a legislative proposal focusing on hydrogen energy technologies and incentives, was unanimously approved last week by the Florida House of Representatives.

According to DEP, FHETA provides state companies with a four-year, 75-percent corporate tax credit for expenditures and a 100-percent sales tax exemption on related equipment purchasing. Additionally, DEP said the new legislation establishes the first statewide siting standard for hydrogen fueling infrastructure.

DEP noted that the Washington Economics Group, Inc. released last month an in-depth economic analysis of the proposed legislation, projecting that the bill could potentially bring in $47.3 million in hydrogen energy investments and 142 jobs to Florida in its first year.

"Hydrogen energy technology can make an important contribution to Florida's future, helping ensure energy independence and stable fuel prices, secure clean air and add jobs to the workforce," said DEP deputy secretary for regulatory programs and energy Allan Bedwell. "This legislative proposal will expand revolutionary energy technology, increase corporate investment and help diversify Florida's economy."

Contact: Matt Mitchell, Florida DEP, phone 850-245-2112, website http://www.dep.state.fl.us.

(EIN STAFF: 4/27)

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