Fire safety standards: hydrogen facilities.

Assembly Member Carrillo's hydrogen safety legislation tasks the State Fire Marshal with appointing a dedicated expert to oversee fire safety standards at California's hydrogen production, storage, and distribution facilities. The appointed specialist will serve as the primary resource for implementing and clarifying safety protocols across the state's growing hydrogen infrastructure network.

The measure establishes new training requirements for local fire departments and building inspectors, mandating ongoing education to ensure consistent understanding and enforcement of hydrogen-specific safety standards statewide. This training component reflects the unique challenges posed by hydrogen facilities and aims to maintain uniform safety practices across jurisdictions.

The bill builds upon the existing framework of the Office of the State Fire Marshal, which currently oversees general fire protection measures through the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. By creating a specialized position focused on hydrogen safety, the legislation adapts state fire protection capabilities to address emerging energy technologies without requiring additional appropriations.