REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: GREGORY BARFIELD, MA., Director Department of Transportation SUBJECT ..Title RESOLUTION - To approve membership in the First Public Hydrogen Authority and authorizing the City Manager or their designee to execute a counterpart to the Joint Powers Authority Agreement ..Body RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Council approve a Resolution authorizing membership in the First Public Hydrogen Authority and authorizing the City Manager or their designee to execute a counterpart to the Joint Powers Authority Agreement. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The City of Lancaster, in partnership with the City of Industry, has established the First Public Hydrogen Authority (FPH2) to facilitate the development of green hydrogen. This initiative aims to create a sustainable and economically viable hydrogen ecosystem by aggregating demand from various public and private stakeholders, thereby achieving lower hydrogen prices through bulk procurement. BACKGROUND The City of Lancaster, in partnership with the City of Industry, has established the First Public Hydrogen Authority (FPH2) to facilitate the development of green hydrogen. This initiative aims to create a sustainable and economically viable hydrogen ecosystem by aggregating demand from various public and private stakeholders, thereby achieving lower hydrogen prices through bulk procurement. FPH2's operational model is designed to aggregate hydrogen demand across a wide array of stakeholders including transit agencies, municipalities, and port authorities. This collective demand will enable the procurement of green hydrogen at significantly reduced prices compared to current market rates, promoting wider adoption and utilization. Membership in FPH2 offers a unique opportunity to participate in an innovative, collaborative initiative aimed at accelerating the transition to green hydrogen. FPH2 invites all potential members to join this groundbreaking endeavor to collectively enhance our energy resilience and sustainability. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378 this item does not quality as a "project", therefore it is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act requirements. LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference is not application as this request for approval does not include the selection of a contractor FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact for a First Public Hydrogen Authority Membership Attachments: Resolution for FPH2 Membership First Public Hydrogen Authority signed JPA, December 10, 2024