The California Energy Commission recently approved a $95.2 million investment plan for fiscal year 2026-2027, continuing the state's buildout of zero-emission vehicle infrastructure.
For hydrogen, $15 million of that total goes directly to refueling infrastructure, as part of a broader package that also funds electric-vehicle charging and workforce training.
Here's how the money breaks down:
- $48 million for light-duty EV charging
- $30.2 million for medium- and heavy-duty ZEV infrastructure serving freight, ports, public fleets, and school buses
- $15 million for hydrogen refueling
- $2 million for ZEV workforce development
The plan builds on more than $2.7 billion in grant-focused investments made since 2008 through the Clean Transportation Program and supplemental state funds. Those investments have helped support what the CEC calls the nation’s largest network of hydrogen refueling stations, with funding allocated for more than 100 stations for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty fuel cell electric vehicles. The program has also funded more than 40 manufacturing projects supporting in-state economic growth and more than 30 workforce training projects tied to the clean transportation economy.
Equity is built into how these dollars are invested: state law requires at least half of Clean Transportation Program funds to benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities. As of March 2026, the program had already cleared that bar, with more than 62% of funds going to those communities.
“Funding made through the Clean Transportation Program, along with significant investment from other public and private sector partners, has made California the nation's leader in EV charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure," said CEC Commissioner Nancy Skinner. Governor Gavin Newsom also weighed in on the announcement, framing it as part of the state's continued push to put zero-emission infrastructure within reach of more communities.
Real-time station status for California's existing hydrogen network is always available through H2FCP's Station Operational Status System, allowing drivers and fleet operators to plan fueling stops using current information.
For H2FCP, this kind of sustained public investment is what a working hydrogen infrastructure buildout looks like in practice. It's not a single grant or a one-time announcement; it's a program that's run since 2008 and continues to invest in stations, fund manufacturing, and train workers year after year.
Want to stay on top of hydrogen infrastructure funding as it happens? Learn more about membership at h2fcp.org/join-us.
