1. a. There is established in the Board of Public Utilities the New Jersey Fuel Cell Task Force. The purpose of the task force shall be to develop a plan to increase the use of fuel cells in the State and to provide information, education, and resources for that purpose. The task force shall:

(1) serve as a resource to State departments and local governments on fuel cell issues;

(2) assist in the growth of fuel cell businesses in the State;

(3) increase the use of fuel cells throughout State government departments and agencies;

(4) develop a strategy for the development of infrastructure to support the use of fuel cells; and

(5) provide information and educational materials to the public, government, and industry about the use and benefits of fuel cells.

In conducting its duties, the task force shall consult with the United States Department of Energy and any fuel cell organizations that may exist in other states.

b. The task force shall consist of 15 members as follows:

(1) The Commissioner of Environmental Protection, the President of the Board of Public Utilities, the Commissioner of Transportation, the Commissioner of Community Affairs, the Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, who shall serve ex officio, or their respective designees; and

(2) the following public members, appointed by the Governor:

(a) one member representing a fuel cell advocacy group in the State;

(b) one member representing fuel cell manufacturers;

(c) one member representing suppliers of hydrogen for fuel cells;

(d) one member representing fuel cell vehicle manufacturers;

(e) two members of the academic community with expertise in fuel cells;

(f) one member representing a manufacturer of stationary fuel cells;

(g) one member with expertise in fuel cell powered material handling equipment;

(h) one member representing local government with expertise in municipal land use matters; and

(i) one member with expertise in retail fuel sales and distribution.

c. All appointments to the task force shall be made no later than 90 days after the effective date of this act. Each public member shall serve for four years or until a successor is appointed, and vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. The members of the task force shall serve without compensation, but shall be eligible for reimbursement for necessary and reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties within the limits of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the task force for its purposes.

d. The task force shall organize as soon as practicable following the appointment of all its public members and shall select a chairperson and a vice-chairperson from among its members, as well as a secretary who need not be a member of the task force. A majority of the full membership of the task force shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of task force business. The task force may meet and hold hearings at the place or places the task force designates.

The Board of Public Utilities shall provide staff support to the task force. The task force shall be entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of the employees of any State, county, or municipal department, board, bureau, commission, or agency as the task force may require and as may be available to the task force for its purposes.

e. No later than one year after its organization, and annually thereafter, the task force shall prepare and submit to the Governor and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C. 52:14-19.1), to the Legislature, a report detailing the task force’s plan to increase the use of fuel cells in the State, including any recommendations for legislative or regulatory action that are necessary to effectuate the plan.

L.2020, c.38.