Hydrogen is the future and Northeast Ohio and Canton area leading the way | Opinion

Ask anyone to identify the center of innovation in zero-emission transportation and they are likely to answer San Francisco, Seattle, even Tokyo. But in reality, one of the world leaders in the use of clean alternative fuels is located right here in Canton, Ohio where the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority operates one of the largest fleets of hydrogen fuel cell-powered transit vehicles in North America and the world. 

SARTA’s journey to national and international prominence in the development and deployment of hydrogen fuel cell-powered technology began in 2010 when we decided to replace our diesel buses with zero-emission vehicles. As we planned our transition, we carefully studied diesel electric hybrids, vehicles powered by compressed natural gas, and battery electrics.  

Frankly, hydrogen fuel cells weren’t even on our radar screen. 

But as we learned more and more about alternative fuels, it became apparent that hydrogen was the long-term sustainability solution we were seeking. Few in the transit industry agreed. Most believed the propulsion and power systems would fail under the wear and tear of daily use. We decided there was only one way to find out: buy a bus and run it. 

So, we did just that by securing tens of millions of dollars in state and federal grants that paid for our first hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus, the 21 others we’ve purchased over the years, as well as the fueling station that keeps them running.   

More than a decade and millions of miles later, we’ve been proved right. The vast amount of data we’ve accumulated and practical experience we’ve gained by operating our hydrogen fuel cell-powered fleet on the streets and highways of Stark County in every imaginable type of weather over the past 10 years clearly demonstrates that hydrogen is the best zero-emission solution available in the marketplace today. 

Obviously, we did not build our award-winning hydrogen-powered transit system by accident — or overnight. Our journey to national and international prominence in hydrogen fuel cell-powered technology was driven by vision, innovation, determination, collaboration, and perhaps most importantly the support of the community, business and labor leaders, elected officials and residents who enthusiastically embraced the project from day one.   

Today, hydrogen is poised to become an essential component of America’s comprehensive energy strategy. But like all emerging technologies, it needs the right tools to succeed. One of the most important those tools is the hydrogen production tax credit, known as 45V.

Preserving 45V will enable us to continue building on the progress that’s been made in Stark County. That’s why we at SARTA believe Ohio’s members of Congress — on both sides of the aisle — should fight to keep it available. 

The 45V credit isn’t about subsidies — it’s about driving investment in America’s energy future. The credit helps lower the cost of hydrogen, unlocks private sector innovation, strengthens U.S. manufacturing, and boosts our global competitiveness. It ensures we can produce clean hydrogen affordably, using our abundant natural gas and carbon capture resources here in Ohio and across the country. 

The U.S. House and Senate are preparing to make critical choices regarding tax policy and energy investment. From the local level to the halls of Congress, we need leaders who recognize that preserving 45V is not just good for hydrogen — it's good for jobs, good for the economy, and good for energy security. 

At SARTA, we have demonstrated that clean, reliable hydrogen power can work. Preserving the 45V tax credit will enable communities across Ohio, the nation, and the world to emulate our success. Congress should not allow politics to stand in their way.

Kirt Conrad is CEO of the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority.