California Lawmakers Lead Push to Preserve Hydrogen Hub Funding

WASHINGTON — California’s Democratic Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, along with Reps. George Whitesides and Mike Levin, led a bipartisan, bicameral delegation of 45 lawmakers in a letter asking the Department of Energy to preserve funding for hydrogen production hubs.

The delegation specifically targeted California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems. The letter came on the heels of reports the department is considering eliminating funding for the development of four hydrogen hubs, including ARCHES.

ARCHES is a statewide public-private partnership dedicated to advancing the hydrogen economy and clean energy innovation, according to the website.

Among the Republican representatives supporting the effort are Young Kim, Jay Obernolte, Vince Fong and David Valadao.

The letter stated the cuts would break existing agreements while leading to significant job losses and a reduction in growth of new energy resources.

The letter went on to say, “The investment is already being used to bring together private industry, local governments, and community organizations to collaborate and build a secure, American-made energy future.”

ARCHES is expected to create 220,000 good-paying jobs, from research and development to manufacturing and maintenance of renewable hydrogen systems.

“This, in turn, promotes public-private partnerships to expand our STEM workforce.”

“As bipartisan members of the California delegation, we write with concern about reports that the U.S. Department of Energy is planning to cancel the hydrogen hub award commitment made to California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems,” wrote the lawmakers.

“As the administration evaluates existing energy investments and pathways to make energy affordable, we respectfully urge you to continue supporting the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems Hub in California. ARCHES plays a critical role in securing American energy dominance, advancing world-leading energy technology, creating new manufacturing jobs, and lowering energy costs for American families.”

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