Pa. hydrogen hubs earn bipartisan backing amid funding threat
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Two Biden-era clean energy projects in Pennsylvania have earned support from high-profile Democrats and Republicans, even as they come under President Trump's microscope.
Why it matters: The Keystone State in 2023 was awarded two hydrogen hub projects expected to funnel $1.7 billion in federal funds to the region, according to advocacy group Energy Future PA.
Context: The two hubs survived a round of $7.5 billion in Department of Energy cuts made earlier this month hitting mostly blue states, but a new list emerged a few days later targeting both Pennsylvania projects.
Between the lines: Hydrogen hubs plan to boost development and production of hydrogen fuel, in an effort to lower carbon emissions and address climate change.
- The Philadelphia-based Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub proposes producing hydrogen through renewable and nuclear energy.
- The West Virginia-based Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub, which includes portions of Southwest and Central Pennsylvania, will use natural gas to produce hydrogen.
What they're saying: Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, lambasted Trump on Oct. 11 for even considering eliminating hydrogen hub funding.
- "That's gonna harm Pennsylvania," he told reporters. "It's gonna kill thousands of union trade jobs. It's gonna make us less competitive. It's going to mean we're producing less energy. I have no idea why the president of the United States would want to do that."
Republican U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick said on Oct. 11 he was told that Energy Secretary Chris Wright was evaluating the funding but that no final decisions had been made.
- "I am advocating for keeping the funding because I think it's good for America's energy future, and I think it's good for Pennsylvania," McCormick told Axios.
Friction point: The projects are safe for now, but Philadelphia hub COO Manny Citron told WHYY earlier this month the uncertainty surrounding funding has made private partners move slower and act more cautious when working with the hubs.