Morgan Caplan, morgan.caplan@sierraclub.org
HUNTINGTON, WV – The U.S. The Department of Energy (DOE) announced funding awards for seven hydrogen hubs across the country last week with the Appalachian Hub being one that will be located in West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 included $8 billion to fund Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs and the administration is required to fund at least four hydrogen hubs that produce different types of the fuel – at least one hub each for green, blue, and pink (powered by nuclear) hydrogen. While the Sierra Club only supports the use of green hydrogen – made through electrolysis that is powered by renewable energy – its end use must be used in sectors that can not easily be electrified and still has concerns due to safety and cost restraints.
The hubs announced last week will also have a Community Benefits Plan to engage local residents around environmental and energy justice issues, and DOE must ensure local communities are involved in the decision-making process.
Fossil fuel-based hydrogen, like “blue” hydrogen, is not a climate solution. Electrification is almost always a better investment to address climate change and offer consumers clean, affordable energy.
The following statement is from Honey May, Sierra Club’s West Virginia Chapter Director:
"The fossil fuel industry is using the banner of clean energy to confuse the critical distinctions between green and fossil-based hydrogen for elected leaders and community members. Establishing a fossil-based hub in West Virginia carries far-reaching consequences, impacting not only West Virginians but also residents of Ohio and Pennsylvania.
“Environmental repercussions, stemming from methane leaks and fracking, and concerns regarding carbon capture and sequestration, pose significant threats to public health and the environment. These threats include asthma, lung damage, and compromised immune function. It is imperative that federal and local lawmakers prioritize community input through the Community Benefit Plans outlined in the awards, and allocate substantial funding to green hydrogen initiatives.
"The ARCH2 proposal puts Appalachians at risk, and is counter to the goal of environmental justice in our communities."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.