Vote Solar Response to Mid-Atlantic Hydrogen Hubs

Earlier today, the Biden-Harris administration announced a $7 billion investment to launch seven hydrogen hubs across the country, including the Mid-Atlantic Hydrogen Hub impacting Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, as well as the Appalachian Hydrogen Hub covering Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. We are deeply concerned that these hubs may have the perverse effect of increasing pollution while diverting clean energy from more efficient uses.

“We are deeply concerned by this morning’s announcement that the Biden-Harris administration has approved funding for seven hydrogen hubs across the country, including two in our region: the Mid-Atlantic Hydrogen Hub for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, and the Appalachian Hydrogen Hub for Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.

“These hubs have the potential to increase pollution, divert clean energy from more urgent uses, and cause additional harm to already overburdened communities. We are especially concerned with funding for the Appalachian Hydrogen Hub, which will be fueled in large part by fracked gas. Creating hydrogen from fossil fuels risks further sacrificing frontline communities; this is a win for the fossil fuel industry but a step backward for a clean energy transition that puts people first,” said Elowyn Corby, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director of national clean energy non-profit Vote Solar. “We should be prioritizing real clean energy, which represents the safest and most direct solution to our climate crisis. Solar saves money, creates jobs, and keeps our air clean. A 100% clean energy future is now an achievable reality thanks to technological advances, plummeting costs, and overwhelming public support. Today’s announcement is a step in the wrong direction.”