California Lawmakers Urge DOE to Preserve Hydrogen Hub Funding

A bipartisan group of nearly 50 lawmakers from California is urging the Department of Energy to preserve funding for the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES), amid reports of potential cuts to hydrogen production hubs. The lawmakers, including both Democratic and Republican representatives, argue that eliminating funding would violate existing contracts and jeopardize 220,000 jobs across the state. The requested funding is part of a $1.2 billion commitment aimed at advancing hydrogen technology and infrastructure to promote clean energy. The initiative is seen as critical for securing American energy dominance and fostering public-private partnerships. Energy Secretary Chris Wright is considering cuts as part of a broader effort to streamline energy investments, which has raised concerns among lawmakers about the future of clean energy projects in California. The funding for ARCHES is part of a larger $7 billion allocation for hydrogen hubs from the bipartisan infrastructure law.