Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus
07/30/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/30/2024 07:55
Building the Hydrogen Economy: All Eyes on Pittsburgh
Jul. 30, 2024
By State Rep. Valerie Gaydos
44th District
The future of clean energy is rapidly converging on Pennsylvania, and western Pennsylvania is poised at the heart of this transformative moment. On Aug. 14-15, senior U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) officials will arrive in Pittsburgh to engage with a diverse coalition of stakeholders from industry, banking, investment, trade unions and government. This meeting in Moon Township is a critical step in advancing our hydrogen economy.
Two years ago, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was heralded as a game-changer, allocating billions to develop seven regional hydrogen hubs nationwide. Pennsylvania was uniquely recognized with two awards - ARCH2 for Western Pennsylvania and MACH2 for Eastern Pennsylvania - each slated to receive $1 billion. However, despite this substantial federal commitment, not a single dollar has been spent, and bureaucratic delays are causing mounting frustration.
The stakes are high, and Pennsylvania is ready to deliver. Earlier this year, CNX Resources Corporation, based in Pittsburgh, unveiled plans for a groundbreaking hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel hub at Pittsburgh International Airport. This facility promises to drive hydrogen innovation, support aviation decarbonization, reduce transportation costs and boost supply chain efficiencies.
No other state matches Pennsylvania's potential for job creation, technological advancement and economic growth. We have a skilled workforce eager to tackle the challenges of hydrogen production, storage and transportation. To realize this potential, we need the federal government to act promptly.
It is particularly disheartening the IRA included requirements for each winning bid to include small businesses and underrepresented communities. Institutions like Cheney University, a historically black college and university, invested significant effort into their bids. Their initial enthusiasm is now overshadowed by concerns about the slow pace of federal action.
The workforce in Pittsburgh is equipped and enthusiastic, ready to drive forward with innovative projects. We need to capitalize on public-private partnerships and ensure state agencies streamline permitting and reduce regulatory burdens to help make these projects happen.
As DOE officials visit Pittsburgh next week, they will hear a unified message: Pennsylvania is primed and eager to advance. We have a wealth of small companies with innovative ideas, trade unions ready to train the next generation of workers, investors prepared to infuse capital, and researchers ready to push boundaries. It's time to unleash our collective potential and turn promises into progress.
Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) is a member of the House of Representatives Commerce, Government Oversight, Liquor Control (Republican Secretary) and Professional Licensure committees. She is a board member of Team PA Foundation and the Pennsylvania Energy Horizons Cross Sector Collaboration.
Representative Valerie Gaydos
44th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437
[email protected]
RepGaydos.com / Facebook.com/RepGaydos
44th District
The future of clean energy is rapidly converging on Pennsylvania, and western Pennsylvania is poised at the heart of this transformative moment. On Aug. 14-15, senior U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) officials will arrive in Pittsburgh to engage with a diverse coalition of stakeholders from industry, banking, investment, trade unions and government. This meeting in Moon Township is a critical step in advancing our hydrogen economy.
Two years ago, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was heralded as a game-changer, allocating billions to develop seven regional hydrogen hubs nationwide. Pennsylvania was uniquely recognized with two awards - ARCH2 for Western Pennsylvania and MACH2 for Eastern Pennsylvania - each slated to receive $1 billion. However, despite this substantial federal commitment, not a single dollar has been spent, and bureaucratic delays are causing mounting frustration.
The stakes are high, and Pennsylvania is ready to deliver. Earlier this year, CNX Resources Corporation, based in Pittsburgh, unveiled plans for a groundbreaking hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel hub at Pittsburgh International Airport. This facility promises to drive hydrogen innovation, support aviation decarbonization, reduce transportation costs and boost supply chain efficiencies.
No other state matches Pennsylvania's potential for job creation, technological advancement and economic growth. We have a skilled workforce eager to tackle the challenges of hydrogen production, storage and transportation. To realize this potential, we need the federal government to act promptly.
It is particularly disheartening the IRA included requirements for each winning bid to include small businesses and underrepresented communities. Institutions like Cheney University, a historically black college and university, invested significant effort into their bids. Their initial enthusiasm is now overshadowed by concerns about the slow pace of federal action.
The workforce in Pittsburgh is equipped and enthusiastic, ready to drive forward with innovative projects. We need to capitalize on public-private partnerships and ensure state agencies streamline permitting and reduce regulatory burdens to help make these projects happen.
As DOE officials visit Pittsburgh next week, they will hear a unified message: Pennsylvania is primed and eager to advance. We have a wealth of small companies with innovative ideas, trade unions ready to train the next generation of workers, investors prepared to infuse capital, and researchers ready to push boundaries. It's time to unleash our collective potential and turn promises into progress.
Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) is a member of the House of Representatives Commerce, Government Oversight, Liquor Control (Republican Secretary) and Professional Licensure committees. She is a board member of Team PA Foundation and the Pennsylvania Energy Horizons Cross Sector Collaboration.
Representative Valerie Gaydos
44th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437
[email protected]
RepGaydos.com / Facebook.com/RepGaydos
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