DOE Cancels Hydrogen Hub Projects, Sparking Bipartisan Criticism
The Department of Energy (DOE) has cancelled several hydrogen hub projects and grants, impacting both Republican and Democratic districts. The moves have sparked criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
The DOE's cancelled projects include the ARCHES hub in California and another in the Pacific Northwest, affecting Republican-led Montana. A $20 million award cancelled for a Texas manufacturing facility, represented by Republican Rep. John Carter, was expected to create over 270 jobs. Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) supported the cuts, citing his opposition to government subsidies. The DOE also cancelled a $6 million grant for a rural electric cooperative in Rep. Evans' district.
While there are no known open letters from leading Republican representatives directly addressing Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm regarding the ARCHES hub's cancelled, there have been previous information requests from Republican lawmakers about the 'Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs' program. In June 2023, a group of Republican representatives, including Kathy McMorris Rodgers (Washington), Frank Lucas (Oklahoma), and Bill Johnson (Ohio), sent a letter to the DOE questioning the selection and financing of the hydrogen hubs, including ARCHES. The ARCHES hub is a California-led project with significant support from the state's governor, industry, universities, and energy and environmental agencies.
House Appropriations ranking member Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) criticized the cancelled projects, stating they would hurt Americans who voted for both parties. Four Republican House members previously signed a letter urging the DOE not to cancel funding for the ARCHES hydrogen hub. White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought justified the cancelled projects as retribution against Democrats and to dismantle the 'Green New Scam'. At least 28 Republican lawmakers and 108 Democrats would see spending tied to their districts cancelled. Rep. Gabe Evans (R-Colo.) toured United Power's Mountain Peak natural gas peaking plant, a move away from coal. The Trump administration previously cancelled over $7.5 billion in energy grants, affecting more than two dozen Republican districts.
The cancelled hydrogen hub projects and grants by the DOE have raised concerns among lawmakers from both parties. While some Republicans have questioned the process and transparency of the program, there is no known direct call for the ARCHES hub's cancelled. The impact of these cancelled projects on both Republican and Democratic districts is expected to be significant, potentially affecting job creation and clean energy initiatives.
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