Energy Department Preserves Nearly $5 Billion for Hydrogen Hubs, Including Two Hubs Critical to Pennsylvania

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced it will preserve nearly $5 billion in funding for five hydrogen hubs across the country, including two with significant Pennsylvania partnerships - the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) and the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2). This decision confirms awards for five hubs following a broader DOE review of more than 2,200 energy projects.

"I am proud to have fought for this funding and to see it preserved," said Senator Dave McCormick. "These two hydrogen hubs are expected to create 41,000 jobs, putting skilled building trades workers such as pipefitters, electricians, carpenters, and welders to work constructing the infrastructure for these new projects. This is a win for Pennsylvania workers, our economy, and our energy future. Pennsylvania has always been an energy leader, and these hubs ensure we remain at the forefront of what comes next."

In response to Senator McCormick's question about funding for the hydrogen hubs during the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing today, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said "We are absolutely funding these in phases and will be working with those various contracting groups to see their progress and is it continuing on a pathway to get to a good result."

A hydrogen hub is a regional network connecting the producers, distributors, and users of hydrogen energy. Clean hydrogen can be produced from a range of domestic sources, including nuclear power, renewables, and fossil fuels with carbon capture making it one of the most versatile tools available for reducing emissions in heavy industry and long-haul transportation.

MACH2, serving Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, is expected to create over 20,000 jobs. ARCH2, serving Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, is expected to create more than 21,000 jobs. These hubs build on Pennsylvania's long history as an American energy leader, reinforcing an all-of-the-above energy strategy while driving innovation and deployment in a region where both population and power demand continue to grow.

"MACH2 is deeply grateful to Senator McCormick for his unwavering commitment to the Pennsylvania hydrogen hubs and the hydrogen industry. His leadership has been critical in preserving this funding and sets the path for PA to continue its long history as a pioneer in American energy and industrial dominance," says Manny Citron, COO of MACH2.

"ARCH2 is pleased to receive notification from the U.S. Department of Energy this week to continue moving forward with our hydrogen hub. This milestone, made possible through the support of our Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio Congressional delegations, especially Senators McCormick and Capito, affirms our shared commitment to advancing regional development and economic growth in Appalachia," said Shawn Bennett, spokesperson for ARCH2.

"I appreciate the hard work of Senator Dave McCormick on making sure that we saved the hydrogen hub jobs for working people. These jobs are not only good for the country, but they create a lot of construction jobs for various building trades unions and anything that creates jobs - we are in favor of. We appreciate the hard work of Senator Dave McCormick on always thinking about working people and looking out for the jobs of the workers we represent," said Ken Broadbent, Business Manager for Steamfitters Local 449 in Pittsburgh, PA.

"We are incredibly grateful for Senator McCormick's steadfast leadership and his proactive engagement with the Department of Energy to preserve these vital hydrogen hubs. His personal advocacy comes at a critical moment, ensuring that Southwestern Pennsylvania remains at the forefront of the national energy dominance agenda," said Stefani Pashman, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development. "The Allegheny Conference has worked diligently to build the regional case and mobilize our industrial partners, and this victory validates our collective efforts to activate strategic assets that will stimulate our economy. Production of hydrogen has enormous upstream and downstream opportunities. Together, we are securing a future that leverages our natural gas infrastructure to create tens of thousands of jobs and positions our Commonwealth as a leader in the global energy transition."

"The Pennsylvania State Building and Construction Trades would like to thank Senator McCormick for his perseverance on the construction of the two hydrogen hubs in Pennsylvania. These projects are critical in helping achieve energy independence while creating over 40,000 jobs, many of which will be members of the building trades. The Senator has committed to building energy projects and this announcement reaffirms his commitment to build in Pennsylvania and to reach energy independence," said Rob Bair, President, PA State Building and Construction Trades.

"Senator McCormick's commitment to preserving these two hydrogen hubs is a direct investment in Pennsylvania workers. These projects are expected to generate more than 40,000 jobs, with thousands of them in the building trades, while reinforcing Pennsylvania as a national leader in energy production. Our members appreciate Senator McCormick's leadership and support because when America's infrastructure needs things built, our skilled workers show up to get the job done," said Jim Snell, Business Manager, Steamfitters Local 420.

###