Today, Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) applauded a $1.2 billion federal investment in California as a regional hydrogen hub, which will generate 220,000 jobs statewide. California was selected as one of seven regional hydrogen hubs, and the state’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) LLC will receive the largest awarded amount of all seven hubs. Today’s announcement follows extensive advocacy from Rep. Porter.

“Creating a strong, stable, globally competitive economy means investing in the technology of tomorrow—and the new jobs we are creating in California are a testament to what’s possible,” said Rep. Porter. “I’ve seen firsthand how California has led the charge in research, development, and implementation of clean energy, and I’ve been pressing the federal government to support the cutting-edge work happening in our state. Today’s landmark award will help promote innovation, reduce pollution, and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs.”

Rep. Porter has been a champion for ARCHES, meeting with researchers, environmental advocates, and labor leaders about the importance of the partnership. Earlier this year, she wrote to the Biden Administration in support of the ARCHES proposal for the funding awarded today. The ARCHES hydrogen hub will serve as a blueprint for developing renewable energy-fueled public transportation, heavy-duty trucking, and port operations and is estimated to cut 2 million metric tons of pollution each year, roughly equivalent to 445,000 gasoline-powered vehicles. The statewide hub is expected to generate 130,000 construction jobs and 90,000 permanent jobs in California, and it includes rigorous standards to promote environmental justice and channel at least 40% of project benefits into disadvantaged communities. 

Rep. Porter has spearheaded clean hydrogen as a growing alternative to fossil fuels. In addition to her advocacy for ARCHES, Rep. Porter introduced two bipartisan bills to incentivize hydrogen fuel cell technology in ports and heavy-duty trucks, two energy-intensive industries that benefit less from technology used in battery-powered vehicles. During the annual appropriations process earlier this year, Rep. Porter pushed for research and development of clean energy technologies like hydrogen fuel. In 2021, Rep. Porter brought Labor Secretary Marty Walsh to California to tour UCI’s clean energy infrastructure and hear about the National Fuel Cell Research Center. She visited again last year to learn more about the center’s ongoing innovative work. Rep. Porter continues to emphasize the economic advantages of our clean energy transition.

For pictures of Rep. Porter touring hydrogen facilities, click HERE.

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