PennFuture Responds to Gov. Wolf's Hydrogen Hub Announcement on May 16

“The Regional Hydrogen Hub partnership announced by Governor Tom Wolf on May 16 is the latest scheme by the fossil fuel industry to draw in taxpayer dollars and perpetuate fracking,” said PennFuture President and CEO Jacquelyn Bonomo. “The greenwashing on display today unfortunately clouds an important point—hydrogen and carbon capture technologies, particularly those backed by renewable energy, may play a targeted role in decarbonizing our economy. What the Governor and industry are pursuing is the complete opposite.

PennFuture recognizes the role that manufacturing and energy play in Pennsylvania’s economy, but one thing standing between a more prosperous and clean Commonwealth is our outmoded reliance on fossil fuels. Development of carbon capture technology should be encouraged, particularly for existing, hard-to-decarbonize facilities that must continue to operate in a zero-carbon future. Pennsylvania doesn’t need a misguided hydrogen hub to accomplish this.

Similarly, hydrogen may play a niche role for industrial users and there are many countries investing in so-called ‘green hydrogen,’ created using renewable energy. Despite that, Pennsylvania’s leaders seem intent on prioritizing dirty versions of hydrogen derived from fossil fuels, which is more of the same from a Commonwealth that has tied its economy to fossil fuels for centuries.

Pennsylvania needs a true, modern clean energy strategy—not more subsidy schemes or the same regional fracking playbook with ‘hydrogen’ slapped on the cover. PennFuture encourages the Commonwealth to develop and implement a truly future-oriented energy strategy based on fast-growing renewable energy and vehicle electrification, as well as targeted carbon capture and green hydrogen projects.  

PennFuture believes in a future where Pennsylvania is a leader in green manufacturing and renewable energy. We also believe in a future that embraces a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs while simultaneously combating the climate crisis. The plan announced today will put Pennsylvania further behind in achieving those visions by continuing to tether our economy to fracking." 

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PennFuture is Pennsylvania’s leading environmental advocacy organization with offices in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Erie and East Stroudsburg. We are protecting our air, water and land, and empowering citizens to build sustainable communities for future generations.

Contact:
Jared Stonesifer
Director of Media Relations
stonesifer@pennfuture.org
412.456.2372