Carper, Coons, Blunt Rochester Support Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub Proposal

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper, Chris Coons, and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) announced their support of the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub, a public-private partnership between Delaware, Southeastern Pennsylvania, and Southern New Jersey that would produce, distribute and use clean hydrogen to power our vehicles, airplanes, industries, and more. 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Carper, Coons, and Blunt Rochester helped author and pass into law, provided $9.5 billion for clean hydrogen research and development. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is now seeking proposals to award up to $7 billion in at least six regional clean hydrogen hubs – networks of clean hydrogen producers, potential consumers, and connective infrastructure within close proximity – to be located in different geographic regions across the United States. The Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub is a proposal that would combine Delaware and our surrounding region’s highly trained, unionized workforce with a strong manufacturing, chemical, and bioscience presence and existing infrastructure that can transport and store hydrogen. DOE reviewed the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub proposal and has officially encouraged the group to submit a full application. Final selections are expected later in 2023.

“Bringing a hydrogen hub to Delaware and our region will support good-paying union jobs and help us fight climate change – a win-win,” said Senator Carper, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “Clean hydrogen is the key to reducing emissions in the sectors of our economy, including heavy industry and transportation, which are the hardest to decarbonize. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supports the production and deployment of clean hydrogen and there isn’t anywhere better in the world for a hydrogen hub than Delaware. The Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub proposal combines our region’s biggest strengths – from our labor workforce and existing infrastructure to our large hydrogen production capacity and diverse demand across an array of industries – to make this an ideal location for a hydrogen hub.”

“The Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub proposal is a win for the climate and the First State. Investments in clean hydrogen will reduce pollution in our communities, create and sustain good-paying jobs, and power our industrial and transportation sectors with safe, reliable, and clean energy,” said Senator Coons, co-chair of the Bipartisan Senate Climate Solutions Caucus. “From our unparalleled innovation ecosystem and skilled union workforce, to our strong manufacturing base and existing infrastructure along the I-95 corridor, there’s no better place for a hydrogen hub than Delaware and the broader Mid-Atlantic region.”

“As the lowest lying state in the nation – Delawareans don’t need to be told about the impacts of climate change – they live it every single day. That’s why pursuing bold climate solutions that reduce carbon emissions while creating good-paying jobs is our path forward,” said Representative Blunt Rochester. “Clean hydrogen projects represent that potential and possibility and the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub proposal set forth with our regional partners is a truly exciting opportunity. Leveraging all the best aspects of our region – in particular our world-class workforce – there’s a cleaner, greener, and brighter path forward with lower emissions and better jobs.”

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