(Washington, DC) – Former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, member of the Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future Leadership Council, released the following statement on the Biden Administration’s announcement that the greater Philadelphia area will be one of seven hydrogen hubs across 16 states to receive a combined $7 billion in federal grants:
“I applaud the Biden Administration’s decision to select the greater Philadelphia area as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2), part of President Biden’s historic Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that is strengthening America’s energy security, boosting our domestic manufacturing base, and creating new jobs and economic opportunities.
The IRA has jump started the American energy economy and revealed the importance of embracing a pragmatic approach to our energy policy. As we develop zero carbon hydrogen as a fuel source, it will need existing natural gas pipeline infrastructure to move it where it is needed. A recent academic report says investing in pipelines supports net-zero targets for this very reason. Permitting reform and building the infrastructure necessary to move both natural gas and renewable power at home and abroad is vital to building a strong American energy economy.
Further, hydrogen blending with natural gas can reduce the carbon content of the natural gas system, and potentially power hard-to-decarbonize, energy-intensive sectors like steel, cement, and others. We need these industries to be strong and ready to help rebuild our roads and bridges. It is more than just electricity and heat. We cannot forget about the jobs that come along with meaningful investments in energy infrastructure.
This is a historic opportunity for the United State to become a global leader in this multi-trillion-dollar market, one that U.S. climate envoy John Kerry says China is already trying to dominate. U.S. natural gas and its infrastructure are a key part of the clean energy future. The partnership between natural gas and renewable energy sources, like hydrogen, is the best way forward to lowering carbon emissions both here at home and abroad, while strengthening American energy security and independence.”
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About Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future
Natural Allies is a 501c4 not for profit organization that seeks to better inform the public and policy makers about why natural gas is best partnered with renewable power sources to accelerate our clean energy goals. Among the industry leaders supporting Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future are: The Williams Companies, Kinder Morgan, TC Energy, EQT, National Fuel Gas, Enbridge Inc., Solar Turbines a Caterpillar Company, Quanta Services, Inc., the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, International Union of Operating Engineers, Pipe Line Contractors Association, American Pipeline Contractors Association, Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA), INGAA Foundation and American Public Gas Association (APGA). To learn more visit: naturalalliesforcleanenergy.org.