Earlier this month, ARCHES – a California initiative targeted towards the transition to renewable energy – teamed up with the U.S. Department of Energy to announce that California will receive $12.6 billion to build a brand-new Hydrogen Hub. The historical Hydrogen Hub will provide an enormous source of renewable energy for Californians while effectively creating work opportunities. The project is expected to create 220,000 new jobs, 90,000 permanent jobs, and 130,000 construction jobs. In addition, it will generate $2.95 billion per year in economic value, with 40% of project benefits flowing to disadvantaged communities. The project intends to impact low-income areas through community-directed investments, workforce training, and family-supporting jobs. From an environmental standpoint, it is projected to decrease yearly carbon emissions by up to 2 million metric tons.
Seven Hydrogen Hubs are expected to be developed in coming years, but California’s ARCHES hub is the first to officially sign an agreement with the Department of Energy. Rebuild enthusiastically supports the construction of the Hydrogen Hub, as it will encourage socioeconomic equity, prioritize clean energy and public health, and boost economic growth through increased job creation. The allocation of $12.6 billion indicates a united effort on the state and federal levels to improve the livelihood of California’s citizens.
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