PORTER CO. — Indiana Conservation Voters and other allied groups will hold a press conference on June 22 to highlight the lack of transparency in a multibillion-dollar hydrogen hub proposal that various heavy industrial polluters in Indiana and six other midwestern states have recently proposed to the Department of Energy.
The group will be sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Energy and MachH2 formalizing its concerns around the planning process.
WHO: Indiana Conservation Voters
WHAT: Hydrogen hub industry accountability press conference
WHEN: Thursday, June 22 at 11:30 a.m. CT
WHERE: Search “Solar Farm” in Sedley on google maps, or use coordinates 41.502965721215745, -87.16153229242595, enter at 495 W 450 N, Sedley, IN
Indiana coalition is one of 33 groups around the United States that the U.S. Department of Energy has encouraged to move forward in its Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, or H2Hubs, program.
The program aims to award $7 billion to fund six to 10 hydrogen hub projects focused on the production, processing, delivery, storage, and end use of clean hydrogen, with the goal of boosting the nation’s hydrogen economy.
“This process involves some of Indiana’s biggest polluters and negotiations are happening almost entirely in the dark,” said Chris Chyung, Executive Director of Indiana Conservation Voters. “We want to bring attention to that lack of transparency and ensure that the federal government and industry interests are prioritizing emissions reductions; expansion of renewables, storage, and transmission; environmental justice; and family-supporting jobs as it moves forward.”
Chyung said that claims of community engagement thus far in this process have been unsubstantiated, and it’s imperative for Hoosiers to understand that hydrogen production can sharply increase emissions if not powered by renewables.
Indiana Conservation Voters is a 501(c)4 affiliate of the League of Conservation Voters that champions legislation to improve the state’s environment, economy, and competitive edge. By working with a wide range of stakeholders, and by educating lawmakers and the public about our priorities, together we can achieve meaningful change for all Hoosiers.
