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WASHINGTON, DC—Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) and David B. McKinley (R-WV) today announced the introduction of the Clean Hydrogen Deployment Act of 2021, legislation that would strengthen American competitiveness and address climate change by incentivizing use of low-emissions hydrogen.

“Throughout my time in Congress, I have pushed to advance meaningful legislation that will tackle climate change while supporting strong development of American industries,” Congressman Tonko said. “Clean hydrogen offers us an opportunity to secure a clean energy future, and in particular plays a powerful role greening difficult-to-decarbonize sectors including heavy-duty transportation and chemical and metals production. These promising results will not come to fruition without federal investment and support, which is why I’m proud to introduce the Clean Hydrogen Deployment Act alongside my friend Congressman McKinley. I urge my colleagues to join us in advancing this bipartisan legislation that will drive us to become a stronger, healthier nation.”

“Innovation is key to reducing emissions, and developing hydrogen as an energy source will be a key tool in reducing emissions. This legislation is critical for West Virginia and Appalachia as our region is positioned to be at the forefront of developing hydrogen solutions for the future,” said Rep. McKinley.

The Clean Hydrogen Deployment Act of 2021

• Establishes a pilot program—authorized at $370 million for Fiscal Year 2022 and $250 million annually for Fiscal Years 2023 through 2026—at the Department of Energy that:
• Uses a contract for difference model to offset increased costs and support clean hydrogen users
• Focuses on difficult-to-decarbonize sectors by requiring at least one project each in the power sector, transportation sector, an industrial feedstock, and as an industrial fuel
• Promotes innovative, high impact projects by requiring projects use hydrogen produced with 80% fewer greenhouse gas emissions & funding at least 2 zero-emission hydrogen projects
• Prioritizes projects that encourage wider commercial use of clean hydrogen in the future, mitigate NOx emissions, and reduce process-wide total greenhouse gas emissions
• Allows additional support for capital investment in hydrogen utilization, transport, and storage

A fact sheet of the legislation can be found HERE.

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