Senators Sound the Alarm: Cancelling Hydrogen Hub Funding is ‘Illegal and Harmful,’ Lawmakers Say

Photo by Aaron Kittredge

A coalition of 27 Democratic U.S. senators is pushing back against the Department of Energy’s (DOE) potential cancellation of hydrogen hubs and other clean energy projects, calling the move both unlawful and damaging to America’s energy future.

https://www.h2-view.com/story/democrat-senators-doe-plan-to-cancel-hydrogen-hub-funding-illegal-and-harmful/2124067.article

Led by Senators Martin Heinrich and Patty Murray, the April 2 letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright criticized the DOE for allegedly creating a “hit list” of projects—mostly in Democratic-leaning states—that could lose funding secured under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The senators emphasized that dismantling these initiatives without congressional approval violates federal law and could significantly harm energy consumers, grid security, and innovation.

The warning follows reports that only hydrogen hubs located in blue states were included on the list, fueling concerns of political bias. Among the seven regional hydrogen hubs selected for $7 billion in BIL funding, four are based in Democratic strongholds.

The senators warned: “Dissolving contracts, cancelling grants and loans and reneging on loan guarantees without any intention to execute the laws is not only illegal but is harmful to the public and energy consumers.” They argued that only Congress—not the President, DOE, or the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—has the constitutional authority to alter funding once enacted.

They further explained that if the DOE disagrees with the direction of such programs, the correct legal course would be to formally request Congress to rescind the funding. The process to change the IRA or BIL involves introducing legislation, winning approval in both chambers, and navigating Senate rules such as the filibuster.

This latest letter adds to mounting pressure from lawmakers who have also voiced concern about protecting key clean energy incentives like the 45V hydrogen production tax credit.

For more information

https://www.energy.gov

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Hydrogen Aviation & Clean Hydrogen Hubs FAQ

1. What is hydrogen aviation?

   1. Hydrogen aviation is the use of hydrogen fuel—via fuel cells or direct combustion—to power aircraft with zero or near-zero carbon emissions.

2. What are clean hydrogen hubs?

   1. These are regional networks supported by public and private entities to produce, store, and distribute hydrogen for use in transportation, industry, and energy.

3. What is the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)?

   1. BIL is a 2021 U.S. law that allocates federal funding for infrastructure, including $7 billion for regional hydrogen hubs to boost clean energy development.

4. What is the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)?

   1. Passed in 2022, the IRA includes tax incentives and funding mechanisms for clean energy, including hydrogen production and carbon reduction strategies.

5. Why are hydrogen hubs being reconsidered by the DOE?

   1. Recent political shifts and executive orders have prompted a review of funding priorities, sparking concern that some projects may be cancelled or delayed.

6. What is the 45V tax credit?

   1. A clean hydrogen production tax credit included in the IRA to encourage low-emission hydrogen development by offering financial incentives.

7. Is hydrogen a viable fuel for aviation?

   1. Yes, hydrogen is increasingly seen as a sustainable option to decarbonize aviation, offering high energy density and zero emissions when used in fuel cells.

8. How does hydrogen help energy grid security?

   1. Hydrogen can store excess renewable energy, provide backup power, and diversify fuel sources, enhancing overall grid stability and resilience.

9. Can the DOE cancel funding on its own?

   1. According to legal experts and senators, the DOE cannot unilaterally revoke congressionally approved funding without following a formal legislative process.

10. What’s at stake if hydrogen hub funding is withdrawn?

    1. Potential setbacks include job losses, higher energy costs, stalling innovation, and reduced momentum toward decarbonizing critical sectors like aviation.