For Immediate Release
January 27, 2025
Contacts:
Tracy Carluccio, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, tracy@delawareriverkeeper.org 215.692.2329 (cell and text)
Zulene Mayfield, Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living, zmmills@aol.com 302.397.1804 (cell and text)
January 27, 2025 – Organizations and community leaders denounce the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) for awarding funding to the Mid-Atlantic Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) that is planned for Southeastern Pennsylvania, South/Central New Jersey, and the state of Delaware. Late Friday afternoon, January 17, 2025, OCED rushed a last-minute approval of $18.8 million to MACH2, trying to beat the clock before the incoming Trump Administration shut down funding approved under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. The award is a fraction of the $750 million in federal dollars intended for MACH2. The $18.8 million awarded must be matched by $23.2 million in private investment, and is supposed to be used for Phase 1 of the Hub for up to 15 months.
The MACH2 Hydrogen Hub has sparked strong public opposition since it was announced in the fall of 2023. A network of organizations representing communities from all three states within the MACH2 footprint has accused MACH2 and OCED of shutting out the public and hiding critical information about how communities would be impacted by the proposed hydrogen hub projects. The groups and community leaders have been protesting MACH2 events throughout 2024, launched a STOP MACH2 website and Action Network platform, submitted letters to the agency and MACH2 leadership, voiced criticism at OCED/MACH2 meetings, and met with federal elected officials to register their complaints. The pollution that would result from burning hydrogen, the public safety threats from hydrogen projects and its infrastructure, and the emission of greenhouse gases by hydrogen energy development and usage endanger communities in the MACH2 region, especially those already overburdened with unjust and degrading environmental problems.
“Since Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living has learned that our community will be impacted by MACH2 Hydrogen Hub we have pleaded for information on its projects. Repeatedly we have had doors closed in our face. Apparently they want to pollute us, but not talk to us. We say NO!!”, said Zulene Mayfield, Chairperson, Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living (CRCQL).
“MACH2 funding is an enormous mistake and a waste of taxpayer money. The award announcement didn’t even disclose where the projects they are planning would go, continuing to keep the public in the dark. The only thing for certain is that the MACH2 Hydrogen Hub will result in pollution, unacceptable danger, and degradation for communities in PA, NJ, and Delaware and will make the climate crisis worse. MACH2 must be halted before any funds are spent,” said Tracy Carluccio, Deputy Director, Delaware Riverkeeper Network.
“We stand together with all of the communities that would be most impacted, our allies and the planet in saying NO to the MACH2 Hydrogen Hub. It will not protect us from harm or climate change, is a grossly expensive boondoggle and diverts us from implementing real energy solutions that are truly renewable and sustainable - like wind, solar, and building electrification,” said Amy Goldsmith, NJ State Director, Clean Water Action.
“The public did not find out that funds were being awarded to the MACH2 hydrogen hub until it had happened. Since the hubs were first announced more than a year ago, the public has been kept in the dark about them. Community groups and advocacy organizations have fought to have a say in the consequential decisions currently being made behind closed doors. We were concerned that we would be deprived of a voice in the matter. Throwing money at the hub in the final hours of the Biden administration demonstrates that our concerns were, and are, well-founded,” said Karen Feridun, Co-founder of the Better Path Coalition and No False Climate Solutions PA.
“The entire green hydrogen industry is a house of cards waiting to fail. The need for green hydrogen as a decarbonizing tool is minimal. Most applications are better served by batteries and direct connections to grids powered by solar, wind and hydro. The green hydrogen production process is very inefficient and wastes a great deal of energy. The cost must be reduced by 80% in order for it to be competitive. The only reason for such a high level of industry interest is to get some of the federal funding through the 45V tax credits. If Donald Trump and Elon Musk want to cut government spending this (along with subsidies for carbon capture) is an excellent place to start,” said Ken Dolsky, EmpowerNJ board member.
“The Delaware Concerned Residents for Environmental Justice (DCR4EJ) call upon the Mid Atlantic Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) to engage in transparent and inclusive decision-making processes. Communities affected by MACH2's initiatives deserve a seat at the table to ensure that past harms are acknowledged and future actions are just. DCR4EJ urges MACH2 to provide clear and specific Community Benefits Plans that prevent harm and address existing inequities, ensuring community voices are integral to every step of the decision-making process.” said Dora Williams, Leader in DCR4EJ with Roby Anstett of the Claymont Coalition for Environmental Justice.
"The funding award of the MACH2 Hydrogen Hub is an affront to the very essence of life in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware—our waterways, our lands, and our communities. These projects are built on failed economics and a disregard for the environmental devastation they leave in their wake. In the midst of an ongoing drought warning in these states, we must ask: How much more must we endure before we realize that true security lies in nurturing the resources we already have, not in dangerous experiments that will leave us with nothing but poisoned waters and hollow promises? As protectors of sacred water and Earth, we oppose decisions that sacrifice our future for short-sighted gain. Knowledge is power; we in the northeast must protect what is sacred now, or we risk losing it forever," said Rachel Dawn Davis, Public Policy & Justice Organizer, Waterspirit.
“We need cumulative impact studies to clearly investigate the toxic air and water health harms to our already overburdened communities. Our communities do NOT consent to this highly dangerous and taxpayer expensive MACH 2 experiment!” stated Lora Snyder, Del-Chesco United for Pipeline Safety, leadership team.
“Rather than pursuing the just transition called for by frontline communities for decades now, the Biden Administration decided as one of its final acts to award funding to an inefficient, unproven, and dangerous hydrogen hub for our communities without any meaningful engagement. The MACH2 Hydrogen Hub should receive no further funding,” Extinction Rebellion Philadelphia said.
“While the hydrogen hub will have deleterious effects on all of Delaware, we know which neighborhoods will suffer the most from hydrogen manufacturing, storage, and transport. These neighborhoods along the Route 9 corridor have not been informed of the grave hazards coming and, once again, will be overburdened with more pollution. This is environmental injustice at its core. All Delaware citizens should be alarmed.” said a resident of Wilmington, Delaware.
EDIT 2/1/25: OCED CANCELLED the meeting MACH2 Hub at 12pm on February 13. Many questions and continued public criticism are expected.
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