The Pacific Northwest is blessed with strong hydroelectric infrastructure that makes it a prime region to establish a national system for hydrogen production. With over 150 hydroelectric projects producing affordable, reliable, and clean energy, at times we are left with excess hydropower that can be readily available to supply hydrogen projects, which in turn, can fuel heavy transportation and manufacturing projects.

In April of this year, I wrote about the importance of the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub and how it will help boost energy and economic development in our region. Now, due to the shutdown of the federal government caused by Senate Democrats refusing to pass a clean a continuing resolution, funding for the Hub has been eliminated. On October 2, the Department of Energy (DOE) cancelled a grant award totaling $1 billion, effectively halting the project indefinitely. Following the announcement, I reached out to DOE Secretary Chris Wright asking this decision to be reversed. I remain fully committed to the success of the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub and the hundreds of jobs it will bring to Central Washington.

Apart from the dramatic increase in energy production, the Hub would bring thousands of new jobs in engineering, construction, and manufacturing that will boost economic development and investments in local communities in the PNW. Washington’s ports, both coastal and inland, would become global centers for hydrogen exports and supply international markets with clean American fuel.

Make no mistake, the elimination of funding for the Hub is a direct consequence of the federal government shutdown. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has broader funding authority during a shutdown, and because Senate Democrats – including Washington’s Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell – did not support the House’s clean continuing resolution, the Hub’s funding was cut.

To support the Hub and all it will do for our region, I sent a letter to Secretary Wright requesting the reinstatement of funding for the Clean Hydrogen Hub Program and to work with Congress to ensure the program is managed responsibly for the sake of American energy security. The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub has a unique opportunity to play a crucial role in American energy dominance, and I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress to make that case to the administration.