** Local lawmakers urge changes to proposed federal hydrogen energy rules

In a significant move for clean energy advocacy, three local lawmakers from Snohomish County, Washington, are urging the Biden administration to revise the Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit. U. S. Representatives Suzan DelBene, Kim Schrier, and Rick Larsen argue that stringent federal regulations are counterproductive to developing a robust hydrogen energy market in states like Washington, which already have established clean energy policies. They express concern that the current rules could reverse advancements in climate change efforts, impede billions in private sector investments, and obstruct the creation of thousands of high-paying jobs in sustainable sectors.

Their call for change aligns with the recent formation of the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association, a multi-state initiative focused on building hydrogen infrastructure through hydropower, integrated into the Department of Energy's Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs initiative. This aims to position the U. S. competitively against global leaders in hydrogen technology. The lawmakers stress the necessity for flexibility within federal guidelines to optimize energy use across the national grid, arguing that such an approach is vital for achieving climate objectives while ensuring national security through energy independence.

Their efforts highlight a growing recognition of the need for adaptive energy policies in the face of climate challenges.