The hottest year, John.

The average temperature for 2023 has been hotter than any year on record. That is bad news for our climate. But what's worse is that the extreme heat points to the acceleration of climate change.

We're facing an unprecedented threat. Climate change is causing wildfires, breaking heat records, warming and acidifying our oceans, and pummeling us with more deadly and destructive weather events every year.

Climate change is real – and urgent – and our response needs to be as well. There is no time for hollow promises and platitudes, we need action in order to tackle this crisis.

That's where the Washington Hydrogen Hub comes in.

The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association was recently selected to receive up to $1 billion in funding over the next nine years to build a network of hydrogen production and distribution facilities across our region. But here's what that means for hardworking Washingtonians:
 

1. We'll be aggressively fighting climate change. Certain industries, like aviation and long haul trucking, can't easily decarbonize, but hydrogen power puts it in reach. Hydrogen power cells allow these industries to operate like they do now, but instead of spewing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses into the air, hydrogen power cells only produce water (Hydrogen combustion combines two hydrogen atoms with a single oxygen atom, creating water droplets.)
    
2. We'll be the first, and only, hydrogen hub in the country based entirely on renewable energy. Here on Earth it is hard to find hydrogen in its gaseous form, but we can produce it. Often that means removing hydrogen molecules from coal or natural gas — resulting in greenhouse gasses and undermining the decarbonization of hydrogen.
   
   But hydrogen can also be generated with electricity and water, resulting in hydrogen and oxygen as the byproducts. And that's our plan to produce hydrogen in Washington state.
    
3. We'll create more than 8,000 good-paying jobs in Washington by building and operating hydrogen production, storage, and distribution facilities across the state — in cities like Centralia, Bellingham, Kennewick, Wenatchee, and many others.

This is what climate leadership looks like, John – prioritizing people and our planet, committing to innovation, and having the courage to be first.

I'm running for reelection so I can continue this vital work. If you are dedicated to fighting climate change and helping Washington's families prosper, then please donate to our reelection campaign today.

Washington state is leading the way to stop climate change with clean renewable energy, and this project is just the start. As Lieutenant Governor and leader of the state senate, I am working to enact policies that will help our state continue to lead on climate issues and to create good jobs for Washingtonians.

Thank you for your support and joining our efforts to protect our environment.

Denny