If done right, hydrogen holds a lot of promise as a climate solution.
It can be used as a power source where other clean alternatives aren’t readily available, like in the production of steel and cement or as fuel for ships and planes. But how we produce, manage and use hydrogen will determine how helpful it is in the fight against climate change.
Hydrogen takes a lot of energy to produce and can leak easily during development — releasing emissions that can contribute to global warming. In order for hydrogen to be a real solution to the climate crisis, we have to account for all emissions associated with its production and usage to ensure that emissions like these are reigned in, not rewarded.
That’s why we are encouraging the Biden Administration to take a closer look at its new rule determining who qualifies for the Hydrogen Production Tax Credit (the 45V rule). We need to ensure that what qualifies as “clean hydrogen” in the proposed rule maximizes the climate benefits of hydrogen without paying producers to pollute.
The 45V rule, which was authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act, is a new policy incentive to support the growth of “clean hydrogen,” a new player in the energy space. It’s a big step in the right direction, but the proposed incentive still has its blind spots. That’s why we need your help to revise it.
By pushing for better policy around hydrogen production, we can protect nearby communities from harmful emissions and help hydrogen deliver on its potential to be a climate solution.
