Hydrogen has a limited role to play in the energy transition, but it is not the solution to climate change on its own.
Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Hydrogen: Fuel of the future, or another pipe dream?
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Tuesday, October 29, 2024
A liquid hydrogen tank at Cape Canaveral in Florida, Heather Paul via Flickr ([link removed]) /CC BY-ND 2.0 ([link removed])
While the development of a hydrogen production industry is in its early stages, Western policymakers have been laying the groundwork for attracting the industry to their states and incorporating hydrogen into their energy portfolios. Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming have all taken steps in recent years to pave the way for hydrogen development.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration has made significant investments in hydrogen production using funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ([link removed]) signed into law in November 2021. In October 2023, the Department of Energy announced ([link removed]) an investment of $7 billion to develop seven Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, including one in the Pacific Northwest and one in California.
Despite the potential benefits of hydrogen in certain applications, it’s not without drawbacks, as Center for Western Priorities Policy Director Rachael Hamby outlines in a new Westwise blog post ([link removed]) . Hydrogen production requires significant inputs of energy and water and is currently very expensive. And not all hydrogen is created equal when it comes to carbon emissions and other environmental impacts. All of these concerns make hydrogen similar to carbon capture ([link removed]) ; it has a limited role to play in the energy transition, but it is not the solution to climate change on its own.
** Quick hits
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Tribal representatives call on President Biden to designate new desert national monuments in California
KYMA ([link removed])
Colorado AG, local governments file Supreme Court briefs opposing Utah oil railroad
Colorado Newsline ([link removed])
Fourth time's the charm? NM State Land Office pushes for increased royalty rates — again
Santa Fe New Mexican ([link removed])
A new uranium mill was proposed outside Green River, Utah, nearly 2 years ago. What’s happened since then?
Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed])
Federal court ruling on a reservoir expansion could have big implications for the Colorado River
Inside Climate News ([link removed])
Colorado River negotiators vow to slog on as timelines shift
E&E News ([link removed])
Nevada precipitation levels in 2024 were abnormally normal. What will happen in 2025?
Nevada Independent ([link removed])
How are the world’s trees doing? A new assessment has answers
New York Times ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” Indigenous people have waited long enough for our demands about protecting biodiversity to be taken seriously by state and federal governments.”
—Lena Ortega, Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe, KYMA ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@usinterior ([link removed])
Autumn aspen leaves provide striking color in the heart of @cityofrocksnps ([link removed]) in Idaho. The reserve is situated at the south end of the Albion Mountains and features fascinating granite formations, captivating history, scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, including world-class rock climbing. 🍂🍁🍂
Photo by NPS
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