WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) applauded the announcement that the bipartisan infrastructure law will be providing up to $1 billion in federal funding for the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen’s (MachH2) regional clean hydrogen production and distribution hub (H2Hub), which will benefit Illinois, Michigan and Indiana. 

In May, Budzinski joined a bipartisan group of Illinois Congressional delegation members in sending a letter to Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm in support of the project.

“By embracing 21st century energy infrastructure, we can create good-paying jobs and protect our planet for future generations,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m thrilled that the MachH2 Regional Hydrogen Hub will be receiving up to $1 billion in federal support as we work to drive American energy production and economic independence. This project will build on Illinois’ strong leadership in renewable energy innovation.”

The Midwest Hydrogen Hub will reduce carbon emissions with strategic hydrogen uses in steel and glass production, power generation, refining, heavy-duty transportation and sustainable aviation fuel. The Hub plans to produce hydrogen by leveraging diverse and abundant energy sources, including renewable energy, natural gas and low-cost nuclear energy. The project anticipates creating 13,600 direct jobs—12,100 in construction jobs and 1,500 permanent jobs.

MachH2 is a multi-state coalition of public and private entities representing every phase in the hydrogen value chain. The alliance includes a cross-section of carbon-free energy producers, clean energy developers, hydrogen technology providers, utilities, major manufacturers, national labs, leading hydrogen technology development and deployment institutions, world-class universities and groups focused on environmental justice.

When made with clean energy, hydrogen can be an essential tool to help us meet our nation’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. As an energy source, hydrogen does not emit carbon and can be used to reduce emissions from multiple difficult-to-decarbonize sectors of the economy, including aviation, shipping, steelmaking, agriculture and long-haul transportation.

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