The elimination of all ARCHES federal funding comes as part of the Trump administration’s cuts of over $7.5 billion in clean energy and climate project funding exclusively across Democratic-leaning states. Budget Director Russell Vought announced the cuts on Wednesday, breaking existing bipartisan agreements.
“The cancellation of ARCHES is vindictive, shortsighted, and proof that this administration is not serious about American energy dominance,” wrote the senators. “We strongly urge you to immediately restore the funding awarded to the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems Hub in California.
“The ARCHES hub is a key strategic investment into American energy dominance, energy technology prominence, manufacturing job growth, and lowering energy costs for American families.”
ARCHES aims to establish a renewable, clean hydrogen market and ecosystem in California by 2030, potentially creating over 200,000 jobs in the state and saving nearly $3 billion in health costs annually, while reducing harmful emissions that impact underserved communities
“The ARCHES hub is a critical and strategic investment in our energy future. It provides a clear path toward energy independence, innovation, competitiveness, and affordability. The illegal withdrawal of support for this vital project is a significant step back from American energy dominance, and we request that you restore full support for ARCHES,” concluded the Senators.
Padilla secured up to $1.2 billion for the ARCHES hydrogen hub from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and successfully pushed former Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm to support ARCHES’ proposal as part of its Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program.
Padilla, Schiff, and 25 other Democratic Senators also sounded the alarm on DOE’s “hit list” of key energy projects, demanding Secretary of Energy Chris Wright follow the law and preserve the hydrogen hub program.
Full text of the letter is available here
