New Mexico will join Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming to apply for a portion of the $8 billion allocated for the development of regional clean hydrogen hubs included in the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The states are viable candidates, given their abundance of high-quality wind, solar, biomass, natural gas, and other energy resources.
“New Mexico is proud to be part of this powerful collaboration with other western governors during this pivotal time of expanding clean energy,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.) said in a news release. “New Mexico brings incredible value to this partnership, which not only progresses our shared goals around climate change but creates jobs, fosters innovation, and lifts up millions of Americans. New Mexico’s commitment to growing renewable energy and meeting its ambitious climate goals lays the foundation for a thriving clean hydrogen economy. Make no mistake, New Mexico and our partner states will succeed in developing the nation’s most productive clean hydrogen hub.”
Gov. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) echoed Lujan Grisham's enthusiasm over the partnerships.
“Colorado is delighted to be part of this coalition to advance green hydrogen for Colorado and clean hydrogen among western states,” Polis said. “The state of Colorado has adopted ambitious goals to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030 and 90% by 2050, while supporting a just transition for affected workers and communities, and the use of low-carbon hydrogen, especially hydrogen produced using renewable electricity for electrolysis, will help the state achieve these goals, particularly in industry and heavy transportation.”
Gov. Spencer J. Cox (R-Utah) made a similar statement.
“Utah’s unique geography and innovative spirit position us as the best place in the nation for energy development projects, including clean hydrogen,” Cox said. “In Utah, we keep energy prices low to keep quality of life high. Our natural resources and existing infrastructure, along with our talented workforce, enable us to maintain this commitment to our citizens. With Utah’s resources and expertise in the development of a clean hydrogen hub, the possibility of affordable, reliable, and clean hydrogen is not just a possibility, it’s inevitable.”
Gov. Mark Gordon (R-Wyo.) said the partnership has tremendous potential for “energizing the next generation, and Wyoming is particularly well-situated to develop, export, and utilize hydrogen.” He added, “This coalition represents a shared vision for the future of hydrogen in the Mountain West region, expands the resources beyond what each state has individually, and reaffirms Wyoming’s commitment to supply hydrogen to consumers throughout the western states.”
The states vowed to work together to develop a Western Inter-State Hydrogen Hub, with supporting facilities in each state, in response to the Request For Proposals (RFP) that the U.S. Department of Energy is expected to release in May 2022.
