Advance Clean Hydrogen Initiatives

Congressman Pence Urges DOE Secretary to Advance Clean Hydrogen Initiatives

Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman Greg Pence (IN-06) participated in the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy hearing entitled, “The Fiscal Year 2022 DOE Budget.” Congressman Pence stressed the need to support an all the above strategy for energy production, not an “everything but” approach – and highlighted the innovation happening at home in Indiana’s Sixth Congressional District.

In March, Congressman Pence introduced H.R. 1788, The Clean Energy Hydrogen Innovation Act, to expand opportunities under the Department of Energy’s Loan Guarantee program for hydrogen and fuel cell applications – bipartisan legislation that would directly impact the Hoosier clean energy innovators who stand to benefit the most from the Department of Energy’s support.

Rep. Pence’s full remarks and questions for the Secretary of Energy are transcribed as prepared for delivery below.

Thank you Chairman Rush and Ranking Member Upton for holding this hearing, and thank you Secretary Granholm for appearing before us today to discuss your department’s FY 2022 budget request.

 Like many of my colleagues on this esteemed committee, I support an all the above strategy for energy production, not an “everything but” approach.

 Your department plays a critical role in fostering innovation to lower carbon emissions and establish a diverse slate of competitive energy sources.

 However, the direction taken by the Biden Administration – like rejoining the Paris Climate Accord and stopping the Keystone XL Pipeline – will jeopardize our energy security, affordability, and reliability.

 I am also concerned that my colleagues in Congress are pushing the American people onto untested energy technologies that are not yet ready to sustain our current demands.

 These endeavors, like electrifying our transportation sector, will not work for the rural Hoosiers that I represent in Indiana’s Sixth District.

 Vehicles used in the trucking and agriculture industries will require a higher energy density than what is possible with current EV batteries. 

Therefore, I urge your department to direct more resources to the expansion of alternative liquid fuels, like renewable diesel, biodiesel, renewable natural gas, or hydrogen, that can support our trucking industry and lift up farmers that are critical to the Hoosier economy.

 In fact, one third of corn in Indiana is used to produce ethanol, an environmentally friendly fuel.

Another option to consider is hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

 Across the world, and notably in the EU and Asia, countries are heavily investing in hydrogen to meet next generation energy needs.

 Recently, I introduced the bipartisan Clean Energy Hydrogen Innovation Act with my colleague and fellow Hoosier Congressman Andre Carson to expand opportunities under the Department of Energy’s Loan Guarantee program for hydrogen and fuel cell applications.

 I am proud that Cummins, headquartered in my hometown of Columbus, is leading the nation in research and development into hydrogen fuel in the transportation industry.

 Secretary Granholm, can you commit to working with me on legislation to utilize the loan guarantee program for expanded hydrogen applications?

 SECRETARY GRANHOLM: Very interested in using the Loan Guarantee Program for Hydrogen – whether it’s fuel cells or hydrogen for energy delivery. So yeah. I’d love to learn more.

 Great – and it’s an exciting future.

 My next question, I have a particular interest in hydrogen because of its versatile applications and connection to existing assets in natural gas.

 But as you well know, energy needs to be transported from point A to point B.

 Whether blending with natural gas, transporting hydrogen to fueling centers, or creating hydrogen with steam methane reformation, there needs to be a role for expanded pipeline networks.

 Should natural gas and pipeline stakeholders have a seat at the table regarding the department’s role in clean energy innovation?

 SECRETARY GRANHOLM: Yes.

 Okay, well that’s a darn good answer Madam Secretary.