Statement on DOE funding Arch2 Project in Appalachia

Background: On July 31st, 2024, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced $30 million to fund phase one of the Appalachian Clean Hydrogen Hub project in communities throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. This announcement comes despite demands from Appalachian-based advocacy groups for a delay in decision-making until transparency and community engagement concerns were met. The communities where the ARCH2 projects are set to be located are already disproportionately impacted by pollution and the volatile economics of extraction-based development from the fossil fuel industry. Phase one, which includes initial planning, design, and community engagement, is expected to last up to 36 months with the subsequent three phases each lasting 2-4 years.  

Statement by Earthworks Petrochemical Campaigner anaïs Peterson:

“Doubling down on investments in fossil fuels under the guise of decarbonization during the few crucial years we have to stop a climate catastrophe is a dangerous distraction from real climate action. Giving public money to a methane project that will prolong the impacts of the fracking industry on frontline communities is appalling.” 

“The Department of Energy should pause this project now, as numerous regional advocates have insisted. For all decisions moving forward, community members, frontline and fenceline residents must be given representation in decision-making in proportion to the impacts this project will have on their communities. Chronic polluters and repeat offenders CNX and EQT should not be trusted to do what is best for the people of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.”