July 22, 2024

For Immediate Release

Contact: Elisa Rivera

(559) 264-3070 Elisa.Rivera@sen.ca.gov

Senator Anna M. Caballero’s Statement on the ARCHES (Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems)

and the U.S Department of Energy’s Agreement of $12.6 Billion to Build and Expand Clean Energy Infrastructure across California

Sacramento- The Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) and the United States Department of Energy (DOE) officially announced the signing of a landmark $12.6 billion agreement, to include up to $1.2 billion from the DOE and $11.4 billion in public and private matching funds, to build and expand clean energy infrastructure across California. Senator Anna M. Caballero (D-Merced), a champion for renewable hydrogen production and author of Senate Bill 1420, issued the following statement:

“It is clear that the production of cleaner, locally produced hydrogen is the pathway for California to successfully meet our ambitious climate goals. I authored Senate Bill 1420 to allow California to fully leverage its federal grant award and to create the highest environmental standards for hydrogen production in the world. This is an opportunity to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, clean our air pollution problems and provide high road, green, union jobs.

The Central Valley in particular is a rural agricultural area with low wages and faces the potential loss of 500,000 to 1 million acres of farmland due to climate change. My community needs better replacement jobs, lower energy costs and cleaner air. The federal grant is projected to create over 220,000 union wage jobs and an estimated $2.95 billion per year in decreased healthcare costs due to improved air quality. This federal grant award is a game-changer.

I appreciate President Biden and the California legislators who supported the Inflation Reduction Act and the Department of Energy’s commitment to California and their investment that will create quality jobs and workforce development. California is poised to lead the nation and world in clean energy standards.”

For more information: California’s renewable hydrogen hub officially launches. - Arches H2

For interviews or inquiries, please contact Elisa Rivera at (559) 264-3070

Senator Anna M. Caballero represents the 14^th Senate District, composed of majority portions of Merced, Fresno and Madera Counties.

* Senator Anna M. Caballero serves as the Interim Representative for the Salinas Valley and San Benito County until 2024 when a newly elected Senator will assume the district

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