Washington's hydrogen agenda stalls as new administration questions billions in funding

In June 2023 the United States unveiled a National Clean Hydrogen Strategy that earmarked $9.5 billion for hydrogen projects, including $3 billion for two West Coast hubs, with the goal of creating 100,000 jobs by 2030 and cutting emissions by 10 % by 2050. The Trump administration has now suspended funding for those hubs and is reviewing the broader plan, citing concerns that many proposals involve fledgling firms with uncertain prospects.

Supporters, such as Frank Wolak of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association, stress the need to stay competitive with China’s rapid hydrogen development. Opponents like H. Sterling Burnett of the Heartland Institute argue the economics are unsound and the market is largely driven by government subsidies. Federal agencies say they are not abandoning hydrogen outright but will only back projects that show a clear path to commercial success, leaving the future of the strategy uncertain.