West Virginia’s history is wrapped up in the coal industry, and it has been only in recent years lawmakers have begun to embrace a diversified and forward-looking approach to our economy. But now we are moving in leaps and bounds.
Earlier this week, U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., U.S. Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., and Gov. Jim Justice launched the West Virginia Hydrogen Hub Working Group. The aim is to tout the Mountain State as a candidate for developing a hydrogen hub, a facility that would provide both energy and jobs.
“With our abundant energy sources and strong partnerships, our state is uniquely situated to compete for (Department of Energy) funding to develop a hydrogen hub,” Manchin said.
The Department of Energy has $9.5 billion available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which also requires that one Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub be located in Appalachia.
Capito, too, knows how important such a facility could be here, in developing “new, innovative energy technologies that drive job creation in West Virginia and throughout the country.
“By forming the Hydrogen Hub Working Group, we are bringing together experts and leaders from across the state to showcase why West Virginia is an ideal place to make increased investments in the development of hydrogen energy,” she said.
This is good news, and a strong sign West Virginia’s elected officials understand the need to be propelled forward by our past, rather than held back. Here’s hoping the group meets with success in attracting a hydrogen hub for the state.