Alma Figueroa is worried. Her gas provider plans to mix hydrogen with natural gas to power stoves and other appliances. At 60, with asthma and recurring lung cancer, she fears for her health.
In Orange Cove, California, the Southern California Gas Co. aims to test this hydrogen blend. While the state encourages these projects to help cut gas reliance, many locals, especially in this low-income, predominantly Latino town, feel overlooked and uncertain. Similar projects in Colorado and Oregon have sparked similar concerns.
Interest in hydrogen technology surged under the Biden administration, but funding dropped during the Trump administration. California’s blending project is part of a broader initiative that includes five tests across the state, each examining gas pipelines and appliance performance with hydrogen amounts up to 5%. Hawaii has been blending hydrogen for years.
Hydrogen blending is seen as a potential solution to reduce emissions and is often made using renewable energy. Governor Gavin Newsom has called it a “key future energy source.” The project in Orange Cove is projected to cost $64.3 million, funded by ratepayers, with plans to power the blend from a solar farm.
Recent estimates suggest that mixing just 5% green hydrogen could cut carbon emissions by around 1,200 tons yearly, equivalent to taking 254 gas cars off the road. This is supported by Janice Lin from the Green Hydrogen Coalition, who believes the U.S. can benefit from its extensive gas pipeline network to transition to cleaner energy.
Experts acknowledge potential safety concerns. Alejandra Hormaza from California State Polytechnic University noted that blending requires further study. The general agreement is that up to 20% hydrogen is safe, yet real-world tests are necessary to assess impacts.
The proposal emerged after SoCalGas initially suggested testing in a wealthier area before shifting to Orange Cove, which has diverse pipeline materials and sufficient control over the blend. Local officials support the idea, highlighting potential job opportunities and economic benefits. However, many residents feel excluded from key conversations. A public hearing revealed concerns about community involvement and the health implications of using hydrogen.
Research indicates that burning hydrogen in older appliances could elevate emissions of nitrogen oxides, worsening air quality and health for vulnerable populations. Ryan Sinclair, an environmental microbiologist, warns that many homes in Orange Cove lack the means to upgrade outdated appliances, raising alarms about health risks.
Additionally, concerns about hydrogen’s environmental impact are serious. Studies show hydrogen could inadvertently contribute to global warming. Some advocate for using hydrogen exclusively in hard-to-electrify industries while promoting electric appliances as a cleaner alternative.
Michael Claiborne, an attorney representing local residents, criticizes the blending proposal as risky and unnecessary. If approved, SoCalGas promises safety measures, including leak detection and response plans.
For residents like Francisco Gonzalez, the primary worry is health. His friends and family suffer from respiratory issues, heightening the stakes of this project. “We’re not against clean energy,” he said. “We just want to be part of the conversation.”
This ongoing debate highlights the complexities around transitioning to cleaner energy sources, especially in underserved communities. The need for transparency, safety assessments, and community voices is crucial as these pilot projects roll out.
For more information on hydrogen’s role in energy transition and safety issues, visit the ApNews Environmental Coverage or the Department of Energy.
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hydrogen, natural gas, environment, clean energy goals
