Southern States Join Hydrogen Hub Chase

Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas are banding together in hopes of becoming one of four “hydrogen hubs” supported by $8 billion in last year’s federal infrastructure bill.

All three states have a long history of producing and transporting liquid and gas fuels and feedstocks, and industries that could use hydrogen as fuel or in manufacturing, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, said in a joint news release with Republican Govs. Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma and Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas.

The states said they will work together to develop, produce and use hydrogen as fuel and manufacturing feedstock.

“Oklahoma is honored to join in forming this partnership, not because of convenience, or necessity, but rather because we share a similar vision and goals for the production, use, and economic impact that can result from creating this hydrogen economy,” Stitt said.

Hutchinson said, “In Arkansas, we have a growing and diverse energy portfolio and natural resources vital to any successful regional hub.”

This is at least the third proposed hydrogen hub. Four Rocky Mountain states announced their proposal in February. Earlier that month, SoCalGas proposed one for the Los Angeles Basin.

Hydrogen is the universe’s most abundant element and is seen as a way to reduce emissions from cars, trucks, planes and trains. As with electric vehicles, however, a lack of fueling stations limits the market, which in turn limits investment in producing and moving hydrogen.