Jackson celebrates hydrogen hub investment in Whiting

Last week, the Biden Administration announced that Indiana is going to be one of the 16 states to host 7 regional hydrogen hubs, a federal program with $7 billion in funding. As part of the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2) along with Illinois, Michigan and over 70 organizations, this project will receive a grant of $1 billion. In total, the Midwest Hydrogen Hub is expected to generate 21,000 jobs during construction and 1,500 jobs permanently for operation and maintenance. This initiative to produce “clean hydrogen” is an effort to reduce carbon emissions in particularly dependent sectors like Indiana’s manufacturing industry. The projected location for Indiana’s part of the Midwest hub is set to be in Whiting, Ind. 

“I am ecstatic that Whiting has been chosen for the hydrogen hub site in Indiana,” State Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond) said. “Northwest Indiana is a manufacturing powerhouse that has an incredible labor force. With these clean energy jobs supporting our manufacturing sector for generations to come, I have no doubt that the upward economic mobility from this will further strengthen our leadership. It is an honor for us to be in the forefront of transitioning the manufacturing industry to be more sustainable.

“While I celebrate the opportunity for economic growth, I urge that the well-being of residents in Whiting and the surrounding areas be the utmost priority during construction and beyond. Communities in northwest Indiana have seen far too many environmental justice concerns that threaten the health of already vulnerable communities. I encourage that all parties involved in the project remain transparent and involve the community whenever necessary. I encourage all stakeholders in the area to register for the Department of Energy Community Briefing on Nov. 1, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. using this link. This is an exciting project – let's do it right.”