There has been much excitement over the past weeks regarding the federal government’s announcement of the US hydrogen hubs. And as Gov. Josh Shapiro duly noted, Pennsylvania is the only state that will be part of two of these seven regional U.S. hubs.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, hydrocarbons currently account for 96% of the feedstock for the world’s supply of hydrogen. And natural gas provides almost half of the global feedstock needed for this precious clean energy commodity. There is little doubt that natural gas will be crucial to our nation’s transition to the clean energy future.
Pennsylvania has already issued tax policy guidance for natural gas’ role to hydrogen conversion and shortly our U.S. government will do likewise. Clearly, tax incentives are necessary for our nation to stimulate private investment toward a hydrogen economy. However there are elected officials in Harrisburg pushing for additional taxes on natural gas extraction. The continued effort by some Pennsylvania state house members calling for additional taxes on our natural gas reserves is counterintuitive to the point of foolish as our nation moves toward a hydrogen future.
It is imperative for citizens of our commonwealth to stand united in opposing these additional natural gas taxes being proposed by some PA house members. Let’s embrace PA’s role with our natural gas reserves and not burden hydrogen advancement with more taxes.
Nicholas S. Haden, Coraopolis, Pa.
Read More: Oppose additional natural gas taxes