PHILADELPHIA, PA — Yesterday, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, along with Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and other key figures, highlighted the economic benefits of the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) in Philadelphia. The project, which is backed by a $750 million federal investment secured by the Shapiro Administration, is set to create thousands of union jobs and secure Pennsylvania’s position as a national leader in clean energy.
Governor Shapiro and President Biden recently announced this significant federal investment at the Tioga Marine Terminal in Philadelphia. The funding will enable the construction of the MACH2 in the region, which is expected to create over 20,000 jobs, primarily union positions.
“Thanks to the work of my Administration and our partners in labor, industry, higher education, and government, Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation to have secured two clean hydrogen hubs projects,” Governor Josh Shapiro said. “This investment is a game changer for our Commonwealth and for the energy economy.”
Governor Shapiro has long championed this investment, stating in his inaugural budget address that the future of clean energy should run through Pennsylvania. To achieve this, the Shapiro Administration worked closely with organized labor, industry partners, and neighboring states.
The Department of Energy’s (DOE) award to the MACH2 represents a unique opportunity for the Greater Philadelphia area to leverage its strengths in technology and infrastructure to produce clean hydrogen, all while creating and retaining jobs in the region.
Mayor Jim Kenney noted the transformative nature of these investments, saying, “Over the next decade, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to see that our current energy workers are part of a just transition to the new energy economy.”
Philadelphia unions played a crucial role in securing the MACH2 hub, with the Philadelphia Building Trades Council identifying local unions that would benefit from its projects.
Every project in the MACH2 hub will use Project Labor Agreements, creating good-paying union jobs and providing nearly $14 million to regional Workforce Development Boards for community college training and pre-apprenticeships. The construction phase of the MACH2 alone will employ thousands of skilled tradespeople to build hydrogen production and storage facilities, as well as renewable power supply and transmission assets such as solar farms and wind power installations.
Ryan Boyer, Business Manager of the Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council, said, “We’re going to train the next generation of construction workers and infrastructure workers, and we’re going to build America back better.”
In total, the MACH2 will create approximately 20,800 direct jobs – 14,400 in construction and 6,400 permanent jobs for skilled, union laborers, including plumbers, pipefitters, electricians, and more.
Discover more about the upcoming clean hydrogen hubs that are set to revolutionize Pennsylvania here.
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