PENNSYLVANIA — State Representative Danielle Friel Otten has voiced concerns over the MACH2 project, a proposed green and pink hydrogen production hub. According to an internal abstract, the hub’s initial product will be blue hydrogen, derived from fracked gas with carbon capture, a fact that Friel Otten says has not been transparently communicated.
She acknowledges the importance of hydrogen technology in transitioning to clean energy but warns against potential greenwashing if proper regulation and oversight are not ensured. The State Representative is calling for more transparency and community engagement in the development process.
Friel Otten believes that Pennsylvania’s current regulatory framework is inadequate to handle an investment of this magnitude while protecting public health, safety, and the environment. She calls on her colleagues in the House and Senate, along with Governor Shapiro, to establish policies prioritizing residents and community protection.
Drawing attention to Pennsylvania’s history of prioritizing industry profits over public welfare, Friel Otten highlights the executive at the helm of the MACH2 project who led Energy Transfer’s Mariner East project. The latter resulted in significant environmental damage, numerous violation notices, and the operator’s conviction on multiple counts of environmental crimes.
The State Representative is urging lawmakers and regulatory agencies to ensure that industry operators do not continue to prioritize profits over community health and safety. She points out that proposals for the hydrogen hubs in Pennsylvania promise “no new easements,” yet the MACH2 project description mentions modifications or new line installations within existing easements.
Friel Otten is encouraging Pennsylvania to learn from states like Colorado, which has attracted investment while protecting state resources and communities. She stresses that now is the time for Pennsylvania to stop allowing industry to set de facto environmental policy.
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