As part of the state’s continued effort to reduce carbon emissions and expand the clean energy economy, Governor Tim Walz signed Executive Order 22-22 today, directing state agencies to pursue federal funding for clean hydrogen market development in Minnesota.
“The development of clean hydrogen provides a unique opportunity to reduce emissions and mitigate climate impacts for future generations,” said Governor Walz. “Through this Executive Order, Minnesota will be ready to meet the changing needs of the energy, transportation, and agriculture industries, while continuing to create new jobs and grow our economy.”
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided the U.S. Department of Energy with $8 billion to fund regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, networks of clean hydrogen producers, consumers, and connective infrastructure. The Inflation Reduction Act, recently signed into law by President Biden, creates a tax credit for hydrogen production, which will make clean hydrogen competitive with fossil fuels.
Minnesota has signed onto two separate Memoranda of Understanding, the Heartland Hydrogen Hub coalition of four states and the Midwest Hydrogen Coalition of seven states. Both coalitions are working to bring these federal dollars to the region to build a clean hydrogen economy.
This Executive Order comes after Governor Walz announced a sweeping plan to fight climate change last month. Created with the input of thousands of business, conservation, and climate leaders, the Climate Action Framework identifies immediate and long-term actions Minnesota can take to achieve the state’s vision to help communities reduce pollution that contributes to climate change and to prepare for extreme weather events caused by a changing climate.
