Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania announced plans to accelerate the construction of large power plants in the state by offering significant tax breaks for projects using hydrogen. The initiative aims to address the energy crunch facing Pennsylvania, triggered by the threat of increased electricity bills. Shapiro highlighted the need for Pennsylvania to enhance its energy competitiveness and keep pace with other states attracting major projects. The proposed tax credits could amount to $100 million per year for new power plants, $49 million for hydrogen fuel users, and $15 million for aviation fuel producers. To support these initiatives, Shapiro intends to establish the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Siting and Electric Transition Board to streamline permitting processes for energy projects. The plan also aligns with President Biden's climate change agenda by promoting hydrogen-related projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Despite facing criticism from Republican lawmakers, Shapiro's proposal has received support from renewable energy advocates and business groups, who appreciate the focus on energy issues. One of the projects targeted for support is CNX Resources' proposal to build a $1.5 billion hydrogen-based facility at Pittsburgh's airport. This initiative reflects the growing demand for energy to power data centers, a trend fueled by cloud computing and artificial intelligence. The plan aims to meet energy demands while transitioning away from fossil fuels and aging nuclear power plants. Shapiro's push to incentivize hydrogen-powered projects underscores a broader effort to position Pennsylvania as a leader in energy innovation and sustainability. The proposal will require legislative approval and collaboration to implement the tax credits and support mechanisms outlined in the plan.