The U.S. Department of Energy has commenced an environmental impact assessment of 'clean' hydrogen projects in the Northwest Hub, following the region's designation as one of seven new 'regional hydrogen hubs'. These projects, involving the development and distribution of 'green' hydrogen energy, aim to reduce climate-warming emissions from sectors heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Green hydrogen, produced using water and renewable energy sources like wind or solar power, is carbon neutral and emits no greenhouse gases when used as fuel. The Northwest Hub, encompassing Washington, Oregon, and Montana, has been selected to receive around $1 billion in federal funding over the next decade. The proposed projects within the hub include hydrogen production facilities, distribution pipelines, storage projects, and initiatives to promote hydrogen-powered transportation. Additionally, the hydrogen produced could cater to various industries like fertilizer production and energy-demanding processes such as semiconductor manufacturing. The overall goal is to offset up to 1.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, contributing significantly to carbon reduction efforts. However, the Northwest Hub projects have encountered obstacles, including the halt in plans by developers due to unaffordable renewable energy prices and uncertainties surrounding federal tax credits. These challenges have impeded progress despite the potential environmental benefits and advancements in clean energy solutions. The Department of Energy is engaging the public in the review process and plans to address concerns raised during a virtual meeting scheduled for January, underscoring the importance of stakeholder involvement in shaping the future of sustainable energy initiatives.