Rep. George Whitesides from California, along with Sen. Alex Padilla and Rep. Mike Levin, led a bipartisan delegation to advocate for preserving funding for hydrogen production hubs, particularly California's ARCHES program. The delegation expressed concern over reports of potential funding cuts for hydrogen hubs and highlighted the significant benefits of the ARCHES network in terms of job creation, energy independence, and economic value. The City of Lancaster was the first to join ARCHES, showcasing a collaborative effort among various stakeholders. The initiative is projected to generate over 200,000 jobs in California and contribute billions annually to the economy. The legislators emphasized the importance of supporting ARCHES to expand the STEM workforce, create well-paying jobs, and advance renewable energy initiatives. The bipartisan nature of the initiative underscores its critical role in promoting energy innovation and lowering fuel costs. The Department of Energy's initial grant to ARCHES under the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program in 2023 marked a significant milestone in establishing a national hydrogen network. The legislators are committed to safeguarding funding for ARCHES to drive economic growth, job creation, and energy security in California.