Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania announced a plan to accelerate the construction of major power plants in the state, with a focus on projects utilizing hydrogen. This initiative, part of his upcoming budget proposal, aims to address the energy crunch and position Pennsylvania as a leader in energy innovation. Shapiro's plan includes offering substantial tax breaks for projects that contribute electricity to the grid using hydrogen technology. The proposed tax credits target large projects that produce electricity and hydrogen-based aviation fuel. Shapiro highlighted the need for Pennsylvania to enhance its competitiveness and attract significant projects in line with other states. The creation of a dedicated entity, the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Siting and Electric Transition Board, seeks to facilitate the permitting process for new energy projects. The plan also includes tax incentives of up to $100 million per year for three years for qualifying power plants, emphasizing the importance of immediate action. The proposal received positive feedback from renewable energy advocates, who support the focus on energy innovation. However, Republican lawmakers expressed concerns about potential obstacles for natural gas projects. The tax credits for hydrogen users and aviation fuel producers aim to drive demand for federally subsidized hydrogen projects and align with President Biden's climate change goals. Shapiro's plan also addresses the growth in energy demand driven by cloud computing and artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need for sustainable energy sources. While some previous energy-related proposals by Shapiro faced challenges in the Legislature, the current plan reflects a comprehensive strategy to meet energy needs, support economic growth, and combat climate change. The initiative includes support for projects like CNX Resources' proposal for a hydrogen-based fuel facility, showcasing a shift towards cleaner energy technologies in Pennsylvania's energy landscape.