A bipartisan group of California lawmakers, including both Democrats and Republicans, are urging the Trump administration to maintain $1.2 billion in federal funding for a hydrogen energy project called ARCHES. This initiative is part of a national effort to shift away from fossil fuels and develop clean energy solutions. The lawmakers emphasized the critical role of ARCHES in promoting American energy dominance, advancing energy technology, creating new manufacturing jobs, and reducing energy costs. The project is also set to attract significant private investments amounting to $11.2 billion. The lawmakers pointed out that hydrogen is a promising energy source as it produces water vapor instead of carbon dioxide, making it environmentally friendly. The ARCHES project aims to support various industries like steel production, manufacturing, and transportation by decarbonizing them using hydrogen energy. The proposed budget cuts by the Department of Energy, which include potentially defunding ARCHES, have raised concerns among lawmakers. Despite the Trump administration's preference for fossil fuels over clean energy, the bipartisan group stressed the importance of investing in American energy innovation and job creation through projects like ARCHES. The lawmakers highlighted the potential environmental impact of the project, with expectations to reduce carbon emissions significantly. The letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright was signed by a majority of California's congressional representatives, including members from both political parties. The lawmakers are requesting continued support for ARCHES to ensure its contribution towards meeting energy goals and securing a sustainable energy future. The push to preserve funding for the hydrogen energy project reflects a bipartisan effort to advance clean energy technologies and reduce the nation's reliance on traditional fossil fuels.