The US Department of Energy (DOE) canceled the in-person meeting scheduled this month as part of the environmental impact assessment process for California's hydrogen hub.
The Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) said in a notice late Thursday that it is canceling the meeting scheduled for 19 February in Irvine, California. The notice instructs members of the public where to submit comments online.
The DOE announced in December it was beginning environmental assessments for three hydrogen hubs earmarked for federal funding, including California's Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (Arches). The fate of federal support for hydrogen hubs, which were a signature part of the previous administration's climate initiatives, has been thrown into doubt since President Donald Trump ordered a pause to disbursements associated with the Inflation Reduction Act. Arches was also ordered earlier this month to suspend its community engagement meetings while the new administration evaluates whether federally funded clean energy initiatives align with its objectives.
The public commenting period for Arches is open until 3 March, DOE said.
