Here are the morning’s top stories on Thursday, August 1, 2024…
- California’s strategy to fight climate change includes hydrogen. The universe’s most abundant element that, under the right circumstances, can power everything from trucks to turbines without greenhouse gas emissions. Now there’s a national effort to promote hydrogen energy. But there are concerns about health and safety.
- The Park Fire has grown to more than 392,000 acres. More than 400 structures have been destroyed, including many homes. But the fire has also put one of California’s most iconic species at risk.
- University of California President Michael Drake has announced he’ll be stepping down from his position at the end of this upcoming academic year. He was the first Black president of the University of California system.
As Billions Of Federal Dollars Flow Into California Hydrogen Projects, Worries Grow That Some Will Endanger Public Health
Billions of dollars in public money are beginning to flow to seven “hydrogen hubs” around the country — regional nerve centers for a potentially clean fuel that could someday rival solar and wind and cut carbon from the atmosphere.
Earlier this month California’s hub, a public-private partnership called ARCHES, became the first to negotiate an agreement with the Department of Energy to build out hydrogen power plants, pipelines and other projects.
But researchers and community advocates warn that unless the federal government’s so-called hydrogen earthshot has adequate safeguards, it could worsen air pollution in vulnerable communities and aggravate a warming climate. They’re also concerned that specifics of the emerging efforts remain stubbornly secret from people who live near shovel-ready projects.
Park Fire Jeopardizing One Of California’s Most Iconic Species
Thousands of firefighters continue to make progress on the massive Park Fire burning near Chico. The fire has burned more than 392,000 acres, and destroyed more than 480 structures, including more than 200 homes.