A controversial energy pilot project in California has ignited a fierce debate over the safety and transparency of using hydrogen to heat homes, with residents of a low-income community saying they have been deliberately left out of the conversation.
A Community Fears Being an 'Experiment'
Alma Figueroa, a 60-year-old resident of Orange Cove in California's Central Valley, lives with asthma and a recent recurrence of lung cancer. Her anxiety spiked when she discovered her gas provider, Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas), planned to test a hydrogen-natural gas blend in the town's supply. "I don't want to be anyone's experiment," she stated, voicing fears shared by many in her community about potential health risks.
The proposed 18-month pilot is one of five in California, directed by the state's utilities regulator. It aims to test how existing pipelines and appliances perform with a blend of up to 5% hydrogen, produced using solar power. Proponents, including Governor Gavin Newsom, champion green hydrogen as an essential tool for cutting planet-warming emissions and utilising existing gas infrastructure for cleaner energy.
The Battle Over Blending: Promise vs. Peril
Janice Lin of the Green Hydrogen Coalition argues that with about 3 million miles of gas pipelines in the U.S., blending is a pragmatic step. "The way to move us away and really clean our air... is by having a viable alternative," she said, suggesting it could help hard-to-electrify industries pollute less.
However, opposition is fierce. Environmental groups and some experts contend the project is misguided and risky. Research indicates burning hydrogen-blended gas in older appliances can increase emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), pollutants that worsen respiratory conditions like asthma. Orange Cove has the highest asthma rate in Fresno County, with 39% of its mostly Latino, Spanish-speaking population living in poverty.
Environmental microbiologist Ryan Sinclair warned that a 5% hydrogen mix could increase NOx emissions by an average of 8% in older systems. He and others stress that low-income residents cannot afford to replace old appliances, leaving them vulnerable. Michael Claiborne, a directing attorney with the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, called the scheme "an absurd project" and a "boondoggle."
A Lack of Consultation Fuels Distrust
The path to selecting Orange Cove has deepened community suspicion. SoCalGas initially proposed testing at the University of California, Irvine, in an affluent area, but revised its plan after protests. The company then identified Orange Cove as an ideal candidate due to its pipeline materials and single gas feed, allowing for controlled testing.
While city leaders voted unanimously in support, promising jobs and recognition, many residents feel sidelined. They report requesting a town hall meeting that has never materialised. "I think the only reason they are wanting Orange Cove is because they don’t think there’s going to be pushback," Figueroa speculated.
Resident Francisco Gonzalez summarised the core grievance: his community is not against clean energy, "but we are against being left out of the conversation." The California Public Utilities Commission is expected to make a decision on the project later this year.
