Sorensen Applauds Decision to Select Illinois for Midwest Energy Hub

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) applauded the Department of Energy’s (DOE) decision to select Illinois as part of a Midwest hydrogen energy hub that will support energy needs and create good-paying jobs. 

“I was proud to stand alongside my Illinois colleagues to help make this historic clean energy initiative a reality so we can lower energy costs for families, strengthen domestic energy supply, and connect Heartland workers to good-paying jobs,” said Sorensen. “I will continue advocating for Illinois workers by pushing for initiatives that help us meet energy needs while leaving a more sustainable Illinois for the next generation.” 

The coalition will receive $1 billion to host a network of five hydrogen production sites that will generate power and support industries ranging from steel and glass production to the refinement of transportation and aviation fuel. 

The project is expected to create 13,600 direct jobs—12,100 in construction jobs and 1,500 permanent jobs. Distribution of the production sites between the three states is yet to be determined. 

Funding is being awarded as part of DOE’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program to Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2), a multi-state public-private partnership spanning across Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. The announcement comes after Sorensen joined Illinois congressional colleagues in writing to United States Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm urging support for the project. 

Congressman Eric Sorensen is the first openly LGBTQ person elected to represent Illinois at the federal level and is a member of the New Democrat Coalition. He serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal. 

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