Mojave groundwater project faces scrutiny over hydrogen and environmental justice claims

Cadiz Inc.’s latest proposal to pump Mojave Desert groundwater for hydrogen production raises new environmental concerns despite promises of renewable energy and community benefits.

Sammy Roth writes for Los Angeles Times.

In short:

• Cadiz plans to supply groundwater to produce green hydrogen using solar energy, marketing it as an environmentally friendly solution.
• Conservationists argue the project, which will take place north of Joshua Tree National Park, threatens desert ecosystems and relies on rebranding to address longstanding opposition.
• The company pledges tribal ownership and water supplies for low-income communities but faces legal and environmental hurdles.

Key quote:

“They keep coming up with different flavors of metaphorical Febreze to spray on this thing.”

— Chris Clarke, conservationist who hosts the 90 Miles from Needles podcast

Why this matters:

The project highlights tensions between climate solutions and environmental preservation. While green hydrogen could aid the energy transition, using scarce desert water risks harming critical ecosystems.

Learn more about hydrogen energy in EHN's recent series: Hydrogen hubs test new federal environmental justice rules