SoCalGas plans hydrogen blending test in Orange Cove
Southern California Gas Co. aims to blend hydrogen into the gas lines of Orange Cove, a predominantly Latino community, to lower greenhouse gas emissions after wealthier areas rejected the plan.
Aaron Cantú reports for Capital & Main.
In short:
- SoCalGas will test a hydrogen-natural gas blend in Orange Cove to reduce climate emissions, involving low-income farmworker residents.
- Risks include increased nitrogen oxide pollution and hydrogen leaks, with monitoring planned to mitigate dangers.
- Critics argue the experiment offers minimal climate benefits and exploits a vulnerable community.
Key quote:
“Disengagement creates a breeding ground where things like this happen, where people don’t know there is a hydrogen blending plant planned for the community.”
— Genoveva Islas, founder and executive director of Cultiva la Salud
Why this matters:
Hydrogen blending is part of California's strategy to cut emissions, but the project raises concerns about safety and fairness in using disadvantaged communities for environmental experiments. Critics argue that the benefits may not justify the risks and that more effective emission reduction methods exist.
