Climate One De-Hyping Hydrogen
Oct 10, 2025
Joe Romm, a clean energy policy expert and author, discusses the shifting narrative around hydrogen's role in clean energy. Eleanor Smith, a community organizer for the Navajo Nation, shares her concerns about a proposed hydrogen pipeline and its historical context of fossil fuel exploitation. Hilary Lewis, who focuses on green steel solutions, explains how hydrogen can revolutionize steel production while navigating current challenges. Together, they explore hydrogen's efficiency, competition from electrification, and its niche applications in industry.
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Pipeline Pitch Through Navajo Nation
- Eleanor Smith describes Tallgrass Energy's plan for a 200+ mile hydrogen pipeline crossing Navajo Nation.
- She explains the pipeline would export hydrogen made in the San Juan Basin to Arizona, Nevada, and California.
Blue Hydrogen's Water Problem
- Eleanor Smith highlights blue hydrogen uses steam methane reforming which is water- and energy-intensive.
- She warns this is incompatible with the Southwest's prolonged mega-drought and scarce water supply.
Community Outreach And Alleged Bribes
- Eleanor Smith recounts Greenview/Tallgrass offering payments and gift cards to sway chapter votes.
- She says two chapters were flipped to supporting resolutions after door-to-door payments and $50-$500 incentives.
