Orange Cove Residents Oppose SoCalGas Hydrogen Blending Project
Over 650 residents in Orange Cove, California, oppose a hydrogen blending trial initiated by SoCalGas without consent. The project aims to blend hydrogen with natural gas but raises significant health, safety, and transparency concerns among residents ahead of a June decision by the California Public Utilities Commission.
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In Orange Cove, California, more than 650 residents have expressed opposition to a hydrogen blending demonstration project by Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas), which was launched without their consent.
This initiative aims to mix up to 5% hydrogen with natural gas, potentially affecting the health and safety of local households that rely on aging gas appliances. The $85 million project, funded by ratepayers, is intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and has been proposed in conjunction with similar projects in other municipalities.
Final approval from the California Public Utilities Commission is expected in June 2024. Concerns include potential increases in methane emissions and the adequacy of safety measures promised by SoCalGas.
Residents question the lack of transparency and support for transitioning to electric appliances, highlighting the financial burden of replacing older gas systems. The local city council's unanimous decision to support the project has further fueled resident distrust.
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