Opinion: Apprenticeships, clean energy and tax credits make powerful economic sense

Pennsylvanians deserve pathways to meaningful, sustainable careers – opportunities that offer not only a paycheck, but also long-term security, professional pride and upward mobility. For thousands of residents, that journey begins with registered apprenticeship programs, many of which are directly tied to our commonwealth’s energy and manufacturing sectors. With the development of Pennsylvania’s two hydrogen energy hubs, the potential to grow these opportunities is enormous. However, the long-term success of this growth hinges on whether Congress maintains the federal 45V hydrogen production tax credits.  

The 45V tax credit is essentially a policy aimed at promoting American workforce and industrial competitiveness. Hydrogen is a clean energy source that represents a critical part of the country’s evolving energy landscape – and Pennsylvania has an opportunity to lead in its development. The Appalachian and Mid-Atlantic hydrogen initiatives position Pennsylvania at the forefront of this transformation and place our regional workforce at the center of the effort. This is not simply about energy innovation; it is about building a new generation of jobs, expanding our industrial output and ensuring American-made energy remains affordable, reliable and globally competitive. 

Our workforce is already trained and ready to meet this new challenge. Apprenticeship programs have long served as a proven pipeline for skilled labor. They provide a rigorous, hands-on education in areas like pipefitting, electrical work, welding and industrial maintenance, which are needed to build and retrofit the hydrogen economy. These programs offer debt-free career preparation, competitive wages and a clear pathway to long-term employment. They have proven to be one of the most effective workforce development tools available. Any federal policy that disrupts investments in hydrogen threatens both energy projects and the workers behind them.

If Congress reduces or restricts the 45V credit, it will send a chilling message to companies considering hydrogen investments in Pennsylvania. Projects that could bring billions in private capital, modernize infrastructure and support thousands of jobs in energy and manufacturing may be delayed – or disappear entirely. That uncertainty doesn’t just stall innovation; it directly impacts workers, especially those currently enrolled in apprenticeship programs who are counting on these projects for long-term careers.

It’s especially important to recognize what’s at stake for Pennsylvania’s legacy industries. Hydrogen presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernize sectors such as steelmaking, glass and advanced materials. Hydrogen can help maintain our industrial base's strengths by integrating new low-carbon fuels into existing processes. And because hydrogen can be produced from Marcellus Shale gas using carbon capture and storage, Pennsylvania has a strategic advantage in producing clean hydrogen at scale while still utilizing its abundant natural gas resources. That means jobs stay here; products are made here; and we boost our energy and manufacturing competitiveness on the global stage.

The hydrogen hubs will be vital to meeting demand for energy and driving economic development, but they can also support the revival of our commonwealth’s manufacturing backbone and lift up working families. We have the infrastructure, skilled labor and momentum. We cannot afford to undercut that progress with shortsighted policy changes now.

Congress must preserve the full value of the 45V hydrogen tax credit. Doing so will ensure hydrogen projects move forward, apprentices get to work, and Pennsylvania continues to lead in producing low-carbon energy and goods. We need to invest in the future of American industry and labor, not hamstring it.