((a)) ** Definition of regional clean hydrogen hub** In this section, the term “regional clean hydrogen hub” means a network of clean hydrogen producers, potential clean hydrogen consumers, and connective infrastructure located in close proximity.

((b)) ** Establishment of program** The Secretary shall establish a program to support the development of at least 4 regional clean hydrogen hubs that—

((1)) demonstrably aid the achievement of the clean hydrogen production standard developed under ;

((2)) demonstrate the production, processing, delivery, storage, and end-use of clean hydrogen; and

((3)) can be developed into a national clean hydrogen network to facilitate a clean hydrogen economy.

((c)) ** Selection of regional clean hydrogen hubs**

((1)) ** Solicitation of proposals** Not later than 180 days after , the Secretary shall solicit proposals for regional clean hydrogen hubs.November 15, 20212021-11-15

((2)) ** Selection of hubs** Not later than 1 year after the deadline for the submission of proposals under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall select at least 4 regional clean hydrogen hubs to be developed under subsection (b).

((3)) ** Criteria** The Secretary shall select regional clean hydrogen hubs under paragraph (2) using the following criteria:

((A)) ** Feedstock diversity** To the maximum extent practicable—

((i)) at least 1 regional clean hydrogen hub shall demonstrate the production of clean hydrogen from fossil fuels;

((ii)) at least 1 regional clean hydrogen hub shall demonstrate the production of clean hydrogen from renewable energy; and

((iii)) at least 1 regional clean hydrogen hub shall demonstrate the production of clean hydrogen from nuclear energy.

((B)) ** End-use diversity** To the maximum extent practicable—

((i)) at least 1 regional clean hydrogen hub shall demonstrate the end-use of clean hydrogen in the electric power generation sector;

((ii)) at least 1 regional clean hydrogen hub shall demonstrate the end-use of clean hydrogen in the industrial sector;

((iii)) at least 1 regional clean hydrogen hub shall demonstrate the end-use of clean hydrogen in the residential and commercial heating sector; and

((iv)) at least 1 regional clean hydrogen hub shall demonstrate the end-use of clean hydrogen in the transportation sector.

((C)) ** Geographic diversity** To the maximum extent practicable, each regional clean hydrogen hub—

((i)) shall be located in a different region of the United States; and

((ii)) shall use energy resources that are abundant in that region.

((D)) ** Hubs in natural gas-producing regions** To the maximum extent practicable, at least 2 regional clean hydrogen hubs shall be located in the regions of the United States with the greatest natural gas resources.

((E)) ** Employment** The Secretary shall give priority to regional clean hydrogen hubs that are likely to create opportunities for skilled training and long-term employment to the greatest number of residents of the region.

((F)) ** Additional criteria** The Secretary may take into consideration other criteria that, in the judgment of the Secretary, are necessary or appropriate to carry out this subchapter 1

((4)) ** Funding of regional clean hydrogen hubs** The Secretary may make grants to each regional clean hydrogen hub selected under paragraph (2) to accelerate commercialization of, and demonstrate the production, processing, delivery, storage, and end-use of, clean hydrogen.

((d)) ** Authorization of appropriations** There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $8,000,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.