Select a core objective to learn more
Return to core objective overview
Hub siting and operational decisions responsibly and equitably optimize the use of local infrastructure, natural resources, and geology while proactively working to reduce existing cumulative pollution and other community burdens.
WHAT IT MEANS IN PRACTICE
Hub siting and operational decisions are both efficient and equitable and informed by an analysis of local natural resources and an analysis of local cumulative pollution and community burden. For example, analyses are done to show that Hub projects have access to adequate natural resources (e.g., water, land, power, fuel, pore space) for project completion without negatively impacting quality, access, use, or cost of those resources for local community, existing users, or otherwise harming protected environments.
Hub project locations are responsibly sited. This means siting decisions take a clear-eyed approach that recognize the cumulative impacts within communities, historical disparities in pollution burden, and related vulnerabilities. Environmentally responsible siting should also aim to minimize new land use impacts, leakage risks, and other infrastructure burdens (e.g., new pipelines) through co-location or proximity to end-use applications. Working diligently alongside communities to thoughtfully address potential tensions between these aims should be an early priority.
Hubs have thoroughly evaluated the potential impact zone from accidents or explosions, such as from pipelines (see Transportation Objective), and have a plan in place for prevention, response, and remediation.
Hubs showcase efficient resource use, such as waste heat utilization and materials recycling/reuse.
Targeted outcomes
+Siting and planning processes include an assessment of local resources and local cumulative pollution and other community burdens and vulnerabilities. Siting and operational decisions are made in consultation and in partnership with local communities to ensure that cumulative impacts and other disproportionate burdens are thoughtfully and substantively addressed to the extent feasible. Local resources are used efficiently and responsibly and achieving this is a substantive factor in siting and planning, including:
HIGH-QUALITY GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
Use of only high-quality geologic formations for hydrogen storage and/or carbon sequestration (see see Carbon Management Objective).
REPURPOSE EXISTING INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES/BROWNFIELDS
Existing industrial facilities/brownfields are thoughtfully repurposed in a manner that reduces local impact.
REPURPOSED INFRASTRUCTURE
Repurposed infrastructure meets safety, operational, and leak prevention specifications.
AVAILABILITY OF CLEAN POWER RESOURCES
Use of clean power resources, such as renewables, does not undercut meeting local needs.
Resources & References
+