"West Virginia to Host State-of-the-Art Hydrogen Plant and Data Center Campus"

West Virginia officials have announced a new project to produce clean hydrogen from natural gas in Mason County, with up to $62.5 million in forgivable loans approved for Houston-based Fidelis New Energy. The project aims to create a carbon-neutral hydrogen production facility and is expected to generate 800 full-time jobs and work for 4,200 construction workers. However, concerns have been raised about the use of state dollars, oversight, and the viability of carbon capture. Environmental organizations question the potential environmental impact and the Department of Environmental Protection's ability to provide oversight. State officials have assured that they will address these concerns and prioritize the preservation of the state's forests and environment.