$1.5 Billion Fuel Plant Proposed For Pittsburgh Airport

PITTSBURGH, PA — Natural gas producer CNX Resources has proposed a $1.5 billion hydrogen-based fuel plant at Pittsburgh International Airport. The project, however, is dependent on the Biden administration permitting coal mine methane to qualify for tax credits that CNX insists are necessary to build the plant.

CNX, project partner KeyState Energy and the airport announced the potential development Wednesday.

Proponents of the plan assert that the fuel the plant could dramatically reduce air travel carbon emissions and produce enough alternative fuel to supplant nearly all traditional jet fuel consumption at the airport.

The project is backed by numerous labor unions across Western Pennsylvania, as well as U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. Both elected officials issued statements in support of the fuel plant.

"Because of this exciting new project, Pittsburgh International Airport will become home to one of the largest facilities in the nation that specializes in the innovative process of using hydrogen gas to produce sustainable aviation fuel," Casey said.

Said Shapiro: "The partnership between KeyState Energy, CNX Resources, and Pittsburgh International Airport will create thousands of jobs and cut fuel costs for airlines, all while reducing pollution and making our communities safer and healthier."

KeyState and CNX said the will advance the project if the U.S. Department of Treasury approves a production tax credit for it. It is unclear when - or if - the Treasure Department will permit coal mine methane and other fossil fuels to qualify for tax credits.