Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub chosen by Department of Energy to receive funding to advance clean energy

The United States Department of Energy announced today that the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) was selected for award negotiations to receive up to $750 million in funding from the Hydrogen Hubs program to support the development of a clean hydrogen hub–a network of hydrogen producers, consumers, and local connective infrastructure–in Delaware, Southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey.  MACH2 was ranked among the most pro-labor and greenest hubs in the nation. All projects will be constructed with project labor agreements and all clean hydrogen production will come from renewable energy, nuclear energy, and capturing wastewater emissions (no fossil fuel extraction). It was chosen as one of seven regional clean hydrogen hubs nationally.  

 

The Department of Energy’s H2Hubs will kickstart a national network of clean hydrogen producers, consumers, and connective infrastructure while supporting the production, storage, delivery, and end-use of clean hydrogen. Funded by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the H2Hubs will accelerate the commercial-scale deployment of clean hydrogen—helping generate clean, dispatchable power, create a new form of energy storage, and decarbonize heavy industry and transportation. Together, they will also reduce 25 million metric tons of carbon dioxide) emissions from end-uses each year—an amount roughly equivalent to combined annual emissions of 5.5 million gasoline-powered cars—and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs across the country while supporting healthier communities and strengthening America’s energy security.

 

“The Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub will play an essential role in advancing our region’s economic and environmental goals by creating more than twenty thousand well-paying jobs in the production, delivery, and use of zero-emission green and pink hydrogen to repower our region’s industrial facilities, transportation systems, and agriculture sectors. This historic federal investment will help ensure that our clean energy future is union-made here in the U.S., advance environmental justice by reducing pollution in frontline communities, and achieve deep emission reductions in hard-to-abate sectors. We are incredibly grateful to President Joe Biden, Senators Tom Carper, Chris Coons, Bob Casey, John Fetterman, Cory Booker and Bob Menendez, Representatives Donald Norcross, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Brendan Boyle, Brian Fitzpatrick, Madeline Dean, Dwight Evans, Mary Gay Scanlon, Chrissy Houlihan, Governors Carney, Shapiro and Wolf, Mayor Kenney, and all of the partners in labor, business, academia, communities, and non-profit organizations who came together across the tri-state area to make today’s announcement possible,” said Collin O’Mara, Chair of MACH2 and President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation.

 

“Unlocking the full potential of hydrogen—a versatile fuel that can be made from almost any energy resource in virtually every part of the country—is crucial to achieving President Biden’s goal of American industry powered by American clean energy, ensuring less volatility and more affordable clean energy options for American families and businesses,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “With this historic investment, the Biden-Harris Administration is laying the foundation for a new, American-led industry that will propel the global clean energy transition while creating high quality jobs and delivering healthier communities in every pocket of the nation.”

 

MACH2’s successful bid for funding was the result of a collaborative effort between industry, labor, government and community groups across the region.  “The strength of our application speaks to the assets our region has to offer–a robust workforce and union labor, access to world-class academic and research institutions, a robust innovation ecosystem, and strong and continued engagement with communities,” said Marty Wade, CEO of MACH2. “MACH2 will only serve to further position our region as a national leader in the clean energy economy.” 

 

“We have a well-trained, well-prepared union workforce ready to go. The Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub is an important investment opportunity for Philadelphia’s diverse workforce to stand at the forefront of the green energy economy,” said Ryan Boyer, head of the Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council.  “We’re proud to have partnered with MACH2 and look forward to contributing to continued economic development and the growth of good, union jobs in the region.”

 

“The Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) has the potential to revolutionize the nation’s energy sector and make Pennsylvania a leader in clean energy development while driving economic growth and creating good-paying union jobs. By leveraging our infrastructure and expanding it strategically, we can accelerate the adoption of state-of-the-art hydrogen technology that provides countless new job opportunities and paves the way for a more sustainable, greener future,” said Jim Snell, Business Manager of Steamfitters Local 420. 

 

“The Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub will create green jobs and clean energy to power our economy for generations to come. The men and women of the union construction trades are proud to be partners in this major initiative that has the potential to transform our workforce and improve quality of life throughout the region,” said Daniel Cosner, President of the Southern New Jersey Building Trades. 

 

MACH2’s selection will result in a substantial investment in research and development and workforce development in partnership with area universities and organizations including University of Delaware, Delaware State University, Delaware Technology & Community College, University of Pennsylvania, Cheyney University, Rowan University, the Collegiate Consortium, Philadelphia Works, DE Workforce Development Board, FAME, Inc. and DESCA. 

 

“Cheyney University, as part of its workforce development initiative, will design a regional safety training lab.  This lab will provide opportunities for individuals to gain the knowledge and skill as entry-level employees, in addition to exposing underrepresented populations to careers in clean energy,” Dr. Pamela Keye, Chief Social Equity Officer at Cheyney University. 

 

“Collaboration is the key to success in strengthening our region’s economy and advancing sustainable energy sources for the future. The University of Delaware is proud to lead MACH2’s higher education workforce development initiatives in partnership with Cheyney, Rowan and Penn. Working together, we will provide new educational and research opportunities for our students and grow our region’s skilled workforce for the high-paying clean-hydrogen jobs of today and the future,” said University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis. 

 

“The University of Pennsylvania is thrilled to contribute to the goals of the MACH2 to advance clean hydrogen energy. With partners in the Hub, we will develop groundbreaking research that generates technologies and implementation that can transform the energy base of the region.  We will help develop educational programs that support the new workforce.  The opportunity for academic institutions to collaborate with industry partners and the community is exciting and is the best path to success,” said Dawn Bonnell, PhD, Senior Vice Provost for Research at University of Pennsylvania. 

 

“We are excited to support the MACH2 partnership. This new green energy industry will require skilled labor to produce, store and transport hydrogen. Rowan University stands ready to build the region’s new workforce, along with our training and industry partners. We will offer flexible, accessible and affordable pathways to credentials and degrees, starting as early as high school and going all the way through the Ph.D. level. We’ll also work with our industry partners to ensure those degrees lead to local, meaningful careers. This stackable credit education model is the piece that’s missing from today’s economy,” said Tony Lowman, Ph.D., Rowan University provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

 

“The MACH2 region has a significant amount of existing infrastructure that will form the foundation of the hub.  We’re taking assets that are no longer in use and repurposing them to deliver clean hydrogen,” said president of Schuyler Energy Logistics and Marketing, Joseph Colella.  

 

For more information on MACH2, clean hydrogen and the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program, visit: https://mach-2.com

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“This is a big deal. Hydrogen is a clean fuel of the future, one of the ways we can pollute less. Our region has been chosen for a federal infusion of hundreds of millions of dollars that will create thousands of jobs and show how hydrogen can be made, transported and used in a real-world way,” Delaware Governor John Carney said. “Delaware companies and institutions have already led on hydrogen and now will play a big role in the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub. When we have talked about the opportunities for Delaware from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law championed by President Biden and our congressional delegation, this has been one of the big ones and we got it. I’m looking forward to getting to work with our partners in the region.”

 

Today, Pennsylvania is positioning itself as the leader of our country’s clean energy future and creating thousands of new, good-paying union jobs,” said Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. “Since my campaign for Governor, I have been a strong supporter of this investment in our Commonwealth and my Administration has worked closely with organized labor, industry partners, and our neighboring states to bring a regional clean hydrogen hub here to the Delaware Valley. I thank President Biden for his Administration’s belief in Pennsylvania, Senators Casey and Fetterman for their leadership, and Mayor Kenney for his strong partnership to secure this win for our Commonwealth.”

 

 

“The MACH2 Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub will be a transformative project for our city and region, creating thousands of family-sustaining jobs and tapping into our vast talent pool,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Over the next decade, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to see that our current energy workers are part of a just transition to the new energy economy and ensure that the next generation of workers gets a chance to participate in the future of energy here in Philadelphia.”

 

“The green light of the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub is wonderful news for the future of Delaware, our nation, and our planet,” said Senator Carper, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “Clean hydrogen has a critical role in reducing emissions while creating good-paying jobs in Delaware and across our country. As a Senate co-author of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I’m so proud to see the Department of Energy acknowledge that our region has the first-class labor workforce, strong industrial presence, and existing infrastructure necessary to support clean hydrogen production. MACH2 will allow Delaware to cement our status as a clean energy leader and help advance our nation’s climate goals.”

 

Today is a monumental day for Delaware and its role in the future of our nation’s clean energy economy. Delaware possesses the resources, infrastructure, and workforce that make it an ideal location for one of the country’s first hydrogen hubs, and I’m glad the Department of Energy has recognized these strengths by selecting the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub,” said Senator Coons, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus. “MACH2 will create a new generation of good-paying jobs for Delawareans, support new industries that can work hand-in-hand with our universities and leading businesses, and ensure that the First State plays a leading role in reducing our nation’s carbon footprint. I am proud to have advocated tirelessly for this proposal and can’t wait to see these projects come to fruition.”

 

Today’s award of the Mid-Atlantic Hydrogen Hub is a touchstone moment as we build a clean energy economy across our nation,” said Representative Blunt Rochester, member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee. “That the Mid-Atlantic Hub has been named as one of the regional hubs is testament to the remarkable workforce and resources throughout Delaware and our neighboring states. I’m immensely proud of the work of all of the partners who came together to make our proposal possible and am even more excited at the prospect of working with these remarkable stakeholders as we build a Hub that creates good-paying union jobs, clean energy, and helps power our economy.”

 

 “MACH 2 is an exciting opportunity for South Jersey and the entire Mid-Atlantic region that will transform our regional economy and create thousands of good-paying union jobs and careers throughout our region while also reducing pollution and building a more sustainable future. The construction and operation of MACH 2 will provide immense benefits and opportunities to our local communities and workforce who are well positioned to lead the clean energy future. Beyond the economic impacts, MACH 2 will also decrease pollutants in the air, enhance public health outcomes, and ensure a greener and more sustainable future for South Jersey and our entire region. MACH 2 is poised to revolutionize our region and presents an unparalleled opportunity to reduce pollution and ensure a clean and healthy environment while creating good family-sustaining union jobs that are at the forefront of the clean hydrogen economy. This type of investment would not be possible without the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, which continues to deliver for working families across the country. There is no better place for a green hydrogen hub than right here in South Jersey and the Mid- Atlantic, and I look forward to working toward a prosperous green energy future that will serve generations to come,” said Congressman Donald Norcross.  

 

“We know that there will be certain industrial and transportation end uses that will be hard to decarbonize, so we see a specific, limited role that green hydrogen can play facilitating the clean energy transition. We are pleased that the MACH2 hydrogen hub does not rely on blue hydrogen, which may increase lifecycle emissions, and does not propose dangerous and expensive residential hydrogen use. It is of utmost importance that government agencies and project developers conduct a robust and transparent engagement process with residents and community groups as this new infrastructure is built out in order to ensure genuine climate and community benefits,”  said Tom Schuster, Director of the Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter. 

 


Governor Carney Declares October Delaware Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Register for Activities Statewide Throughout October 2023

 

Dover, Del. — It has been two decades since the federal launch of October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Over the past twenty years, cybersecurity protection strategies have changed drastically. In response to the ever-evolving cyber landscape, Governor John Carney and Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long are providing their support by again proclaiming October as Delaware’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This allows resources to be made available to provide free events including informational tables, presentations, workshops, and other activities throughout the State to help Delawareans of all ages to learn how to improve their security posture.  These programs cover topics on Protection (social media security and privacy information), Device Security (hands-on instruction on setting up device security on Android and Apple devices), and Detection (identifying, reporting, and learning about current scams).  Cyber Security Awareness Month will culminate with the 14th Annual Secure Delaware Workshop on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall.

“We must learn to protect ourselves in the digital age and it takes all of us to help keep our data secure. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the free activities and resources made available during Cybersecurity Awareness Month,” said Governor John Carney. “I want to thank the Delaware Department of Technology and Information for their efforts in educating the public of the risks and keeping Delaware safe from cyber-attacks.”

“We love to see advancements in technology for the convenience to the public and accuracy of data for business uses, but there is always an inherent risk that the technology can be used criminally. We’ve seen recent occurrences of cybersecurity attacks in the news, but much more common are incidents of credit card and identity theft — all of which can have devastating impacts,” said State of Delaware CIO Gregory Lane. “Bad actors only get more sophisticated, which is why it is so important that everyone learns how to protect themselves and stay safe online. Delaware Cybersecurity Awareness Month events provide opportunities that everyone can leverage to learn to be more vigilant.”

Delawareans of all ages are encouraged to join the events offered throughout October, including the Cybersecurity Awareness Month finale event — the 14th annual Secure Delaware Workshop. Presented by the Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI) along with the Delaware League of Local Governments, Delaware Small Business Development Center, and the University of Delaware; the 2023 Secure Delaware Workshop provides training for businesses, students, and government employees that work, study, or live in Delaware. This free, in-person event is being held on Tuesday, October 24th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall and will include two keynote speakers and nine breakout sessions designed to have something for everyone.  Whether you are a student just getting into the field and want to learn more about creating your own cyber range, a business manager concerned with the newest cyber laws and cyber insurance changes, or a long-term IT professional interested in attack simulation, deception technology, or ChatGPT, this conference has something for you.  This event offers the perfect opportunity to network with cyber professionals and technology vendors.

To learn more about cyber events happening in Delaware including Secure Delaware Workshop 2023 with registration information, visit the event page at https://digiknow.dti.delaware.gov/events/. There is no cost to attend any State of Delaware’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month activities. Please note that registration is limited for each of the events and final registration to attend the Secure Delaware Workshop closes October 6th.

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Media Contact:

Christina Dirksen, Strategic Communications Manager, DTI
(302) 739-9736 w Christina.Dirksen@state.de.us

About the Delaware Department of Technology and Information

The Department of Technology and Information (DTI) is the state’s central IT organization, chartered to deliver core services to other state organizations and exercise governance over the technology direction and investments of the state. DTI provides enterprise services that enable other organizations to effectively fulfill their missions.

 

 


Governor Carney’s Statement on Senate Confirmations

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday issued the following statement on the State Senate’s votes to confirm the Governor’s nominations of Kathleen Miller to serve as a Judge of the Superior Court, The Honorable William L. Chapman, Jr. and Michael Houghton to serve on the Marijuana Appeals Commission, Dr. Melissa Harrington to serve on the State Public Integrity Commission, The Honorable Gregory A. Lane to serve on the Enhanced 911 Emergency Reporting System Service Board, Dr. Wilma Mishoe to serve on the Industrial Accident Board, and the reappointment of The Honorable James J. Maxwell to continue to serve as Commissioner of Family Court:

 

“I want to thank the Delaware Senate for confirming several distinguished Delawareans to serve in these important roles,” said Governor Carney. “They are all well-respected individuals and will serve our state well in these positions.”


Governor Carney Signs Multiple Pieces of Environmental Legislation

Legislation Builds on Coordinated, Statewide Action to Fight Climate Change

BEAR, Del. – Governor Carney joined members of the General Assembly, members of his Cabinet, and advocates on Thursday to sign multiple pieces of legislation aimed at tackling climate change in Delaware.

This work builds off of the decades of effort by various state agencies who have been prioritizing Delaware’s climate. In 2021, Governor Carney developed a Climate Action Plan aiming to reduce emissions and increase resilience. With the help of multiple state agencies, Governor Carney’s administration is implementing these recommendations and building a more sustainable future for Delaware.

“Climate change threatens our tourism industry, our agricultural industry, the health of our citizens, and the financial well-being of our local, county and state governments,” said Governor Carney. “There’s no time to wait to take action. I want to thank the advocates and members of the General Assembly for their dedicated work to preserving our natural heritage and building on the great work of state agencies as they follow Delaware’s Climate Action Plan.”

Learn more about Delaware’s Climate Action Plan on DNREC’s website.

“Achieving a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050 are ambitious but attainable goals,” said Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. “We have been working for years transitioning to cleaner energy sources in our homes, businesses and transportation systems, and we have seen positive progress. Delaware’s Climate Action Plan, released in November 2021, provided additional strategies and actions, and it serves as our playbook for both reducing emissions and for increasing our resiliency to the impacts of climate change that we are already witnessing.”

The pieces of legislation signed on Thursday will:

“Today is about taking necessary action to protect our children’s futures. The climate crisis is here, and it is already impacting our health, our livelihoods, and our way of life. I am grateful to Governor Carney and leaders in the General Assembly for rising to this moment so that we can preserve our shorelines and our coastal communities and limit the health impacts of climate change, which disproportionately affect our most vulnerable residents. We know the work continues, but today Delaware is making meaningful progress to protect our environment and our quality of life for future generations,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long.

“As a low-lying coastal state, Delaware is especially vulnerable to the devastating and life-altering impacts of climate change. Because of this, we have an urgent responsibility to confront this challenge head-on and pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future,” said House Speaker Valerie Longhurst. “With the bills that Governor Carney signed into law today, we’re taking a critical step towards this goal and positioning Delaware as a leader in green energy innovation and sustainability. I commend my colleagues for their hard work on these important measures and I’m looking forward to our continued work in the ongoing fight against climate change.”

“Delaware has made incredible progress in setting realistic and attainable goals to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, minimize our greenhouse gas emissions, and move our state to clean and sustainable energy sources,” said State Senator Stephanie Hansen. “In just the last few years, we have set new renewable portfolio standards for our utilities to follow, adopted a statewide climate action plan, promoted the adoption of electric vehicles, and created new avenues for historically disadvantaged communities to reap the benefits of solar power,” she said. “Just as greenhouse gases pose a threat to our entire state by contributing to rising sea levels and worsening air quality, it’s going to take a whole-of-government approach to reverse the long-term harm caused by decades of reliance on fossil fuels. The bills signed into law today mark a significant step forward in that effort and I am grateful to the many legislators and advocates who worked so hard to get us to this point.”

“Senate Bill 103 is a responsible step forward that will enhance Delaware’s infrastructure and reduce costs for working families as the U.S. auto market continues transitioning to electric vehicles,” said State Senator Sarah McBride. “By requiring electric vehicle charging conduits to be included in new home construction and elsewhere, we are helping to prepare our neighbors for this impending market shift, encouraging our communities to adopt cleaner modes of transportation, and further reducing Delaware’s reliance on fossil fuels. This is good public policy for families, our environment and our state, and I want to thank Governor John Carney for signing it into law today.”

“We can no longer sit passively and pretend that no-action is the best way to protect the planet’s future. Humankind has contributed detrimentally to the environment and it’s time we own our responsibility to address the issue,” said State Representative Debra Heffernan. “We worked collaboratively with environmental leaders, various stakeholders and officials to craft an ambitious group of bills that will fight climate change and protect our portion of this fragile planet. Through hard work, we’re here now to celebrate the passage of several of these bills, and I’m committed to introducing and passing more legislation in the upcoming session. Thank you to all who invested their time, expertise and support to this effort – we couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Combating the catastrophic effects of climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions can’t be accomplished with one bill or one solution. It requires several ideas coming together for one purpose. Today we celebrate a series of bills that together help Delaware reduce carbon emissions,” said State Representative Sophie Phillips. “My HB 12 will help make electric vehicles more affordable to middle-class families who want a cleaner environment and to save money at the pump. I’m looking forward to continuing our work next year with more legislation to protect our environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change.”

“I want to thank all the legislators and the Governor’s office for a tremendous amount of work and support for this legislative package, including the Climate Change Solution Act of 2023,” said Dustyn Thompson, Chapter Director of the Sierra Club Delaware Chapter. “I think the amount of support we saw this year is indicative of the moment we are in right now. These elected officials understand that our state is reaching the brink where if we do not take decisive and meaningful action we will be forfeiting the future of so many generations yet to come. While this is just the beginning, I think we will look back at this moment and recognize that this is when we gave ourselves the tools we need to fight back against a rapidly changing climate and ready our state for the impacts we are no longer able to avoid.”

“Climate change and rising seas are an existential threat to Delaware. With the signing of House Bill 99 and the accompanying bill package, we take a step forward in envisioning a more sustainable future for Delaware’s human and natural communities,” said Lori Brennan, Executive Director of the Nature Conservancy Delaware and Pennsylvania. “Thank you, Governor Carney, Senator Hansen, Reps. Longhurst, Heffernan and Phillips, DNREC staff, the bill sponsors and the environmental community for the continued work on behalf of the environment and the natural spaces we cherish.”

Video from today’s press conference can be found on Governor Carney’s YouTube channel.

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Delaware Governor John Carney Sworn in as New ACHP Member

Seal of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) Chair Sara C. Bronin today administered the oath of office to new ACHP Governor Member John Carney, the governor of Delaware. President Joe Biden appointed Carney to the ACHP for a term ending June 2025.

“I thank President Biden for appointing Delaware Gov. John Carney to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation,” Bronin said. “The governor has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to historic places, equitable growth, affordable housing, and climate action, and I am confident he will meaningfully contribute to the ACHP’s efforts to modernize federal preservation policy to address these intersectional issues.”

Born and raised in Delaware, Carney has served as Delaware’s 74th governor since 2017 and began his second term in 2021. He has focused on making Delaware’s economy more competitive, preparing Delaware’s children to succeed, and building a long-term sustainable financial plan for the First State. Carney has directed new resources to high-needs schools and partnered with the private sector to drive new job creation. Carney has prioritized investments in safe and affordable housing and has ensured small businesses get the support they need to thrive. His administration has also developed a Climate Action Plan as a roadmap for how Delaware can combat and prepare for climate change in the years ahead.

Carney served as Delaware’s one member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2017. During his three terms in Congress, he worked with members of both parties to find solutions to the most important challenges facing the nation. Carney previously served two terms as Delaware’s lieutenant governor and as Delaware’s secretary of finance. Carney lives in Wilmington with his wife Tracey and their two sons, Sam and Jimmy.

“As governor, I took an oath to ‘respect the right of future generations to share the rich historic and natural heritage of Delaware,’ and I’m honored to bring that commitment to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation,” Carney said. “It’s important we preserve our nation’s history for future generations. I look forward to joining the important work of connecting the past to the present by promoting preservation programs and the sustainable use of our country’s resources. I’d like to thank President Biden for this opportunity to serve, and for his administration’s ongoing effort to strengthen our communities.”

Carney is the Governor Member of the ACHP, the first governor to serve on the ACHP since 2010.

About the ACHP: An independent federal agency, the ACHP promotes the economic, educational, environmental, sustainability, and cultural values of historic preservation and advises the President and Congress on historic preservation policy. It also influences federal activities, programs, and policies that affect historic and cultural properties. See www.achp.gov for more information.  

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