SoCalGas's proposed hydrogen-blending pilot project at the University of California, Irvine, is currently undergoing intense public and regulatory scrutiny, with final approval from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) pending. Public participation hearings, including a recent session on July 1 drawing approximately 70 attendees, are a critical step in the five-year effort by SoCalGas to advance the project, which, if approved, could commence by 2027.

The proposal involves blending up to 20% hydrogen gas into existing natural gas pipelines at UC Irvine's recreation center to power facilities such as pool heaters and kitchen appliances. This three-year pilot aims to demonstrate hydrogen's potential as a lower-carbon alternative to natural gas, given that hydrogen combustion does not produce carbon dioxide. A SoCalGas representative stated at the hearing that the project seeks to establish a statewide standard for hydrogen's role in achieving carbon neutrality goals, a sentiment echoed by some UC Irvine professors and graduate students who view hydrogen as essential for a sustainable energy grid.

However, the project faces significant opposition from environmental and consumer advocate groups, including the Sierra Club, Environmental Defense Fund, and the Climate Action Campaign. Critics, such as UC Irvine physics professor Dr. Kevork Abazajian, label the initiative as "greenwashing," arguing it perpetuates reliance on fossil fuel infrastructure and poses unmitigated safety risks. Concerns raised include the production of air pollutants like nitrogen oxides, increased leakage potential, and explosion hazards, particularly given the proximity to residences and childcare centers. This opposition follows a previous rejection in 2023 of a similar SoCalGas proposal that would have routed hydrogen through UCI's freshman dorms, a plan opposed by the student body.

UC San Diego notably rejected a similar hydrogen blending project on its campus, underscoring the broader skepticism within academic and environmental circles. While proponents from UCI's Clean Energy Institute emphasize the project's potential to lower emissions without major infrastructure changes and provide crucial research data for scaling hydrogen across California, opponents like the Climate Action Campaign are pushing for greater student engagement, noting low attendance at recent hearings during summer break.

Administrative Law Judge Charles Ferguson is overseeing the CPUC's review, with eight more public participation hearings scheduled through August across the state. Following these, an evidentiary hearing will precede Ferguson's proposed decision, which will then require three commissioner votes for approval. The entire regulatory process is anticipated to extend into mid-2026, highlighting the complex and protracted nature of approving novel energy infrastructure projects in California.