Green hydrogen can represent a viable substitute for achieving the decarbonization goals. Based on panel data from 31 provinces of China from 2004 to 2022, this study provides first-hand empirical evidence. It sheds light on the impacts of green hydrogen infrastructure established under the 2015 green development plan on CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions. The research utilizes a quasi-natural experiment based on the difference-in-difference approach to make estimations. These predict that provinces that have and invest in green hydrogen infrastructures have lower CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions compared to those without operational green hydrogen infrastructure projects. The results also predict regional heterogeneity in terms of emissions reductions in China’s eastern, central, and western regions due to the presence of operational green hydrogen infrastructures. Based on the outcomes of the study, policies regarding investments in green hydrogen infrastructures are encouraged to achieve carbon neutrality and address climate change.