Publication Date:25-May-2005
04:20 PM US Eastern Timezone 
Source: FuelCellWorks

WASHINGTON--President Bush drew national attention to the development of hydrogen and fuel cell technology today while visiting a hydrogen fueling station and fueling hydrogen vehicles. The station, in Washington, D.C., is the first retail hydrogen and gasoline station in North America.

"The main reasons to develop hydrogen technologies are to reduce dependence on imported fuels, improve the environment, and drive economic growth," said National Hydrogen Association President, Jeff Serfass. "I am pleased to see the President recognizing the investment and progress made by industry. Hydrogen fuel has become more affordable and the costs of hydrogen technologies, like fuel cells, are falling." Many NHA members have hydrogen equipment or products in service today.

In order to reach the hydrogen/fuel cell goal set by President Bush in his 2003 State of the Union speech, the NHA believes that the $1.7 billion over 5 years put forward by President Bush 2 years ago is a good start, but more will be needed. In congress, the NHA supports the levels of funding for hydrogen included in the energy bill passed by the House and pending in the Senate. "By leveraging private sector dollars with public funds, as provided in the legislation, the U.S. can embark on an aggressive solution to our long term energy and environmental challenges," said Serfass.

The National Hydrogen Association is supportive of the federal government's forming partnerships with the private sector to develop alternative energy sources. Continued development and implementation of hydrogen and fuel cell technology will foster new opportunities for collaboration while generating tremendous long-term benefits for the country.

About the National Hydrogen Association: The National Hydrogen Association (NHA) is the Nation's premier hydrogen trade organization dedicated to supporting the transition to hydrogen. Efforts are focused on education and outreach, policy, safety and codes and standards. Since 1989, the NHA has served as a catalyst for information exchange and cooperative projects and continues to provide the setting for mutual support among industry, research and government organizations.

Patrick Serfass of the National Hydrogen Association,
202-302-7894 (mobile) or 202-223-5547 ext. 366,
serfassp@HydrogenAssociation.org,
Web: http://www.hydrogenassociation.org