An energy and water appropriations bill passed today grants a $2 million stipend to the City of Chicago to build the world’s first ethanol-to-hydrogen fueling station.
U.S. Representative Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) and Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Barack Obama (D-Ill.), who secured the funding in the House and Senate respectively, announced the news in a press release issued late Wednesday.
The new technology at the fueling station, which is slated to begin construction some time next year, will convert renewable liquid ethanol into hydrogen gas. The city will use the station to fuel a test-fleet of five hydrogen powered vehicles.
Hydrogen is a renewable resource with virtually infinite quantities. “Vehicles running on hydrogen are pollution free and emit only water,” Rep. Emanuel said in a statement.
The politicians are using the news to talk up a hot button issue: reliance on Middle Eastern oil.
“Securing this funding is an important step in putting our energy future back in our hands,” said Sen. Obama.