Hydrogen fuel cells to get push from Lee Terry

Hydrogen fuel cells to get push from Lee Terry
BY JOSEPH MORTON
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU


WASHINGTON - The federal government would do more to promote use of
hydrogen fuel cells under legislation Rep. Lee Terry, R-Neb., and
other lawmakers plan to unveil today.

Promoters of hydrogen fuel cells say they hold promise as a way to
achieve energy independence and improve security. But Terry said the
high cost of hydrogen currently is deterring businesses.

The bill has two components aimed at advancing the fuel cells, devices
that use a chemical reaction in which hydrogen and oxygen are combined
to produce electricity and water:

· It would award tax credits to businesses to make up for the high
cost of using hydrogen, while existing tax credits for using fuel
cells would be extended.

· It would require fuel-cell powered backup electricity for all new
federal government buildings. Terry said automakers have told him that
investment in stationary fuel cells will lead to technological
improvements that eventually could be used in vehicles.

"This isn't just about providing electricity in a building by using
hydrogen," Terry said. "This is about getting to the generation of
hydrogen fuel cells that can be used cheaply and efficiently in cars."

Although the cost of the proposal has not been officially calculated,
Terry said he does not expect it to surpass $1 billion. He said he
believes those pushing the bill can find other programs within the
Department of Energy to cover the cost.
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