Political Quotes

“Today I offer a very simple bill with the hope that it can receive expedited consideration in the Senate and be sent over to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Last year Congress authorized a program to explore the feasibility of integrating hydrogen fuel cells with systems to produce hydrogen from photovoltaic production or solid waste through gasification or steam reforming. This program is outlined in title II of Public Law 104-271, the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996. The program was originally authorized through 1997 and 1998, with funds to remain available until 1999. It has since become clear that the program will require a longer period of time to put into place. Accordingly, this bill simply extends the authorization through fiscal year 2001, with funds to remain available until September 30, 2002. For those who are unfamiliar with the promise of hydrogen energy systems, let me simply add that hydrogen is widely regarded as an important potential energy carrier with the potential to join electricity as a key component of a future sustainable energy system. Unlike coal, oil, or gas, hydrogen cannot be directly mined or produced--it must be extracted from hydrogen-rich materials such as natural gas, biomass, or even water. While there are significant technical and economic barriers that prevent the near-term, widespread use of hydrogen as an energy carrier, the eventual promise of hydrogen is compelling.”