House Republican Press Release

March 24, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Connecticut Leads in Fuel Cell Technology

By State Representative Marilyn Giuliano

The Connecticut legislature is working to make our state a leader in alternative energy sources that are clean and green to lessen our dependency on oil.  To achieve this goal, my colleagues and I are supporting House Bill 5681, An Act Concerning Fuel Cells.  Fuel cells use hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity through a chemical reaction.  They use fuel more efficiently, give off water instead of emitting exhaust, and have the potential to reduce demand for crude oil. 

The House Bill 5681 has three objectives:

· Produce 40 new transit buses that are powered by fuel cells; 

· Power Bradley International Airport by using fuel cells, making Bradley the first “green” international airport in the world; and 

· Establishing up to three hydrogen-refueling hubs in the state.

Over a projected four-year phase in period, House Bill 5681 would cost $200 million.

Connecticut already has the necessary facilities for the research and development of fuel cell technology.  With the passage of this legislation, Connecticut can become a leader in the use of fuel cells to power the state infrastructure as well.  My legislative colleagues and I envision 40 new transit buses providing transportation services across the entire state if H.B. 5681 becomes law. 

Bradley Airport, like other international airports, emits oil-based environmental pollution every day of operation. Having the first “green” international airport right here in Connecticut that produces virtually no emissions is an exciting and innovative opportunity for our state. 

The last part of this proposed legislation would create up to three hydrogen-refueling stations throughout the state.  These refueling stations would be owned and operated by private companies, just like gas stations.

A number of benefits derive from this legislative proposal.  Our now small “green-collar” workforce of nearly 1,200 would become a greatly expanded job market.  The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) has estimated that the worldwide market for fuel cells could reach up to $139 billion annually. 

In Connecticut alone, the study by CCAT estimates that annual revenues for Connecticut companies could be in the range of $14 to $54 billion.  By reducing diesel exhaust and carbon emissions, all of us would benefit from cleaner air and fewer health problems.

Banking on fuel cells as a technology of the future is not without some controversy. As with any start-up industry application, the initial costs are high and, in this instance, the industry surrounding applied fuel cell technology would need to rely on government start up monies.     

In 2000, the legislature enacted Public Act 00-93, An Act Encouraging Fuel Cell Technology.  Lawmakers believed that fuel cells and alternative energy sources were the future for the State of Connecticut, and a viable response to our dependence on fossil fuels.

 By establishing a fuel cell program for our transit buses and for Bradley International Airport, as well hydrogen refueling stations, Connecticut will help promote alternative energy sources that will continue providing the energy the residents of Connecticut need today and will require in the future. 

If you have additional thoughts or comments, please feel free to contact me at 1-800-842-1423.

Marilyn Giuliano represents the towns of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and coastal Westbrook in the Connecticut General Assembly.