[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 134 (Wednesday, September 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1680]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               H.R. 4138, THE HYDROGEN FUTURE ACT OF 1996

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT S. WALKER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 1996

  Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to bring before the 
House H.R. 4138, the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996, for its immediate 
consideration.
  Mr. Brown and I are introducing H.R. 4138 to focus the U.S. 
Department of Energy's research and development of hydrogen as a fuel. 
Last year, with support on both sides of the aisle, a bill similar to 
this one, H.R. 655, passed the House with an overwhelming majority on 
May 2, 1995.
  H.R. 4138, incorporates some changes made to the earlier bill to 
accommodate interests of Members of the Senate. These changes have been 
approved by the chairman and ranking members of the committees of 
jurisdiction.
  I would like to thank the ranking member of the House Science 
Committee, Mr. Brown, for his support in cosponsoring this bill with 
me. Mr. Brown has long been a supporter of hydrogen research and 
development, and I have appreciated his efforts in this area.
  I would also like to thank the Committee on Government Reform and 
Oversight for its cooperation on a provision in this bill over which it 
has jurisdiction.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4138 provides the legislative authority necessary 
to continue the research and development of hydrogen as fuel into the 
21st century.
  Hydrogen is essentially a nonpolluting, environmentally friendly, 
renewable resource that is one of the answers to our future energy 
needs.
  Under H.R. 4138, the U.S. Department of Energy is directed to 
continue and expand its research and development of hydrogen as a fuel 
cooperatively with the private sector under a peer reviewed competitive 
process. H.R. 4138 slowly increases funding for R&D over a period of 5 
years to a level recommended by the Department of Energy's hydrogen 
technical advisory panel. This increase, which will occur at a slower 
pace than recommended, will help assure the best utilization of the 
increase while allowing budget priorities to be decided under a 
balanced plan.
  The Hydrogen Future Act, gives the House the opportunity to send to 
the Senate, and then the President's desk, a bill which is good for the 
environment, good for the economy, good for our health, and good for 
our future.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for passage of H.R. 4138, 
the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996.

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