[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 127 (Thursday, October 12, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10418-S10420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. AKAKA (for himself, Mr. Murkowski, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Bayh, 
        Mr. Reid, and Mr. Inouye):
  S. 3196. A bill to reauthorize and amend the Spark M. Matsunaga 
Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990, and for 
other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources


                george e. brown, jr. hyrodgen future act

  Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I rise today with Senator Murkowski and 
Senator Bingaman, Chairman and Ranking Member of Senate Committee on 
Energy and Natural Resources, my colleague on the Committee, Senator 
Bayh, my friend from Nevada, Senator Reid, and my senior colleague from 
Hawaii, Senator Inouye, to introduce legislation that will accelerate 
the ongoing efforts for the development of a fuel for the future--
hydrogen. Hydrogen is an efficient and environmentally friendly energy 
carrier that can be obtained using conventional or renewable resources. 
There is strong evidence that hydrogen can be a solution for America's 
long-term energy needs.
  All indications suggest that America's summer of discontent is going 
to continue and become the winter of discontent with respect to energy 
prices. Americans have paid record-breaking prices at the pump this 
summer. They will continue to suffer escalating prices this winter too. 
Higher energy prices hit most those Americans who can afford it the 
least.
  Our Nation is heavily dependent on fossil fuels. We rely on imports 
to meet our needs. Our dependence on imported oil has been increasing 
for years. Oil imports have been rising for the past two decades. The 
combination of lower domestic production and increased demand has led 
to imports making up a larger share of total oil consumed in the United 
States. In 1992, crude oil imports accounted for approximately 45 
percent of our domestic demand. Last year crude oil imports amounted 
for 58 percent. The Energy Information Administration's Short-Term 
Outlook forecasts that oil imports will exceed 60 percent of total 
demand this year. EIA's long-term forecasts have oil imports 
constituting 66 percent of U.S. supply by 2010, and more than 71 
percent by 2000.
  Continued reliance on such large quantities of imported oil will 
frustrate our efforts to develop a national energy policy and set the 
stage for energy emergencies in the future.
  Mr. President, the way to improve our energy outlook is to adopt 
energy conservation, encourage energy efficiency, and support renewable 
energy programs. Above all, we must develop energy resources that 
diversify our energy mix and strengthen our energy security.
  Now is the time to increase our efforts to develop new sources of 
energy. Growing evidence points to hydrogen as a fuel to resolve our 
energy problems and satisfy a wide variety of the world's energy needs.
  Hydrogen as a fuel is not a new concept. For more than two decades 
there has been global interest in hydrogen as a renewable fuel. 
Progress is being made at an accelerating pace. Fuel cells for 
distributed stationary power are being commercialized and installed in 
various locations in the United States and worldwide. Transit bus 
demonstrations are underway in both the United States and Europe. Major 
automobile companies are poised to deploy fuel cell passengers cars 
within the next few years. All these activities involve government and 
private sector cooperation.
  But many problems and challenges remain. Hydrogen production costs 
from both fossil and renewable energy sources remain high. Attractive 
low-cost storage technologies are not available. There is an inadequate 
infrastructure.
  We need to address these challenges and barriers if we are to enjoy 
the fruits of an efficient and environmentally friendly energy source. 
This Senator believes that an aggressive research and development 
program can help us overcome many of these challenges such as bringing 
down the production costs from fossil and renewable sources, by 
advancing storage technologies, and addressing safety concerns with 
efforts in establishing codes and standards.
  Our Nation needs an active and focused research, development, and 
demonstration program to make the breakthroughs necessary to make 
hydrogen a viable source of energy.
  My predecessor, Senator Spark Matsunaga was one of the first to focus 
attention on hydrogen by sponsoring hydrogen research legislation. The 
Matsunaga Hydrogen Act, as this legislation has come to be known, was 
designed to accelerate development of domestic capability to produce an 
economically renewable energy source in sufficient quantities to reduce 
the Nation's dependence on conventional fuels. As a result of Senator 
Matsunaga's vision, the Department of Energy has been conducting 
research that will advance technologies for cost-effective production, 
storage, and utilization of hydrogen. The Hydrogen Future Act of 1996 
expanded the research, and development, and demonstration program under 
the Matsunaga Act. It authorized activities leading to production, 
storage, transformation, and use of hydrogen for industrial, 
residential, transportation, and utility applications.
  My good friend and former colleague in the House, Representative 
George E. Brown, Jr., was instrumental in the introduction and passage 
of the Hydrogen Future Act. Serving as the Chairman and Ranking Member 
of the House Science Committee, Congressman Brown earned a reputation 
as a true champion and advocate for science. He was an early supporter 
of hydrogen as a source of energy. He was the principal sponsor of the 
companion legislation to Senator Matsunaga's bill in the House. 
Congressman Brown passed away on July 15, 1999.
  Mr. President, the legislation I am introducing today reauthorizes 
and amends the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996. I propose that Congress 
dedicate this legislation to George Brown's memory and cite the Act as 
George E. Brown, Jr. Hydrogen Future Act.

  The legislation I am introducing today is consistent with the 
thinking of experts who have looked at this issue. The President's 
Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) issued a report 
titled ``Federal Energy Research and Development for the Challenges of 
the Twenty-First Century'' in response to a request from President 
Clinton to review the national energy R&D portfolio and make 
recommendations on how to ensure that the U.S. has a program that 
addresses its energy needs for the next century. In its report issued 
in November 1997, PCAST proposed a substantial increase in Federal 
spending for applied energy technology R&D, with the largest share 
going to energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. This was 
a major change in focus. With this new R&D emphasis, the PCAST report 
acknowledges and supports advances in a wide range of both hydrogen-
producing and hydrogen-using technologies. The bill I am introducing 
today supports the recommendations of PCAST.
  The Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel (HTAP) was established pursuant 
to the Spark Matsunaga Hydrogen Act. The panel's primary functions are 
to advise the Secretary of Energy on the

[[Page S10419]]

implementation and conduct of the Department of Energy's Hydrogen 
Program and to review and make recommendations on the economic, 
technical, and environmental consequences of deploying hydrogen energy 
systems. The Hydrogen Future Act gave additional functions to HTAP. The 
Act requires HTAP to evaluate the effectiveness of the Department's 
Hydrogen Program and make recommendations for improvements. HTAP is 
also required to make recommendations for future legislation.
  The panel, appointed by the Secretary of Energy, has broad 
representation from industry, government, and academia. While some 
members of the panel represent the hydrogen community, others represent 
fossil energy, industrial gases, transportation, and environment 
groups--areas affected by the development and deployment of hydrogen 
energy systems. This mix provides the panel with a balanced perspective 
that allows diversity of viewpoints. Members serve on a pro-bono basis.
  HTAP, in its report to Congress has strongly endorsed reauthorizing 
the Hydrogen Future Act. Today's bill reflects most of the 
recommendations of this expert body.
  The long-term vision for hydrogen energy is that sometime well into 
21st century, hydrogen will join electricity as one of our Nation's 
primary energy carriers, and hydrogen will ultimately be produced from 
renewable sources. But fossil fuels will be a significant long-term 
transitional resource. In the next twenty years, increasing concerns 
about global climate changes and energy security concerns will help 
bring about penetration of hydrogen in several niche markets. The 
growth of fuel cell technology will allow the introduction of hydrogen 
in both transportation and electricity sectors.
  We are a long way from realizing this vision for hydrogen energy. But 
progress is being made and many challenges and barriers remain. 
Sustained effort is the only way to overcome these challenges and 
barriers. We need to support a strategy that focuses on mid-term and 
long-term goals. We must support development of technologies that 
enable distributed electric-generation fuel cell systems and hydrogen 
fuel cell vehicles for transportation applications. For the long-term, 
we should look to hydrogen technologies that enhance renewable systems 
and offer society the promise of clean, abundant fuels.
  Significant forces are coming together that may accelerate wider 
acceptance of hydrogen as an energy source. Industry is moving ahead 
with fuel cell developments at a rapid pace. Many companies are forming 
partnerships to bring new technologies to the market place. Daimler-
Chrysler, Ford, and Ballard have formed a partnership and pledged $1.5 
billion for commercialization of automotive fuel cells. Edison 
Development Company, General Electric, SoCal Gas, and Plug Power have 
agreement to commercialize residential fuel cells. There are other 
companies pursuing the same market sector and are developing high 
performance fuel cell technology for automotive and electrical 
generation systems.
  Initiatives for controls of emissions from automobiles such as 
California's zero emissions vehicle requirements favor early 
introduction of hydrogen powered vehicles. There is significant 
industry interest in bringing fuel cell technology to mining 
operations.
  The Department of Energy administers the Hydrogen Program that 
supports a broad range of research and development projects in the 
areas of hydrogen production, storage, and use in a safer and less 
expensive manner in the near future. Progress in several research and 
development areas shows promise that some of these new technologies may 
become available for wider use in the next few years. Some of the 
promising technologies include advanced natural gas- and biomass-based 
hydrogen production technologies, high pressure gaseous and cryogas 
storage systems, reversible PEM fuel cell systems. Others lay the 
groundwork for long range opportunities.
  The Hydrogen Program utilizes the talents of our national 
laboratories and our universities. National Renewable Energy 
Laboratory, Sandia, Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos, and Oak Ridge, as 
well as Jet Propulsion Laboratory are involved in the program. DOE 
Field Office at Golden, Colorado, and Nevada Operations Office in 
Nevada are also involved. University-led centers-of-excellence have 
been established at Florida Solar Energy Center at University of Miami 
and University of Hawaii. The U.S. participation in the International 
Energy Agency contributes to the advancement of DOE hydrogen research 
through international cooperation.
  The DOE Hydrogen Program is well managed and run by dedicated 
managers and capable and talented technologists. The program has also 
built strong links with the industry. This has resulted in strong 
industry participation and cost sharing. HTAP, in its review of the 
program reached similar conclusions.
  The legislation I am introducing today reauthorizes the Hydrogen 
Future Act and adds provisions for the demonstration of hydrogen 
technologies at government facilities. It highlights the potential of 
hydrogen as an efficient and environmentally friendly source of energy, 
the need for a strong partnership between the Federal government, 
industry, and academia, and the importance of continued support for 
hydrogen research. It fosters collaboration between Federal agencies, 
state and local governments, universities, and industry. It encourages 
private sector investment and cost sharing in the development of 
hydrogen as an energy source.
  The legislation authorizes $250 million over the next five years for 
research and development of technologies for hydrogen production, 
storage and use. This will allow advancement of technologies such as 
smaller-scale production systems that are applicable to distributed-
generation and vehicle applications, advanced pressure vessels, 
photobiological and photocatalytic production of hydrogen, and carbon 
nanotubes, graphite nanofibers, and fullerenes.
  It also authorizes $50 million for conducting integrated 
demonstrations of hydrogen technologies at government facilities. This 
will help secure industry participation through competitive 
solicitations for technology development and testing. It may encourage 
integration of renewable energy resources with hydrogen storage in 
distributed power scenarios. It will test the viability of hydrogen 
production, storage, and use. It will lead to development of hydrogen-
based operating experience acceptable to meet safety codes and 
standards.
  By supporting the development of hydrogen technologies, we will be 
ushering in an era of a non-polluting source of energy that will reduce 
our dependence on foreign oil. The price we will pay for development of 
this clean and renewable energy is minuscule compared to the benefits. 
And Mr. President, if we develop hydrogen technologies, we will be less 
likely to be held hostage by our friends in the Middle East.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that a copy of the bill be 
printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                S. 3196

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``George E. Brown, Jr. 
     Hydrogen Future Act''.

     SEC. 2. PURPOSES.

       Section 102(b)(2) of the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen 
     Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 (42 
     U.S.C. 12401(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``among the 
     Federal agencies and aerospace, transportation, energy, and 
     other entities'' and inserting ``, including education, among 
     the Federal agencies and industry, transportation entities, 
     energy entities, and other entities''.

     SEC. 3. REPORT TO CONGRESS.

       Section 103 of the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, 
     Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12402) 
     is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``1999,'' and inserting 
     ``2003,'';
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (1) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(1) an analysis of hydrogen-related activities throughout 
     the United States Government to identify productive areas for 
     increased intergovernmental collaboration; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Requirements.--The report under subsection (a) 
     shall--

[[Page S10420]]

       ``(1) be based on a comprehensive coordination plan for 
     hydrogen energy prepared by the Department with other Federal 
     agencies; and
       ``(2) to the extent practicable, include State and local 
     activities.''.

     SEC. 4. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.

       Section 106 of the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, 
     Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12405) 
     is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in the first sentence--
       (i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``an inventory'' and 
     inserting ``an update of the inventory''; and
       (ii) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``other Federal 
     agencies as appropriate,'' before ``and industry''; and
       (B) by striking the second and third sentences; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Information Exchange Program Activities.--The 
     information exchange program under subsection (b)--
       ``(1) may consist of workshops, publications, conferences, 
     and a database for the use by the public and private sectors; 
     and
       ``(2) shall foster the exchange of generic, nonproprietary 
     information and technology, developed under this Act, among 
     industry, academia, and the Federal Government, to help the 
     United States economy attain the economic benefits of the 
     information and technology.''.

     SEC. 5. TECHNICAL PANEL REVIEW.

       Section 108(d) of the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, 
     Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 
     12407(d)) is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``the following items'';
       (2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (3) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) the plan developed by the interagency task force 
     under section 202(b) of the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996.''.

     SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 109 of the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, 
     Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12408) 
     is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (8), by striking ``and'';
       (2) in paragraph (9), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(10) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2002;
       ``(11) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2003;
       ``(12) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2004;
       ``(13) $55,000,000 for fiscal year 2005; and
       ``(14) $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2006.''.

     SEC. 7. FUEL CELLS.

       (a) Integration of Fuel Cells with Hydrogen Production 
     Systems.--Section 201(a) of the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996 
     (42 U.S.C. 12403 note; Public Law 104-271) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``(a) Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of enactment of this section, and subject'' and 
     inserting ``(a) In General.--Subject''; and
       (2) by striking ``with--'' and all that follows and 
     inserting ``into Federal and State facilities for stationary 
     and transportation applications.''.
       (b) Cooperative and Cost-Sharing Agreements; Integration of 
     Technical Information.--Title II of the Hydrogen Future Act 
     of 1996 (42 U.S.C. 12403 note; Public Law 104-271) is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating section 202 as section 205; and
       (2) by inserting after section 201 the following:

     ``SEC. 202. INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE.

       ``(a) Establishment.--Not later than 120 days after the 
     date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall 
     establish an interagency task force led by a Deputy Assistant 
     Secretary of the Department of Energy and comprised of 
     representatives of--
       ``(1) the Office of Science and Technology Policy;
       ``(2) the Department of Transportation;
       ``(3) the Department of Defense;
       ``(4) the Department of Commerce (including the National 
     Institute for Standards and Technology);
       ``(5) the Environmental Protection Agency;
       ``(6) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; 
     and
       ``(7) other agencies as appropriate.
       ``(b) Duties.--
       ``(1) In general.--The task force shall develop a plan for 
     carrying out this title.
       ``(2) Focus of plan.--The plan shall focus on development 
     and demonstration of integrated systems and components for--
       ``(A) hydrogen production, storage, and use in Federal 
     buildings;
       ``(B) power generation; and
       ``(C) transportation systems.
       ``(3) Projects.--The plan may provide for projects to 
     demonstrate the feasibility of--
       ``(A) hydrogen-based distributed power systems;
       ``(B) systems for hydrogen-based generation of combined 
     heat, power, and other products; and
       ``(C) hydrogen-based infrastructure for transportation 
     systems (including zero-emission vehicles).''.

     ``SEC. 203. COOPERATIVE AND COST-SHARING AGREEMENTS.

       ``The Secretary shall enter into cooperative and cost-
     sharing agreements with Federal and State agencies for 
     participation by the agencies in demonstrations at sites 
     administered by the agencies, with the aim of replacing 
     commercially available systems based on fossil fuels with 
     systems using fuel cells.

     ``SEC. 204. INTEGRATION OF TECHNICAL INFORMATION.

       ``The Secretary shall--
       ``(1) integrate all the technical information that becomes 
     available as a result of development and demonstration 
     projects under this title; and
       ``(2) make the information available to all Federal and 
     State agencies.''.
       (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 205 of the 
     Hydrogen Future Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. 12403 note; Public Law 
     104-271) (as redesignated by subsection (b)) is amended by 
     striking ``this section, a total of $50,000,000 for fiscal 
     years 1997 and 1998, to remain available until September 30, 
     1999'' and inserting ``this title $50,000,000 for fiscal 
     years 2002, 2003, and 2004, to remain available until 
     September 30, 2005''.
                                 ______