[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 27 (Thursday, February 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           FUEL CELL RESEARCH

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                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 12, 2003

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas.  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
speak about promising technology that could help protect our 
environment and safeguard our national security. Given time and 
support, research into hydrogen-powered fuel cells could yield a 
reliable, clean source of power and curtail our dependence on foreign 
oil.
  By chemically combining oxygen and hydrogen, fuel cells generate 
electricity up to three times more efficiently than any internal 
combustion engine. Hydrogen has the highest energy content of any known 
fuel, and hydrogen-powered fuel cells run almost silently while 
emitting no pollutants. An automobile powered by fuel cells would 
produce only water as waste. Furthermore, hydrogen could be used for 
far more than transportation. Hydrogen fuel cells could be used to 
power homes and offices, and even to replace batteries for computers, 
cell phones, and other appliances.
  Fuel cells could not only serve as a clean and efficient energy 
source, but also as a way to limit our reliance on foreign oil. If we 
don't concentrate on viable alternatives to now, the United States is 
expected to import 68 percent of the oil it consumes by 2025. Should 
hydrogen-powered fuel cells fulfill their promise, we could drastically 
reduce that figure and ensure our independence in a way that keeps our 
environment protected.
  Despite the great potential of this technology, there are significant 
obstacles to overcome. Usable hydrogen remains expensive to produce and 
difficult to store effectively. At present fuel cells can cost up to 
ten times more than conventional engines. There is important work to do 
in this field, and I am proud to say that there are over a dozen 
organizations in my home state of Texas hard at work on solutions. 
Often Texas is thought of as oil country, but our state has the 
opportunity to play a vital role in the development of viable 
alternatives.
  As a ranking member of the Science Committee, I am very interested in 
any technology that could help keep our environment cleaner and our 
people more secure. I appreciate the opportunity to participate and 
look forward to ongoing involvement in this promising avenue of 
research.

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