Feb. 6, 2003

President Bush observed a demonstration of hydrogen fuel cell technology February 5 and urged the Congress to pass his plan calling for research into alternative energy sources that are cleaner, cheaper and will reduce U.S. reliance upon foreign oil.

"Hydrogen fuel cells represent one of the most encouraging, innovative technologies of our era," said Bush at a Washington appearance. "And if you're interested in our environment and if you're interested in doing what's right for the American people, if you're tired of the same old endless struggles that seem to produce nothing but noise and high bills, let us promote hydrogen fuel cells as a way to advance into the 21st century."

In his State of the Union message, Bush proposed a $1,200 million plan to promote commercially viable hydrogen fuel cells. The technology has the potential to produce energy that is less polluting, more abundant and less dependent on foreign suppliers, according to a White House fact sheet on the program. (http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/01/20030130-20.html )At the same time, Bush acknowledged the nation must overcome obstacles to achieve cost effectiveness in the use of hydrogen power and to replace an infrastructure that is built around the use of oil.

The administration is also joining research into the development of fusion power – the same energy source that fires the sun. The administration has recently announced that it will join an international consortium to build a fusion test facility.

Bush also sought congressional action on a program he proposed last year -- the Clear Skies Initiative. "It's an initiative that will reduce air pollution from power plants by 70 percent by the year 2018. It's an initiative that seriously addresses sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and mercury," he said.

The president also urged congressional action on his comprehensive energy plan, which has also not progressed through the legislative process.