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5th
Annual USFCC CONGRESSIONAL FUEL CELL EXPO
(Washington D.C. – May 26, 2005) Hundreds of members of Congress, congressional staff, federal officials, business executives and news media representatives filled the Cannon Caucus Room on Capitol Hill for the US Fuel Cell Council’s 5th Annual CONGRESSIONAL FUEL CELL EXPO on May 24, 2005. Several members of Congress and dozens of other government officials test drove fuel cell vehicles from DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, and Nissan. A fuel cell powered Peterbilt Class 8 tractor was driven from California to Capitol Hill for the event, which featured more than 30 fuel cell industry leaders exhibiting their products in the Cannon House Office Building. Fuel cell and hydrogen technology support crosses party lines, and this year’s EXPO received bi-partisan sponsorship from Congressional leaders: Rep. Nancy Johnson (R-CT), Rep. John Larson (D-CT), Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC). DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy David Garman, Rep. Larson, and Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-2nd) were on-hand to give remarks to attendees. In his remarks, Mr. Garman said the EXPO shows “There are technologies available today that people can take advantage of.” EXPO co-sponsor Rep. Larson said there is a “strong feeling in Congress to move the [fuel cell] agenda forward” and that “the force of this industry is absolutely crucial to our future.” Rep. Wilson thanked the industry leaders present “for what you’re doing to promote the energy independence of the United States.” Bob Rose, Executive Director of the US Fuel Cell Council (USFCC), said “Fuel cells have the potential to reduce our reliance on foreign oil, as well as provide environmental benefits and higher energy efficiencies.” USFCC Deputy Executive Director Anthony Androsky added, “Our members are at the forefront of development, and we are pleased to give them the chance to show off their technologies.” On Monday, May 23, USFCC hosted a reception for member companies and invited Congressional representatives, their staff and federal officials. At the reception, the Council presented the US Fuel Cell Council’s 2005 Pathfinder Award to Sen. Byron Dorgan and Rep. John Larson. The Pathfinder Award recognizes individuals whose efforts have an important impact on the fuel cell industry. In addition to being co-sponsors of the USFCC Congressional Fuel Cell Expo, both Sen. Dorgan and Rep. Larson are steadfast supporters of legislation to advance the commercialization of hydrogen and fuel cell technology. For more information, visit our web site at www.usfcc.com.
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