UPPER DARBY, Pa., Oct 25 - U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon (R-Pa.), senior member of the House Science Committee and the Subcommittee on Energy, joined the Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Andy Karsner today in announcing federal funding for King of Prussia’s Arkema, Inc. Congressman Weldon and Secretary Karsner presented Arkema with a grant of more than $6 million develop low-cost, highly durable fuel cell membranes – a key component for fuel cell technology.

“America’s dependence on foreign oil must come to an end. Our continued reliance on OPEC has made our nation extremely vulnerable to extreme price shocks in the face of increased global demand,” said Congressman Weldon. “By adopting hydrogen fuel cell technology, our nation will be better prepared to determine our own energy fate. We must continue to explore and harness the strengths of this stimulating new technology through the work of companies like Arkema, ensuring America remains at the forefront of alternative energy development.”

The Department of Energy leads the nation’s Hydrogen Fuel Initiative, a cost-share program between the federal government and private industries to overcome cost and stability obstacles associated with hydrogen fuel cell research to reduce and eventually eliminate America’s dependence on foreign oil. This round of cost-shared grants provides $100 million to fund 25 hydrogen development projects. Arkema’s grant of $6.3 million represents the largest award.

A hydrogen fuel cell produces electricity that can be used to power a vehicle – or just about anything else that uses electricity – with only water and heat as byproducts. However, the technology is in its early stages and requires more research. Arkema and several local Pennsylvania subcontractors will use the funding provided in today’s grant to advance their work to develop fuel cell membranes with greater lifetime durability using low-cost materials.

A member of the House Hydrogen Cell Caucus, Congressman Weldon has been a major supporter of programs to advance alternative energy development. He has also supported policies that promote greater efficiency and conservation. To push America to the forefront of alternative fuel technology, Weldon’s energy plan proposes the accelerated development of alternative energy sources through a “Manhattan Project” for alternative energy. He has also called for efforts to increase current automobile fuel efficiency by raising the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard, which aims to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil and reduce air pollution from American cars.

In August, Weldon keynoted Villanova University’s Alternative Energy Forum, which offered a revealing look at alternative energy sources and conservation methods. Presentations from governmental, industrial, and academic fields highlighted some of the emerging alternative energy technologies of local Pennsylvania companies.

Arkema is one of the largest chemical companies in the world, employing over 19,000 at 90 sites in 40 countries. Four of the company’s locations are in Pennsylvania, including its headquarters in Philadelphia, a research and development center in King of Prussia, and manufacturing sites in Birdsboro and Bristol.

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