Representative John B. Larson
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Latest News

8/31/06 - Larson, Local Officials Announce Fuel Cell Bus for Hartford (Energy)

2/13/06 - Larson Urges State to Assert Leadership in Fuel Cell Development (Energy)

6/27/05 - Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Caucus Announces “End Dependence Day” (Energy)

5/25/05 - New Energy Bill Dedicates $1 Million for Connecticut- Based Efforts in Advancing Fuel-Cell Technology (Energy)

5/24/05 - Congressman John B. Larson Recognized for Support of Fuel-Cell Technology (Energy)

In 2004, the U.S. imported an average of 13 million barrels of oil per day from foreign oil producers. While our nation consumes more than 20 million barrels of oil a day, we only produce 5 million a day – leaving the U.S. dangerously dependent on foreign sources of oil. Recent increases in energy prices, coupled with the impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, clearly demonstrate the need for our nation to diversify our national energy portfolio and develop alternative sources of energy that will lead us to a secure and independent energy future.

I have long advocated for robust government investment in hydrogen fuel cells. Pursing the development and commercialization of fuel cells strikes at the very core of our national security, economic stability, and environmental conscience. We have before us the technology to provide clean, reliable energy for every person, home, business, and vehicle in America. With fuel cells, we have the opportunity to end America's reliance on foreign energy sources while at the same time creating quality jobs for the next century in a new and expanding technological field. As a leader in the research and manufacturing of hydrogen fuel cells, Connecticut will play a vital role in our nation’s energy future.

Additional Information:

House Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus

In June 2004, I joined Reps. Al Wynn (D-MD), Charlie Dent (R-PA) and Bob Inglis (R-SC) in forming the House Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus. The Caucus is a bipartisan group of concerned Members of Congress created to promote and enhance awareness of the issues surrounding an accelerated transition to energy independence through hydrogen and fuel cell technology.

Fuel Cell Funding

Congress has a vital part to play in providing the long-term investment necessary to research, develop, and commercialize hydrogen and fuel cell technology. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (PL 109-58) authorized $860 million in federal fuel cell funding and one billion for hydrogen programs under the Department of Energy for Fiscal Years 2006 through Fiscal Year 2010.

The Fiscal Year 2006 Energy and Water Appropriations Act (PL 109-103) provided $81 million for hydrogen technologies and $76 million for fuel cells. While this funding will provide important resources for the development of fuel cells, it falls short of the levels authorized in the Energy Policy Act. As Congress begins consideration of the Fiscal Year 2007 federal budget, rest assured that I will continue to work with my colleagues to provide the highest possible funding for hydrogen fuel cells.

Correspondence

  • 9/23/05 – Letter to Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman urging his support for full federal fuel cell funding in Fiscal Year 2007. Download Acrobat Reader
  • 11/3/05 – Secretary Bodman’s response Download Acrobat Reader

Op-ed

  • 1/20/02 - Larson Promotes U.S. Energy Independence (Hartford Courant)  Download Acrobat Reader

Additional Information


Photo of fuel cell SUV in front of Capitol

Long an advocate of fuel cell technology, Congressman Larson brought a fuel cell powered SUV to Capitol Hill on July 31, 2001, for Members of Congress to drive and learn more about this technology.

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