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 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. Pursuing 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.
During debate on the
Fiscal Year 2008 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill (HR 2641), I successfully
offered an amendment with Rep. Wynn to ensure that $213 million within the
Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs would be
for hydrogen research and development. The amendment increased funding
for the hydrogen technologies program by $18.4 million.
Correspondence
- 9/23/05
– Letter to Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman urging his support for full
federal fuel cell funding in Fiscal Year 2007.
- 11/3/05
– Secretary Bodman’s response
Op-ed
- 1/20/02 - Larson Promotes U.S. Energy Independence
(Hartford
Courant)
Additional Information
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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