House Republican Press Release

March 25, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. STRIPP SUPPORTS NEW FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY

HARTFORD – Rep. John E. Stripp, the lead Republican on the Commerce Committee, voted to boost the fuel cell industry in Connecticut by supporting the buying of hydrogen-electric hybrid buses and convert Bradley International Airport to the world's first airport to run on fuel cells.

On Tuesday, March 18^th the Commerce Committee voted out Senate Bill 566, An Act Concerning Fuel Cells by a vote of 21-1. The bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a fuel cell program which would include: 1) Contracting with a state business to produce transit buses powered by fuel cells. 2) Transitioning to the use of fuel cells at ports, airports, and other transportation hubs, including Bradley International Airport, 3) Establishing up to three hydrogen refueling hubs in the state, and 4) Using fuel cells to provide power for railroad application.

The bill would also require DOT to consider the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineers (CASE) study on the feasibility of using fuel cells for the New Haven rail line.

Additional the bill authorizes $50 million in bonds for DOT to implement the fuel cell program and authorizes $500,000 in bonds for the Office of Legislative Management to perform an engineering study and develop plans to install fuel cells at the Capitol Complex.

Rep. Stripp said, “This bill is a bold step toward improving the environment in Connecticut, stimulating growth in an industry that is indigenous to the state and fostering significant economic development, not only in the future hydrogen economy, but also stimulating an industry that has the ability to improve energy development in those areas of the state that face a constrained energy infrastructure. This is a ‘High Value Added’ industry and Connecticut must become a ‘High Value Added’ state if we are to prosper in the coming decades.”

“This proposal would be a key part to building our manufacturing base by increasing our competitive position in the global economy,” added Rep. Stripp, who represents Easton, Redding and Weston.