Blumenthal Statement on Celebrating National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn), Co-Chair of the Senate Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Caucus, released the following statement in celebration of National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, designated by a resolution passed by the Senate last week.

“This day recognizes the pivotal role the hydrogen and fuel cell industry plays in clean energy jobs and production and highlights the benefits from government and private industry collaboration,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Connecticut is a world leader in fuel cell and hydrogen energy systems manufacturing and has helped achieve promising technological breakthroughs and encouraging growth in the industry. Today, fuel cells are being used around Connecticut to help power cars, grocery stores, distribution centers and the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford in a clean and extremely efficient manner and their role continues to grow in providing sustainable transportation, improved business operations, and resilient power in the future.”

“The fuel cell and hydrogen energy industry thanks Senators Blumenthal, Graham, and the other supporters of this resolution, whose hard work led to its passage,” said Morry Markowitz, President of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association.  “Celebrating today, October 8 (10.08) as National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, which is symbolic of the atomic weight of hydrogen (1.008), recognizes the increased clean energy role that this technology is making to improve our country’s energy, economic, and environmental future, “ added Mr. Markowitz.

Fuel cells utilize hydrogen and hydrogen rich fuels without combustion to generate electricity in a way that is clean, efficient and quiet. For decades, the United States has been a leader in the development of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, which were instrumental in the development of a manned space program, allowing long term spaceflight which culminated with America putting a man on the moon. More than 100,000 fuel cell systems currently generate clean power for vehicles, forklifts, utilities, businesses, and homes, by providing reliable and resilient power, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and helping to increase America’s energy security and clean energy future.

The resolution designating October 8, 2015 as National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell day was sponsored by Blumenthal and Senator Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.), Co-Chairs of the Senate Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Caucus. Additional co-sponsors are Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.).

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