March 1, 2005

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Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) has introduced legislation to help convert ethanol and other farm-derived fuels into hydrogen. Harkin, probably the member of Congress with the longest record of supporting hydrogen, says “We must start relying more heavily on renewable energy as part of our comprehensive energy solution in this country.” He added, “part of the solution includes using more renewable fuels like ethanol. Another part of the solution is developing hydrogen-powered vehicles and the systems to support them.” Harkin’s bill authorizes $5 million over three years to demonstrate hydrogen production from these fuels, including the building and installation of an ethanol-to-hydrogen fueling system and converting 10 i.c. hybrid vehicles to run on hydrogen in the first year; fund continued operation of these vehicles for the subsequent two years; and collect emissions and fuel economy data. Contacts/Source: Harkin website, http://harkin.senate.gov/; Renewable Fuels Association, Monte Shaw, 202/289-3835.