News release from
Congressman Eric Massa
29th District, New York
Monday, May 11th, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Jared Smith - (XXX) XXX-XXXX
PRESS SECRETARY: Jerri S. Kaiser - (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Congressman Eric Massa stands against plan to reduce Hydrogen Fuel Cell funding
Rep. Massa points to long term energy solutions through local green-collar job creation
HONEOYE FALLS, N.Y. - This morning it was reported that Department of Energy funding for clean hydrogen energy will be cut by 60% or $68.2 million in the next fiscal year budget. Rep. Massa has a long history of supporting hydrogen fuel cell technology as one piece of a long term solution to help end our addiction to foreign fossil fuels.
In the 29th Congressional District, General Motors has created a state of the art Hydrogen Fuel Cell Research and Development center where they are literally driving zero emission fuel cell vehicles today. Shortly after the announcement, Rep. Massa adjusted his schedule to attend an emergency meeting with the heads of the General Motors Fuel Cell Center in Honeoye Falls to discuss the next step. Rep. Massa has also sent a letter to President Obama and Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu voicing his opposition to the plan to cut hydrogen fuel cell funding.
The recent news of these cuts from the administration comes as a serious threat to the future of the hundreds of green jobs in our area and our Nation's long-term energy independence. Congressman Massa today spoke about his plan to address these cuts and his efforts to save these jobs.
"Failure for our country is not an option," said Congressman Eric Massa. "The future of our Nation's energy independence is right here in Honeoye Falls New York, and I will do everything in my power to see federal funding restored. The Germans, Japanese, and Koreans understand the importance of energy independence, and that's why their governments are investing billions in hydrogen fuel cell technology. They understand that building a public/private partnership between their governments and auto manufacturers to create green jobs and ensure energy independence is a national security issue and so do I."
"I cannot accept that Washington is willing to bailout Wall Street to the tune of billions of dollars, but not step up and invest in long-term energy solutions such as zero emission hydrogen fuel cell vehicles."
"I cannot promise victory on this issue, but I will be reaching out to other members of Congress to build a coalition to restore this critical clean hydrogen fuel cell funding."
"Right here in Western New York, General Motors has built one of the most impressive, 21st century green technology centers, and we're not going to let it slip away without a fight. The future of green energy is being built right here on American soil with American workers."
"If gutting hydrogen fuel cell technology is going to be part of our national energy policy, then I will have a hard time supporting it."
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Jared Smith
Communications Director
The Office of Congressman Eric Massa
(XXX) XXX-XXXX
xxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx.xxxx
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