H-prize Act of 2006

H-PRIZE ACT OF 2006

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the need for hydrogen energy is vital in a time when our dependence on foreign oil is placing a heavy burden on our economy. H.R. 5143, the H-Prize Act of 2006 will establish a prize competition to encourage the development of breakthrough technologies that would make hydrogen a practical alternative to foreign oil in our transportation sector. Hydrogen holds out the promise of being a non-polluting fuel since water vapor is the only byproduct of consuming it.

Currently, much research is needed in order for hydrogen to be stored, economically distributed, and used efficiently in cars. In order to facilitate this research, prize programs such as this one encourage more work to be done on the matter without putting much money up front. Thus, monetary awards offered for hydrogen production, storage distribution and utilization creation of a working hydrogen vehicle prototype research are essential to promote research in these areas.

Private entities invest far more in research to win a prize than the government pays out in the prize reward. However, making this contest open to all people, especially minorities, women and disadvantaged enterprises, can help contribute significantly to these efforts.

Hydrogen technology seems ideal for a prize contest as long as it is advertised to a diverse segment of the population which includes minorities, women, small and disadvantaged businesses. Since, hydrogen technologies hold the promise of enormous reward, it is wise to encourage all to compete and provide them tools that assist in this area. At the end of the day, the Hydrogen Prize Act will help promote innovative results from a diverse community that will reduce technical and others barriers to the advancement of hydrogen technologies and the betterment of America.

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