The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“H.R. 4138, THE HYDROGEN FUTURE ACT OF 1996” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Energy was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1680 on Sept. 25, 1996.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
H.R. 4138, THE HYDROGEN FUTURE ACT OF 1996
______
HON. ROBERT S. WALKER
of pennsylvania
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, September 24, 1996
Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to bring before the House H.R. 4138, the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996, for its immediate consideration.
Mr. Brown and I are introducing H.R. 4138 to focus the U.S. Department of Energy's research and development of hydrogen as a fuel. Last year, with support on both sides of the aisle, a bill similar to this one, H.R. 655, passed the House with an overwhelming majority on May 2, 1995.
H.R. 4138, incorporates some changes made to the earlier bill to accommodate interests of Members of the Senate. These changes have been approved by the chairman and ranking members of the committees of jurisdiction.
I would like to thank the ranking member of the House Science Committee, Mr. Brown, for his support in cosponsoring this bill with me. Mr. Brown has long been a supporter of hydrogen research and development, and I have appreciated his efforts in this area.
I would also like to thank the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight for its cooperation on a provision in this bill over which it has jurisdiction.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4138 provides the legislative authority necessary to continue the research and development of hydrogen as fuel into the 21st century.
Hydrogen is essentially a nonpolluting, environmentally friendly, renewable resource that is one of the answers to our future energy needs.
Under H.R. 4138, the U.S. Department of Energy is directed to continue and expand its research and development of hydrogen as a fuel cooperatively with the private sector under a peer reviewed competitive process. H.R. 4138 slowly increases funding for R&D over a period of 5 years to a level recommended by the Department of Energy's hydrogen technical advisory panel. This increase, which will occur at a slower pace than recommended, will help assure the best utilization of the increase while allowing budget priorities to be decided under a balanced plan.
The Hydrogen Future Act, gives the House the opportunity to send to the Senate, and then the President's desk, a bill which is good for the environment, good for the economy, good for our health, and good for our future.
I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for passage of H.R. 4138, the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996.
____________________
