Washington, D.C., November 10, 2004 – “It’s fitting that the first publicly accessible hydrogen fueling station is in the nation’s capital, where federal officials are grappling with public policy choices to address record-high energy costs for America’s businesses and consumers and crucial issues like national energy security and the environment,” Alliance to Save Energy President Kateri Callahan said today.

“The Alliance to Save Energy applauds Shell and General Motors Corp. for demonstrating forward-looking vehicle and fuel technologies that offer the promise of zero emissions and sustainable mobility. The Alliance urges Congress to take action that will not only help industry build the hydrogen-based economy showcased at the Shell Hydrogen station but also help address the immediate problems created by today’s high oil and gas prices and the pressing environmental and national security issues attendant to conventional cars and trucks.

“The U.S. Congress has deliberated the provision of consumer tax credits for advanced, energy-efficient vehicles for nearly six years. It’s time for generous tax incentives to encourage market adoption of hybrids, followed by fuel cell electric vehicles, if our nation is to capitalize on the promise of these clean, sustainable transportation technologies,” stated Callahan. “Tax credits to offset the higher initial purchase price of today’s hybrids and tomorrow’s fuel cell vehicles will help build a long-term, vibrant market for technologies that deliver mobility without sacrificing the environment or our national energy security.”