FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 27, 2005
CONTACT: Matt Mitchell, (850) 245-2112

Hydrogen Bill Passes Unanimously in Florida House

--Bill provides financial incentives, encourages hydrogen technology research--

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Hydrogen Energy Technologies Act (FHETA), the legislative proposal focusing on hydrogen energy technologies and incentives, passed unanimously in the Florida House of Representatives today. With 114 representatives approving the bill, it now awaits approval from the Florida Senate.

“Hydrogen energy technology can make an important contribution to Florida’s future, helping ensure energy independence and stable fuel prices, secure clean air, and add jobs to the workforce,” said Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs and Energy Allan Bedwell. “This legislative proposal will expand revolutionary energy technology, increase corporate investment and help diversify Florida’s economy.”

Just last month, The Washington Economics Group, Inc. released an in-depth economic analysis of the proposed legislation, projecting that the bill would bring in $47.3 million in hydrogen energy investments and 142 jobs to Florida in the first year.

The Florida Hydrogen Energy Technologies Act:

• Provides Florida companies with a four year 75% corporate tax credit for expenditures and a 100 % sales tax exemption on related equipment purchases, increasing capital investment and job creation by reducing the costs of purchasing, manufacturing and developing hydrogen energy technologies.
• Establish the nation’s first statewide siting standard for hydrogen fueling infrastructure that creates a single, uniform standard will attract capital investment in Florida, reduce costs and ensure consistent safety codes across all regulatory jurisdictions.

Energy companies, automakers, petroleum companies and governments worldwide are investing more than $2 billion annually to expand the hydrogen technology industry. With its friendly business climate and attractive year-around weather, the Sunshine State expects to become a center for the hydrogen industry, effectively competing in global markets and expanding the state’s exports.

Already a national leader in the development of hydrogen energy, Florida currently has 28 mobile and stationary hydrogen demonstration projects either underway, in development or in the planning stage. The State is also purchasing eight of the world’s first commercially available hydrogen shuttle busses for visitor transit in the Orlando area and recently Governor Jeb Bush broke ground on Florida’s first hydrogen energy station.