Comments on: Sample letter to save federal funding

By: Philip Block

Philip Block — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:14:39 +0000

To the TXCHL Instructor:Good question. Now let’s see if I can give you an ansewer that will make sense. First, and I don’t mean to be demeaning, but a through knowledge of the Fuel Cell would help to give you a partial answer. The Fuel Cell promises to open the door for thousands of other uses, beside mobile platforms. When the first cars hit the road, circa 1885, they were simple instruments compared to today. Just about any decent mechanic could build one. The evidence was that hundreds of auto mfgs. sprung up around the world. But, because of low production rates and little standardization, they were expensive. Then around 1908, some 25 years later, Ford mass produced a standard car that brought the price down. Also, it took that long before the first gas station was established. Gasoline was purchased at drug stores, hardware stores, etc, until then. Now today, the Fuel Cell, although simple in theory, is difficult to build. It is a high technology science. I know, I have been a Fuel Cell advocate for over 40 years. Over the years I, and a number of others I know of, tried it and realized it was beyond our capability as individuals. It took large companies with the resources, such as UTC, GE, etc. and Gov’t contracts (space program) to further the development and manufacturing techniques. Now, the world has finally realized that is it a big answer to a big problem; the demand for energy. Soo–if we (the taxpayer) can pump 90 billion dollars into a hole in the ground for nuclear waste (Yucca Mt.) that has been building for 10 years and is still not finished; billions of dollars to clean up the nuclear waste sitting around in about 22 states, with no promise it will ever be accomplished; nuclear power that has proved to be a financial disaster; a 20th century technology that is today technologically obselete for civilian use (military use excluded) in the 21st century; sooo-financial help is needed and, sorry to say, only the Gov’t (ie. taxpayer) has the resources. I believe that when you really learn about the uses and benefits of a fuel cell, you will agree that it will be money well spent (hopefully).

By: Todd

Todd — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:05:38 +0000

I agree with Jennifer. The reviews of driving fuel cell cars that I’ve read show that they are more than viable, they’re competitive in performance. The challenge is to get their cost down, since even in semi-large scale production some of the materials and complexity make them prohibitively expensive. I know companies like GM, Honda, Mercedes, and Toyota are working on this and will get there someday. To not support the lone domestic competitor,GM, during this critical period would be a mistake, even if fuel cells won’t contribute a profit for some time to come.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:07:52 +0000

TXCHL - the proposed budget for biofuels (with stimulus and loan guarantees) is around 2 billion, the proposed budget for batteries is around 3 billion - those are your tax dollars, too - the 100 million for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is a drop in that bucket and there are more fuel cell vehicles on the road today. Why kneecap a program when it is starting to bear fruit? Why not fund all pathways and see which one gets there first? We are going to need all the help we can get to fight climate change and reduce our dependence on foreign oil, so why choose now?

By: Brynne

Brynne — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:49:53 +0000

Instructor - no deleting here! You weren’t signed in, so I simply had to go in this morning and approve the day’s comments. Thanks for contributing to the discussion.

By: TX CHL Instructor

TX CHL Instructor — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 02:34:32 +0000

No comments yet, eh? How about the one I made several hours ago? Or is that you can’t find anybody to support this nonsense? I see *my* comment got deleted. That’s intellectual dishonesty. This one will get deleted, too, I have no doubt, but you won’t be able to do the same to my tweets, or my blog(s).

By: TXCHL Instructor

TXCHL Instructor — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:45:14 +0000

If it’s such a good idea, why does it need to use my tax dollars as a subsidy?