Breakthrough Technologies Institute - Fuel Cells 2000

Contact:
Texas State Energy Conservation Office
Mary-Jo Rowan, Alternative Fuels Program
111 East 17th Street, #1114
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (800) 531-5441, ext 3-2637 or (512) 463-2637
E-mail: mary-jo.rowan@cpa.state.tx.us
Web: www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us/index.htm
Hydrogen-Fueled Vehicles and Refueling Stations Initiative
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/cgibin/tlo/textframe.cmd?LEG=79&SESS=R&CHAMBER=H&BILLTYPE=B&BILLSUFFIX=0
2702&VERSION=5&TYPE=B
House Bill 2702, passed in May 2005, directs the Texas Department of Transportation
(TxDOT) to seek funding from public and private sources to acquire and operate
hydrogen-fueled vehicles, and to establish and operate hydrogen refueling stations.
Specific provisions of the bill include:
• TxDOT may establish and operate at least five hydrogen refueling stations,
which must be located in an urbanized area along a major state highway and
be accessible to the public.
• The department may establish hydrogen refueling stations on the Trans-Texas
Corridor.
• TxDOT may purchase to operate in an area in which a refueling station is
established vehicles capable of operating using hydrogen, including, at a
minimum:
• Four vehicles with internal combustion engines that run on hydrogen;
and
• Three fuel cell vehicles, one internal combustion engine bus that runs
on hydrogen, or one fuel cell bus.
• A hydrogen-powered vehicle, noted in the section above, purchased to meet
the requirements of a state code regarding state agency automotive fleets,
may be used to satisfy the alternative fuels percentage requirement.
• A mass transit hydrogen-fueled fleet vehicle may be used to satisfy the
percentage requirement under state code requiring that a mass transit
authority ensure that its vehicles can operate on alternative fuels.
The State has made available the first phase of funding for HB 2702 in the form of the
creation of TxDOT Hydrogen Strategic Plan. In March 2006 a panel of national experts
in hydrogen and fuel cells technology was convened to create this Strategic Plan. The
plan will provide TxDOT with recommendations for siting hydrogen-fueled vehicles and
hydrogen fueling infrastructure on their property.
Contact:
Texas Department of Transportation
125 E. 11th Street
198