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ORLANDO – The Florida Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) showcased two new hydrogen-powered
vehicles at the Metropolitan Environmental Training
Alliance’s (METRA) annual Environmental Workshop. As
part of a national hydrogen demonstration project, DEP
is touring area schools and conferences with two
pollution-free hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
“DEP is proud to participate in this demonstration
project, and excited to introduce this technology to
Central Florida’s environmental professionals,” said
Vivian Garfein, Director of DEP’s Central District.
“Florida’s investment in pollution-free alternative fuel
technology benefits our environment, quality of life and
economy.”
The hydrogen demonstration project is part of an
initiative unveiled in 2004 by the U.S. Department of
Energy. Through the federal government’s Controlled
Hydrogen Fleet and Infrastructure Demonstration and
Validation Project, Ford supplied Florida DEP and
Progress Energy with five hydrogen-powered Ford Focus
Fuel Cell Vehicles.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for local
environmental professionals to see this cutting edge
technology,” said Kelly Bernish, METRA chairperson.
“METRA’s mission is to promote environmental excellence,
and these hydrogen fuel cell vehicles certainly are a
reflection of our mission.”
Hydrogen can power cars by replacing gasoline in an
internal combustion engine or as a source of power for a
fuel cell. A fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to
produce electricity, which powers the car and emits only
steam. Worldwide, energy companies, automakers and oil
companies are investing more than $2 billion annually on
research and development to advance hydrogen technology
as a new, sustainable source of energy.
In 2003, Governor Bush launched “H2 Florida,” a
statewide initiative to grow the hydrogen technology
industry, spur investment and economic opportunity and
safeguard the nation’s natural resources. H2 Florida
partners the state with industry, local governments and
academia to accelerate hydrogen innovation and stimulate
a consumer market for the newest hi-tech approach to
cleaner, sustainable sources of energy.
For more information on Florida’s hydrogen projects,
visit
www.FloridaEnergy.org | 
