WestStart-CALSTART, an organization that promotes the use of fuel cells for bus transportation
applications, reported that the United States Congress has provided $49 million in funding for a four year (2006 – 2009)
research and development program for hydrogen and fuel cell bus research. The funding for the National Fuel Cell Bus Technology
Development Program is a part of the recently passed $287 billion Transportation Equity Act of 2005. One of the goals of the
program is to make hydrogen and fuel cell buses a viable commercial reality. With that in mind WestStart indicated that it
now will work with the industry to determine the best ideas to implement.
WestStart-CALSTART's President and CEO, John Boesel, commended Congress for the passage of
the measure, "In a time of tight budgets, we commend Congress for giving the U.S. an important chance to be a leader in technology
than can help improve urban air quality and reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil. Though the measure received strong
bipartisan support across the country, we want to particularly recognize the leadership of Congressman James Oberstar (D-MN)
and Congresswoman Mary Bono (R-CA)."
WestStart-CALSTART with over 30 leading bus makers, operators and technology developers, formed
the National Fuel Cell Bus Technology Initiative (NFCBTI) and made a significant effort to get the measure before the Congress.
