New USFCC Working Groups to Boost Advocacy, Sustainability Efforts

MIAMI--Nov. 5, 2003--The US Fuel Cell Council has established working groups on Government Affairs and Sustainability in 2003, reflecting members' interest to provide an industry voice in policy making and sustainable systems development. The Council now has eight member-led working groups.

The mission of the Government Affairs working group is to educate our members and key decision makers regarding critical U.S. federal and state policy initiatives. The working group promotes the legislative and regulatory initiatives that advance fuel cell technology, systems and supporting fuel infrastructure for the public good. The working group's goal is to serve as the voice of the industry in Washington and in state capitols across the country.

Sustainability incorporates a broad range of environmental, social, and economic issues associated with the full life cycle of a product, process or corporate or individual well-being. Within this framework, the Sustainability Working Group will provide actionable, timely guidance to the USFCC through the pooled resources and experiences of its member organizations, focused on material selection, product design, manufacturing or life cycle issues; business practices; and industry growth and formation.

"These new working groups are a natural outgrowth of the Council's desire to speak for our industry on key issues of public and policy maker concern," said Robert Rose, USFCC executive director. "These working groups will help the industry reach consensus on policy, and communicate an industry view effectively. With policy maker interest in hydrogen and fuel cells at an all-time high, this activity is essential to the broad market introduction of fuel cell technologies."

The USFCC is the trade association for the fuel cell industry, dedicated to fostering the commercialization of fuel cells in the United States. Our membership includes producers of all types of fuel cells, as well as major suppliers, fuel providers, government agencies, universities, OEMs, other trade associations, and customers.

A listing of all Council working groups, their missions and participating member company representatives, can be found at http://www.usfcc.com/wgroups.htm.