Florida's Fire Marshals Learn Hydrogen Energy Safety
by Linda Long
Reprinted courtesy the Florida Department of Environmental Protection website: www.FloridaEnergy.org

March 1, 2004 - OCALA
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today gathered fire marshals from around the state for a first-hand look at hydrogen energy technology. The fire marshals were introduced to Florida's energy future through presentations covering the manufacture and safety of hydrogen to a hands-on showcase of pollution-free vehicles and fueling.

"Hydrogen is the most abundant element on Earth and holds great potential as a safe, domestic source of energy," said DEP Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs and Energy Allan Bedwell. "Through proposed legislation and partnership with state fire marshals, Florida will be the first state in the nation to adopt a uniform standard for hydrogen safety."

More than 150 Florida fire marshals attended the day-long workshop, hearing presentations on hydrogen by DEP, the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal, Air Products, BP America, ChevronTexaco, Ford Motor Company, Plug Power, NASA/Kennedy Space Center and Hydrogenics. An Air Products liquid hydrogen fuel tanker and gaseous hydrogen tube trailer and two Ford hydrogen fuel cell vehicles allowed participants to test and drive the new technology.

Last month, Governor Jeb Bush unveiled the Florida Hydrogen Technologies Act to advance Florida's hydrogen economy through demonstration projects and financial incentives. The legislation will establish the nation's first uniform safety standard for hydrogen fueling infrastructure. Creating a single standard will attract capital investment in Florida, reduce costs and ensure consistent safety codes across all regulatory jurisdictions.

Yesterday, Florida unveiled its newest hydrogen demonstration project-a fuel cell at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. The fuel cell will use solar panels to extract hydrogen from water and will power the park's visitor pavilion. Just a few weeks ago, Governor Jeb Bush broke ground on Florida's first hydrogen energy station. A partnership with Ford Motor Company, ChevronTexaco and Progress Energy, the state's first energy station will service hydrogen shuttle buses transporting visitors at the Orlando International Airport.
Last year, the Sunshine State was also selected as one of three sites nationwide to demonstrate hydrogen fuel cell cars and hydrogen fueling stations with Ford Motor Company, BP America and Progress Energy. The pollution-free cars will be used by park rangers at Wekiwa Springs State Park - another of Florida's popular state parks.

For more information, visit www.FloridaEnergy.org.