Larson Introduces Bill to Promote Fuel Cell Development
Washington – Today Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) introduced the Fuel Cell Tax Extenders Act of 2015 to extend federal incentives for residential, commercial, and vehicular fuel cell use. Several identical tax incentives expired in 2014, while others are set to expire in December 2016. This legislation will extend those credits through the year 2021, promoting American energy independence and clean energy development
“Fuel cell technology continues to grow and improve, supporting thousands of jobs and supplying clean energy to more and more Americans,” said Larson.“Extending incentives for businesses, homeowners, or those purchasing new cars will make it easier to develop and use fuel cell and hydrogen technology—and provide the certainty that such investments remain affordable and accessible for all. These incentives are already in place. As the technology continues to improve, it just makes sense to ensure more Americans have access to this clean, affordable energy.”
"Fuel cell technology has gained widespread traction becase of the efficiency and productivity gains that are realized. This is something everyone can get on board with," said Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-20), a co-sponsor of the bill. "This legislation extends a critical and robust tax credit that will provide the incentive for large scale conversions to this clean technology at manufacturing and distribution centers across the country, which will ultimately lead to new jobs. I thank Congressman Larson for his commitment to encouraging innovation and making energy efficiency our fuel of choice."
“Fuel cells are an ultra-clean, reliable, commercially-viable energy solution that is being adopted by businesses across the U.S., and Rep. Larson, a longtime supporter of fuel cell technology, fully understands the vast potential of the industry,” said David Giordano, responsible for federal and state government relations at Doosan Fuel Cell. “Specific to Doosan, the Tax Extender Bill will help drive market share while our engineering advancements accelerate to help achieve grid parity, ultimately making Doosan subsidy- and incentive-free in the near future.”
“This legislation provides the fuel cell and hydrogen energy industry with the tax policy certainty it needs to grow and to provide high tech jobs and clean energy solutions for our nation,” said Morry Markowitz, President of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association. “What makes fuel cells unique among other clean energy solution is the number of different applications they are used for; from transportation to stationary/distributed power, to portable energy, and material handling. We are grateful to Congressman Larson and the others supporters of this legislation for their work on this important issue.”
“Extending the investment tax credit now assures the route to emission reductions, delivered affordable to rate payers, plus the added benefit of job creation as fuel cells are designed and manufactured in America,” said Chip Bottone, President and Chief Executive Officer, FuelCell Energy, Inc. “Further, there are compelling fuel cell solutions for generating renewable hydrogen and for carbon capture and pollutant reduction at existing coal fired power plants that can be delivered to rate payers cost effectively.”
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