During a press conference Friday at a city fueling station near Goose Island, Congressman Rahm Emanuel and Sen. Barack Obama announced plans to secure funding for the world's first ethanol-to-hydrogen fueling station to be located in the City of Chicago. The city will use this station to fuel a number of pollution-free vehicles that will run throughout Chicago.
"Earth Day reminds us of our duty as stewards of this land but our care should not have to put the sustainability of our commerce and transportation in jeopardy. Developing new ways to use hydrogen is vital to building a sustainable future," said Emanuel. "Hydrogen is an affordable renewable resource with virtually infinite quantities. Vehicles running on hydrogen are pollution-free, emitting only water. By investing now, we can develop this technology to fit our country's growing energy needs."
The City of Chicago, in conjunction with the Gas Technology Institute (GTI) of Des Plaines, will install the world's first ethanol-to-hydrogen fueling station in Chicago, at 1685 N. Throop St.
This new technology converts renewable liquid ethanol into hydrogen gas. The City of Chicago will use the station to fuel a small test-fleet of Hydrogen ICE vehicles, a technology being developed by Ford Motor Company. Hydrogen ICE is a regular internal combustion engine configured to run on hydrogen. This "transitional" technology allows car companies to focus on developing the fueling technology and infrastructure necessary for a move to hydrogen-based fuels nationwide without redesigning the combustion engine. Emanuel and Obama will work with the U.S. Department of Energy to fund the ethanol-to-hydrogen fueling station project.
"Increasing ethanol production will help family farmers and grow the economy of local communities across Illinois, and its conversion to hydrogen in this fueling station will continue to move America toward an environment that is safer and healthier for our children and grandchildren, while decreasing our dependence on oil from the Middle East," said Obama.
Sen. Dick Durbin is also a leader in the fight to bring alternative fuels to Illinois. Though unable to attend the event, he commented: "Illinois is a leader in ethanol production and will benefit from this project. It is a step forward in our nation's energy policy. Alternative fuels cut down on pollution and reduce our dependence on oil. The ethanol to hydrogen fueling station is a winner for the environment, and it's a winner for Illinois."
The national average price for gasoline has reached the record level of $2.24 a gallon, up 33 cents over the last two months according to the Energy Department and 42 cents higher than a year ago. According to AAA Chicago's most recent Fuel Gauge Report, Illinois drivers will pay an average of $2.08 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline. Illinois families are paying 18 cents more than they were one month ago and gas prices are 46 cents higher than they were this time last year. Since 2002, the national average gasoline prices have increased by more than 50 percent. And the price of crude oil remains above $50 a barrel, but forecasters have warned that oil prices could spike at over $100 a barrel.
"High gas prices put a squeeze on middle-class families. With wages stagnant and household income down, these rising prices — along with health and education costs — are putting a real strain on families' pocketbooks," said Emanuel. "This week back in Washington, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an Energy Bill which in the president's own words will do nothing to lower gasoline prices anytime soon. Instead the bill is an $8 billion give away for big oil. The American people deserve relief at the pump before big oil gets their payout. And one way to alleviate pump prices for consumers is to invest in technologies of the future."
Since he has been in Congress, Emanuel has been an advocate for a more sustainable energy policy including supporting incentives for hybrid vehicles, increasing the use of renewable energy sources, and encouraging energy efficiency.
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