Hydrogen Highway

Apr 21

2008

Posted by Angela Baker in hydrogen, California Hydrogen Highway Network, CaH2Net

Back in 2004, California began its Hydrogen Highway Network (CaH2Net) initiative with several hopes in mind. According to their official website, "the mission of the CaH2Net is to support and catalyze a rapid transitionto a clean, hydrogen transportation economy in California in order to:

reduce our dependence on foreign oil
reduce greenhouse gas emissions
improve our air quality
grow the California economy

Beginning with $6.5 million in initial funding, California started with just 3 hydrogen stations. This preliminary subsidy was also meant to acquire vehicles and shuttle buses that ran on hydrogen power. Next, another $6.5 million was allocated through 2006 and 2007 to continue adding to the original 3 power stations. Lastly, still more money, in the amount of $6.09 million, was funded to California to continue their goals for this initiative.

So why is California setting new standards for the United States in regards to hydrogen based transportation? Simply stated, California understands the need for a cleaner environment. Each of the state's 4 goals has important, yet diverse, benefits. First, our dependence on foreign oil is becoming an ever increasingly costly venture. Oil prices are well over $110 per gallon, and this continues to rise with no end in sight. This has resulted in the obvious outcome of Americans being either forced to pay more money to fill up their gas tanks, or to find alternative modes of transportation.

Next, it is imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For many years, the topic of the "Greenhouse Effect" seemed by many to be a needless worry. Even still, the topic is hotly debated as to the actual extent of the threat. Much research has been done to prove that this peril is indeed real. One only has to look at the temperature and seasonal alterations that continue to take place to see that something is going awry within our environment.

Improving air quality simply makes sense. When individuals incessantly breathe in the emissions and toxins that flow through the air, negative consequences will ensue. Whether it is basic ailments or, unfortunately, increased cancer risks, our air is not ideal to take in. Regrettably, unless people wear permanent face masks as they go through their day to day lives, they cannot help but to breathe in the air. Cleaner air is mandatory to remove, or at least reduce, the threats to the health of Americans.

The last item on the California Hydrogen Highway Network list of desired goals, growing the California economy, inevitably affects all parts of the United States. We no longer reside in a world where states are isolated from each other. What impacts one, often impacts all. Revenue flows in and out of each state, so as the economy of California grows, it would seem predictable that the economies of other states would also advance.

California's Hydrogen Highway Network initiative sets new precedence for strategies that other states should build upon. Though some states undoubtedly enjoy cleaner air than others, all states could benefit from the tactics that California has, and continues to, employ.