A coalition of 26 fuel cell companies and a leading environmental organization have presented the Bush Administration and Congress with a report calling for federal investment in fuel cell technology and fuel infrastructure. Called “Fuel Cells and Hydrogen: The Path Forward,” the coalition lays out a 10-year, cost-shared program designed to advance and commercialize fuel cells in the U.S. marketplace.

The federal share of the program over that period would be $5.5 billion, a commitment that the coalition says is comparable to the current federal investment in conventional fuels and other advanced energy technologies.

The report also offers specific recommendations in several program areas, including research and development; demonstration programs; federal purchases; investment in fuel infrastructure; market entry support; removal of barriers; and education and outreach.