The project deserves greater funding that is sustained for a number of years. This program is playing a valuable role in educating consumers and overcoming barriers to the adoption of new technologies, some of which DOE helped to develop. Additional funding is needed to cover a wider range of products and increase promotion efforts. This program has had a high degree of success in helping to develop ceramics, composite fibers, and other new materials now in production and use. The program is working on many new applications of these advanced materials that could significantly improve the performance of gas turbines, boilers, furnaces, and membranes.
Fuel cells have the potential to greatly reduce vehicle energy use and emissions.
Companies are making great progress in improving the fuel processor, reducing fuel cell size, improving electrodes, and cutting costs. These programs are critical for evaluating and promoting innovative alternative fuel and energy-efficient vehicles in order to cut air pollution and meet the ambitious petroleum displacement goals in EPAct. As manufacturing of hybrid vehicles gets started in 2000, a strong DOE effort is needed to evaluate market acceptance issues, educate consumers, and assist auto makers in overcoming barriers to energy-efficient hybrid vehicles. This concludes my testimony. Thank you for considering these views.