Imperial Valley News

Sacramento, California - The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has joined the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP) as an associate member. The partnership is a collaboration of 31 member organizations including auto manufacturers, energy providers, government agencies and fuel cell technology companies. Together they work to promote the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as a means of moving towards a sustainable energy future, increasing energy efficiency and reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

“California is looking forward to a future powered by alternative fuels, including hydrogen fuel cells that clean the air and create new jobs,” said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “The California Department of Food and Agriculture has a long history of expertise in assuring the quality and fair measurement of fuels for our state’s consumers, and we look forward to contributing to this partnership.”

As a member of the partnership, CDFA will collaborate with hydrogen producers and auto manufacturers as California develops hydrogen fuel regulations which will meet the needs of all stakeholders. Specifically, CDFA will help the industry and fellow regulators develop proper design standards, assure the accuracy of commercial fuel dispensers, and establish sampling and quality testing procedures for hydrogen fuel. CDFA’s Division of Measurement Standards has worked to ensure the quality and fair delivery of gasoline, diesel and other fuels in California since 1931, and its duties also extend to establishing protocols for alternatives such as hydrogen fuel cells.

More than 200 fuel cell vehicles have been placed on California’s roads. They refuel at 25 stations that are operating statewide. CDFA is proud to join the CaFCP in working to increase the availability of this forward-thinking alternative.

CaFCP is a collaboration of organizations including auto manufacturers, energy providers, fuel cell technology companies and government agencies working together to promote the commercialization of fuel cell vehicles. Hydrogen and fuel cell vehicle technology are a central part of a long-term strategy for air quality, climate protection and energy diversity.

CDFA will join its colleagues in the California Fuel Cell Partnership and other organizations on Saturday, August 23rd 2008 for Hydrogen Day 2008 at the California Science Center, Exposition Park in Los Angeles. Learn more about hydrogen as an alternative fuel on Hydrogen Day 2008 at the California Science Center, Saturday, August 23rd from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is free.