Washington, D.C. – Senate Energy Chairman Pete Domenici today announced a Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee Hearing on March 6 at 10 a.m. in SH-216 to explore the potential for cars powered by hydrogen and hear testimony from the auto industry and Department of Energy scientists on how long it will take to get such cars on the road. Chairman Domenici today joined President Bush at the National Museum Building for the President’s speech on hydrogen fuel cell research. Later today, Chairman Domenici will test drive Ford’s prototype of a hydrogen-powered car: the Ford Focus Hybrid Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle. Ford will launch a small-scale production of these cars next year. Chairman Domenici’s statement: “America is dangerously dependent on foreign oil. I am committed to finding ways to reduce that dependence, keep our air clean and reduce the risk of climate change. Hydrogen can help us achieve all three goals. “I am a long-time proponent of increased research into hydrogen’s potential for energy. I was an original cosponsor of The Hydrogen Futures Act in the 107th Congress. We included that language in last year’s energy bill. I intend to include it in this year’s bill, too. This Act increases research into the use of hydrogen in stationary energy applications. “In addition, my energy bill will include the President’s proposed program for research into the use of hydrogen fuel cells in transportation. “But the Energy Committee wants to go even farther. The committee will hear testimony on the potential for expanded use of hybrid and diesel cars as well as an appraisal of other alternative fuels that offer the promise of clean, oil-free transportation. “I want to push the frontiers of American ingenuity in all directions. If we want a robust energy bill that makes a real difference in this country, it has to be as broad and diverse as America itself. We should not limit ourselves to hydrogen.”