Washington, D.C. – Senate Energy & Natural Resources Chairman Pete V. Domenici praised President Bush’s commitment to a hydrogen future as outlined in the President’s remarks today in Minnesota. Domenici once again urged Democrats to stop obstructing energy innovation and pass the energy bill that will make that future a reality. The bill authorizes $1.8 billion for hydrogen research – a sum that exceeds the $1.2 billion proposed by President Bush in his 2003 State of Union speech. President Bush today announced that the Department of Energy has selected partners through a competitive process to fund new hydrogen research projects totaling $350 million to overcome obstacles to the development of hydrogen fuel technology. Chairman Domenici’s statement: “The President told us in more than a year ago that our dependence on foreign oil threatened our economy, our security and our peace of mind. Events have proven him right. This spring, gasoline prices have broken all records and continue to climb while foreign countries trim production. “President Bush told us that we need bold, innovative solutions that move our economy away from oil toward clean, renewable hydrogen. He called for a $1.2 billion investment in hydrogen research to help make the dream of a hydrogen car a reality. “We met his challenge and put $1.8 billion for hydrogen research in the energy bill. Democrats have blocked our bill for more than a year, while wringing their hands over soaring gasoline prices. They still block that legislation today, while lamenting foreign crude oil prices How ironic. “I applaud President Bush for his consistent vision of a hydrogen economy. I am pleased by his announcement today. But I believe the full $1.8 billion investment will make the hydrogen car an affordable reality even sooner. I remain committed to delivering an energy bill the President’s desk that includes that full funding.”