In the biggest federal boost for green car development in decades, the 2010 energy budget bill just signed into law by President Obama includes $814 million in funding for various alternative fuel and vehicle programs. One provision, $283 million for fuel cells and hydrogen fuel, restored more than $100 million that in funds for automotive-specific programs that Energy Secretary Steven Chu initially proposed cutting from the budget. Chu said at the time he didn't see fuel-cell electric cars as commercially viable in the next 15-20 years. Automakers and fuel cell developers quickly rallied to persuade Congress that Chu hadn't see the whole picture and promised to have commercial quality fuel cell cars – which use hydrogen for energy production – in the market by 2015. Other green aspects of the bill include $311 million to help fund various vehicle electrification and advanced internal combustion engine projects and $220 million for advanced biofuel development. As expected, the bill
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Energy Budget is Now Law, Includes $814 Million Funding for Green Vehicles, Fuels