Energy Secretary signs hydrogen agreement with Japanese

Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham in January signed a joint statement of intent with Japanese officials to pursue pre-competitive research and development in the field of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies.

Under the agreement, the two countries will bring together appropriate officials and technical experts to participate in workshops and seminars, as well as to exchange experts and share information on current polices, technological programs, and developments in fuel cells and hydrogen production, storage, and transport technologies.

The United States and Japan are members of the International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy (IPHE). The partnership supports the deployment of hydrogen energy technologies, establishing collaborative efforts in hydrogen production, storage, transport and end-use technologies; common codes and standards for hydrogen fuel utilization; and the sharing of information necessary to develop a hydrogen fueling infrastructure.

ASME is working actively with the Department of Energy and with other organizations on codes and standards for a hydrogen infrastructure. The Council on Codes and Standards has established a Hydrogen Steering Committee to research, develop and deploy hydrogen codes and standards. The Department of Energy is represented on that steering committee.


President reiterates support for Association Health Plans

In his State of the Union Address in January, President Bush discussed the rising costs of health care.

In the speech, the president stated, "On the critical issue of health care, our goal is to ensure that Americans can choose and afford private health care coverage that best fits their individual needs.

"To make insurance more affordable, Congress must act to address rapidly rising health care costs. Small businesses should be able to band together and negotiate for lower insurance rates, so they can cover more workers with health insurance. I urge you to pass Association Health Plans."

Although the House of Representatives has passed various versions of AHP legislation over the past several years, the Senate has never been able to secure enough votes to overcome opposition.

ASME has long supported legislation to create Association Health Plans, and is part of a coalition of like-minded organizations that works to educate Congress on the need for such plans.


Complete the Public Policy Agenda Survey

ASME's Government Relations Department is conducting a survey of the membership on federal and state public policy issue priorities. The results of this survey determine the issues ASME will concentrate on during the next congressional session.

Make your voice heard. Go to www.asme.org/gric. It takes only a minute to let us know what you think.

— Francis Dietz
ASME Government Relations

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