National Hydrogen Association Board of Directors names elite list of dignitaries to membership rolls.

WASHINGTON DC--The National Hydrogen Association (NHA) announces its 2005 recipients of Honorary Membership. Honorary Members are recognized for significant contributions through leadership and inspiration to enhance the understanding and appreciation of hydrogen as a fuel.

The NHA Board of Directors named the following individuals as Honorary Members for 2005:

President George W. Bush
Governor (R-CA) Arnold Schwarzenegger
Mayor of Los Angeles, James Hahn
Dr. Alan Lloyd, Secretary, California Environmental Protection Agency
Terry Tamminen, Cabinet Secretary, State of California
U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA)
U.S. Senator Harry Reid (D-NV)
U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND)
U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA)
U.S. Representative John Peterson (R-PA)
U.S. Representative John Doolittle (R-CA)
U.S. Representative Joe Barton (R-TX)

"It is important to recognize these leaders," said Mike Davis, NHA Chairman of the Board. "Their contributions continue to expand the policy and financial resource base necessary to bring hydrogen into our energy future."

Some notable examples of hydrogen commitment include President Bush's 2003 announcement of $1.2 billion for hydrogen and fuel cell research and development; Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's commitment to the California Hydrogen Highway; and U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan's perseverance to make hydrogen and fuel cells a part of the Energy Bill, a bill which is expected to see new life in the 109th Congress.

"We hope the recipients will participate in NHA activities as their schedules permit," said Debbi L. Smith, NHA Vice President for Management Operations. "Honorary Members enjoy the membership privileges of attending Board Meetings and serving on Committees."

President Bush, CAL EPA Secretary Alan Lloyd, and Senator Byron Dorgan are among the invited plenary speakers at the National Hydrogen Association's Annual Hydrogen Conference 2005 which will be held at the Mariott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC, March 29- April 1. Information about the conference, can be found at www.HydrogenConference.org.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL HYDROGEN ASSOCIATION: The National Hydrogen Association (NHA) is the nation's premier hydrogen trade association dedicated to supporting the transition to hydrogen. The members of the NHA include energy companies, automotive manufacturers, fuel cell developers, universities, laboratories and a diverse array of national and international companies which represent the ubiquitous nature of hydrogen. Efforts are focused on education and outreach, policy, safety and codes and standards. Since 1989, the NHA has served as a catalyst for information exchange and cooperative projects and continues to provide the setting for mutual support among industry, research and government organizations.

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