Conn. lawmakers push for US fuel cell incentives

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Two Connecticut lawmakers are pushing for new tax incentives to boost development of fuel cells, an alternative energy that has deep roots in the state and is beginning to find more commercial applications nationwide.

U.S. Rep. John Larson and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, both Democrats, proposed the legislation this week in Washington. They say the tax credits would help protect the U.S. position as an industry world leader.

Fuel cells make electricity from chemicals reactions involving hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapor as a product.

Connecticut is home to two of the largest makers of fuel cells, Fuel Cell Energy Inc. in Danbury and UTC Power in South Windsor, a division of United Technologies Corp. The technology has been used broadly around the state for buses and government buildings.