TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce’s bill to require state agencies seeking to purchase new powered equipment such as cars, trucks, forklifts, and communications equipment must include in the request for proposals, provisions that allow for the consideration of items that are powered by fuel cells passed the Assembly today.
 
“Fuel cells can provide a sensible, reliable, and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional gas and diesel-powered systems, which will help improve air quality and livability in all regions of our state,” said Assemblywoman DeCroce (R-Morris). “I believe that state agencies must look to lead the way in building on the proven successes we have already made in safeguarding our environment, and I thank my colleagues for their favorable votes.”
 
The bipartisan bill (A-740) states that State agencies which seek to purchase an item requiring the use of a power source, including but not limited to, motor vehicles, material and cargo-handling equipment such as forklifts, harbor craft, generators, power systems, portable floodlights, micro-grids, and telecommunications equipment.
 
The bill applies to all principal departments in the executive branch of the state government, and any division, board, bureau, office, commission or other instrumentality within or created by such department and any independent state authority, commission, instrumentality or agency which is authorized by law to award contracts.
 
The bill passed by a vote of 74-0 and now moves to the State Senate for its consideration.
 
Stationary fuel cells are used for commercial, industrial and residential primary and backup power generation. Fuel cells are very useful as power sources in remote locations, such as spacecraft, remote weather stations, large parks, communications centers, rural locations including research stations, and in certain military applications.  They also are useful in urban areas replacing diesel engines in locations as varied as seaports, industrial parks, and recycling centers.
 
A fuel cell system running on hydrogen can be compact and lightweight and have no major moving parts. Because fuel cells have no moving parts and do not involve combustion, in ideal conditions they can achieve up to 99.99% reliability.
 
“I and my colleagues agree that we need to seek the best and most reliable alternatives to provide the power our state needs and to protect our precious natural heritage for future generations