Senators Patterson, Kuipers, Cassis, Birkholz, Van Woerkom, Gilbert, Cropsey, Toy, Bishop, Brown and Goschka offered the following concurrent resolution:

            Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 14.

A concurrent resolution to memorialize the President and Congress of the United States to pursue and support fuel cell research projects in Michigan.

            Whereas, In his State of the Union address, President Bush identified fuel cell research as a national priority.  While this move holds great significance for our entire country, the urgency for developing a new energy source is most acutely understood in Michigan; and

            Whereas, Through the resources of the automotive industry, smaller companies across our state, and university research being conducted at numerous locales, the drive to develop the fuel cell as the next generation energy source has been in high gear in Michigan for many years.  The human and technological resources Michigan has as the home of the auto industry indicates both our state's capacity for fuel cell research and its stake in advancing the next generation of energy.  Michigan's efforts include innovative approaches to virtually all aspects of the infrastructure necessary to develop fuel cells, including work on the storage and transportation of hydrogen; and

            Whereas, In addition to well-known efforts within the auto industry, Michigan is also the site of research seeking to develop fuel cell applications for homes and businesses.  Michigan businesses are working closely with university researchers on these projects; and

            Whereas, Michigan has made a significant commitment to encouraging enterprise in the field of emerging energy development.  The Ninety-first Legislature enacted the "NextEnergy" package of legislation to promote energy research, especially fuel cell technology.  These acts created a series of tax credits, exemptions, and deductions for businesses working on alternative energy technologies, in addition to providing for alternative energy zones to spur investment.  The Next Energy Authority created in the Department of Management and Budget reflects the depth of the state's commitment.  Clearly, Michigan is uniquely suited for research devoted to establishing a hydrogen-based means of generating energy for our cars, homes, and businesses; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representative concurring), That we memorialize the President and Congress of the United States to pursue and support fuel cell research projects in Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Office of the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.