FPN03-09
Bush Touts Fusion and Hydrogen Fuel
February 6, 2003
Speaking to members of Congress and others at a forum on Energy
Independence, in a major speech February 6 titled, "Hydrogen Fuel
Initiative Can Make a Fundamental Difference for the Future," President
George W. Bush, expounding on the attractiveness of hydrogen-power cars for
the future, said "We're also going to work to produce electricity and
hydrogen through a process called fusion. Fusion is the same kind of
nuclear reaction that produces -- that powers the sun. The energy produced
will be safe and clean and abundant. We've spent quite a bit of money, as
the senators here will tell you, on whether or not fusion works. And we're
not sure if it will be able to produce affordable energy for everyday use.
But its worth a look. Because the promise is so great. So the United States
will work with Great Britain and several European nations, as well as
Canada, Japan, Russia and China, to build a fusion test facility and create
the largest and most advanced fusion experiment in the world. I look
forward to working with Congress to get it funded. I know you all
(Congress) have considered this in the past. It's an incredibly important
project to be a part of."
Bush went on to say, "Imagine a world in which our cars are driven by
hydrogen and our homes are heated by electricity from a fusion power plant.
It'll be a totally different world than what we're used to. The quality of
life will be advanced. And people will say, gosh, I'm glad those folks
went to Washington and were willing to think beyond the current. Were
willing to have a vision of what is possible. After all, that's what a lot
of our forefathers used to think. That's how they envisioned a better
America, for the America we have today. And we have that opportunity here
in Washington, DC. We have the opportunity to blaze new paths. I'm
willing to get on that path. I know the members of Congress here are
willing to get on the path. It makes sense for America to do so."
The complete text of the President's remarks are posted at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/02/20030206-12.html