Updated 05/04/2010 09:58 PM
Bill could pump jobs into local economy
Green technology is good for the environment, but it can be great for the economy. Lawmakers in Washington, D.C. are considering a proposal that would give business a tax break if they buy certain clean energy machines. Our Britt Godshalk spoke to one local business hoping the plan passes.
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LATHAM, N.Y. -- All over the country, every night after grocery and department stores close for the day, forklifts fill the aisles, restocking shelves for the next crowd of customers. One palette at a time, lifted by green energy.
This forklift isn't powered by a battery. It's powered by hydrogen fuel.
"This is not an easy venture," said Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power.
Andy Marsh is the CEO of Plug Power, the company that makes the forklift's hydrogen fuel cell. He's taken on the challenge of ensuring the technology continues to catch on. And he may get help from the House.
Congressman Paul Tonko has introduced a bill that would modify what's called the Alternative Motor Vehicle Tax Credit to include not just fuel cells, but also the machinery they power.
"Approximately $2,000 more per product," Marsh said. "It also helps us drive our costs down, makes these products more attractive and more competitive, provides a greener footprint and really gives the U.S. an advantage of building an alternative energy economy."
Marsh continued, "We can actually help folks in their distribution centers improve their green footprint by 60 to 70 percent. As we help improve productivity. You just pull up to an indoor hydrogen fuel station."
The fuel cell re-fuels like a consumer vehicle. Marsh says in his lifetime, he may see this in cars and trucks. But right now, he'd be happy if the technology just doubled his workforce.
"By 2011-2012, because of this bill, it will allow me the opportunity to sell 5,000 units. Could create 100 jobs, 120 jobs elsewhere. And most of the people we buy actually are folks that are in the auto industry. So we're actually helping to save jobs throughout the United States," Marsh said.
A nationwide challenge he intends to take on, one palette at a time.
The bill is currently being discussed in a House committee