Louise asking for Hydrogen Fuel Cell production to remain here
Last week we talked with Dan Maloney about keeping GM’s fuel cell manufacturing here, in Monroe County. Today, Louise Slaughter has taken steps to make this a reality. From today’s press release:
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Chairwoman of the
House Committee on Rules, today urged Richard Wagoner, the CEO Of General Motors (GM)
to commit to establish future fuel cell manufacturing operations in Rochester, NY.
The entire press release can be found below the fold…….
The text of Rep. Slaughter’s letter to Mr. Wagoner follows:
February 27, 2009
G. Richard Wagoner Jr.
Chairman and CEO
General Motors Corporation300 Renaissance Center
Detroit, MI 48265
Dear Mr. Wagoner,
As you know, the Greater Rochester New York region is home to not only GM’s
preeminent hydrogen fuel cell research and development facility in Honeoye Falls,
but is also home to Delphi Automotive’s largest fuel cell research and development
center. In light of GM’s commitment to achieve long term stability, and in respect
to recent reports that GM may reclaim Delphi facilities, I seek written commitments
that GM will establish its future fuel cell manufacturing operations in Rochester,
NY as well.
Manufacturing fuel cells in Rochester makes good business sense beyond the
obvious advantages of locating fuel cell commercial production in proximity to
GM’s fuel cell research hub. By committing to fuel cell manufacturing in Rochester,
GM can apply for the $25 billion loan fund Congress established last fall for U.S.
auto manufacturers to re-tool and facilitate production of new fuel efficient and
alternative fuel vehicles in the United States. Additionally, I have already secured
millions in federal funding to accelerate Delphi’s flex-fuel fuel cell development
through a university partnership with the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).
With this support, Delphi’s Rochester-developed fuel cell will be ready for mass
production by as early as 2012. Under Delphi’s contract with the United Auto
Workers (UAW), production of this technology will be located in Rochester.
Whether GM reclaims Delphi’s Rochester facility or creates a new facility, in the
coming years Rochester will boast a highly trained workforce engaged in fuel cell
production.
Between our skilled workforce, our leading research and technical universities, our
economic incentives, and our quality of life, the Greater Rochester Area is a leader
in fuel cell development, and will be on the cutting edge of this technology for years
to come. However, it is critical that we not only develop this technology, but we
manufacture it as well. I understand that even prior to the recession GM was restructuring
in order to achieve long-term competitiveness and viability by
accelerating its plans to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles. Federal support now
will provide short term aid and liquidity during the recession, but continuing to
establish a lading fuel cell research and manufacturing bas in the Rochester area will
help provide it long term viability.
Therefore, I request that as GM develops its restructuring plan it commits to
establishing its forthcoming fuel cell manufacturing operations in Rochester. I
pledge to work with you and the appropriate economic development officials in the
State of New York to make this a reality. I agree that the failure of the U.S. auto
industry would be a disaster for the nation’s economy. We need to make the
success of the U.S. auto industry a success for the U.S. economy and U.S. workers.
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This is awesome news! The potential for over 60,000 plus jobs could become a reality for New York, in particular - UPSTATE!
Go Louise! She’s just an incredible, incredible leader!
Wowee…Thanks Louise! This is further proof that your REALLY try to do the best by your constituents!
Should we all write followup letters to this guy and let him hear from Rochestarians? I have family members that NEED JOBS! I have family members that are contributing to the Unemployment statistics in New York State…and yes they have gone to Rochester Works (as noted in another post!).
Recent layoffs in major Monroe County businesses mean there are numerous qualified people available to work in the Hydrogen Fuel Cell development in numerous capacities! I am hoping, praying and crossing all my fingers that this becomes a reality…how can we help? Should we write this guy that Louise wrote to?