When the Associated General Contractors of America held its annual conference in March in San Antonio, members who arrived early at the convention center may have noticed people cruising around the block in fuel-cell cars provided by the National Hydrogen Association, which also was meeting there.
So far, hydrogen may be too expensive and cumbersome to fly, but the future of internal combustion is no less a hot-button issue as concerns over greenhouse gas, energy security and fuel prices converge. Nothing engages the public more than spring fuel prices. Nationwide gas prices now are well over $3 per gallon, a 9% premium over last year. Meanwhile, diesel just went through a major round of desulfurization, boosting prices last year. But national costs now are stable, at $2.80. This time last year, average diesel prices were about 10 cents higher, according to the Dept. of Energy.