Danbury State Representative David Arconti is touting passage of a bill he co-sponsored this session to boost the fuel cell industry.  The measure allows electric distribution companies to add power from fuel cells to their sources of renewable energy.

Arconti says this will continue Connecticut's effort to achieve energy self-sufficiency, while reducing costs to the consumer.  He noted that a third benefit of the bill is for companies such as Danbury-based FuelCell Energy, which will be able to grow their business and add jobs to the local economy.  The bill was approved unanimously in the Senate, it passed with overwhelming support in the House.  Governor Malloy is expected to sign the measure into law.

The passed the House 130-14.  Among the no votes were Bethel Representative Will Duff and Bill Buckbee of New Milford.

At a public hearing before the Energy & Technology Committee in February, representatives from the state departments of Energy and Environmental Protection, Office of Consumer Council and Economic and Community Development all spoke in favor of the bill.  Other support came from the Connecticut Business & Industry Association, Renewable Energy and Efficiency Business Association, and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology.