Are hydrogen fuel cells really the next big thing? Some environmentalists are excited about them because the cars emit only water. And automakers are investing heavily in fuel cells. There are some major obstacles to getting fuel cell-powered cars on the road. But there's one major motivation for automakers? money.
More from The Environment Report
Documentary - Coal: Dirty Past, Hazy Future
(58:30)
From: The Environment Report
Brew the coffee, turn on the radio, and check your electronic mail – you’re on your way to burning 20 pounds of coal for the day. That’s how much coal the average American ...
Part 5: The Science Behind Dioxin Delays
(03:37)
From: The Environment Report
Shawn Allee looks at a dioxin and soil study and how the science might influence other clean-ups around the country.
Part 4: Hunters Warned After Dioxin Delays
(03:29)
From: The Environment Report
Shawn Allee finds old dioxin pollution from a Dow chemical plant poses a health risk today.
Part 3: Living With Dioxin Delays
(03:38)
From: The Environment Report
Shawn Allee talks with residents about living with Dow and dioxin.
Part 2: Foot Dragging Produces Dioxin Delays
(03:17)
From: The Environment Report
Residents are asking why it's taken so long to clean up the dioxin. Shawn Allee looks for an answer.
Part 1: A Long History of Dioxin Delays
(03:40)
From: The Environment Report
Shawn Allee meets a man who took the Dow and dioxin issue to Congress years ago and is shocked it hasn't been dealt with.
Preview: The Trail of Dioxin and Dow
(03:37)
From: The Environment Report
A Preview of the series "Dioxin Delays" by the Environment Report
Recycling Shingles & Low Flow the Way to Go
(04:00)
From: The Environment Report
The Environment Report for Wednesday, September 16th - Hosted by Lester Graham
Recycling Your Ride
(04:00)
From: The Environment Report
The Environment Report for Thursday, September 3rd - Hosted by Lester Graham
Home Builders Bristle Over Climate Change Bill
(04:00)
From: The Environment Report
The Environment Report for Tuesday, August 4th - Hosted by Lester Graham
Related Pieces
Piece Description
Are hydrogen fuel cells really the next big thing? Some environmentalists are excited about them because the cars emit only water. And automakers are investing heavily in fuel cells. There are some major obstacles to getting fuel cell-powered cars on the road. But there's one major motivation for automakers? money.
Broadcast History
New
Transcript
END OF THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
Dustin Dwyer
March 12, 2007
Hydrogen fuel cells have been billed as the next big thing for cutting down on vehicle emissions. Cars that run on these fuel cells emit only water. Automakers are investing heavily in the technology, and there are still some major obstacles. But as Dustin Dwyer reports, there is at least one big advantage for automakers to push fuel cells:
Of course, automakers want to be seen working on something that could be good for the environment, and people in the industry will tell you there are a number of reasons for pushing fuel cells. But there's one reason that might matter more than all the others.
(Sound of music..."money, money, money")
Yep, money.
And if you don't believe ABBA, you can just take it from Larry Burns. He's the head of research and development at General Motors. GM says it's spent more than...
Read the full transcript
Timing and Cues
Host Intro: Hydrogen fuel cells have been billed as the next big thing for cutting down on vehicle emissions. Cars that run on these fuel cells emit only water. Automakers are investing heavily in the technology, and there are still some major obstacles. But as Dustin Dwyer reports, there is at least one big advantage for automakers to push fuel cells
Related Website
Hans Anderson
Posted on April 03, 2007 at 04:30 AM | Permalink
Review of End of the Internal Combustion Engine
I like the progressive elements in this report -- mainly here, coloring the report using pop music (three different songs talking about money). This attempt doesn't radically change the style of the report -- it's 95% the type of report you'll normally hear on public radio, with in-person and telephone interviews with experts, both sides of the topic, etc. But the music adds a little color the report wouldn't have otherwise. I liked it.