From William Selke
People reading the editorial in your 23 September issue
(p 3)
might conclude that driving hydrogen-powered automobiles would in itself
reduce the build-up of atmospheric carbon dioxide.
The popular press has left too many of my non-scientific friends with the
impression that hydrogen is a primary source of energy. There aren’t any
hydrogen mines. A car powered by fuel cells may eliminate urban air pollution
where it is used, but it is likely that the hydrogen in the cell would be
generated with electric power from burning fossil fuel
It is unfortunate, therefore, that nuclear power has become unpopular. With
it as the primary energy source, and hydrogen in fuel cells powering vehicles,
petroleum could be dedicated to its highest use—as the source of
petrochemicals.
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
