Fuel Cells 2000 has released its new report, State of the States: Fuel Cells in America, which analyzes fuel cell activity, installations and policies in all 50 states and DC. From their research, Fuel Cells 2000 has chosen the Top 5 fuel cell states.

(Washington, DC - Monday, April 26, 2010) Fuel Cells 2000, a non-profit outreach organization, has chosen its Top 5 Fuel Cell States in a new report, "State of the States: Fuel Cells in America." They are: (alphabetical order) California, Connecticut, New York, Ohio, and South Carolina.

Fuel Cells 2000 analyzed the seven regions of the United States, compiling state activities including supportive fuel cell and hydrogen policies, installations and demonstrations in each state, Road Maps and the overall level of activism. Each of the Top Five was selected for different reasons, but "they all recognize that establishing a fuel cell-friendly climate brings environmental benefits and jobs to their state," said Jennifer Gangi, program director, Fuel Cells 2000.

• California is the world leader in vehicle demonstrations, hydrogen fueling stations and strict emissions standards, and has aggressive policies supporting fuel cell power generation utilizing renewable biofuels.

• Connecticut has high profile installations, offers substantial financial support for fuel power generation systems and is the headquarters for several major fuel cell manufacturers.

• New York has a long history of support for fuel cell research and deployment.

• Ohio has a well funded business development strategy aimed at fuel cells and the supply chain.

• South Carolina universities take a collaborative approach; there is an aggressive economic development program and activism in forklift demonstrations.

Said Gangi, "We hope that our report encourages lawmakers, local officials and average citizens, to want to emulate the Top 5 and move their state forward. With many major fuel cell manufacturers and suppliers located in the United States, this industry is poised to deliver on the promise of green growth, clean energy and American jobs."

There are more details on all the fuel cell activity in the Top 5 as well as the rest of the 50 states and District of Columbia in each state listing and the Appendices. Download the report for free at: http://www.fuelcells.org/statereport.html.