Hempstead grew greener and cleaner today as Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray formally unveiled Long Island's first hydrogen fueling station.

The station, located at the town's Department of Conservation and Waterways in Point Lookout and utilizing fueling technology supplied by Air Products, dispenses pure hydrogen, blended hydrogen/compressed natural gas (HCNG) and compressed natural gas. It is described as the latest addition to Hempstead's Clean Energy Project, a series of policies and projects that aim to reduce fossil fuel dependency and promote cleaner alternative fuels.

Supervisor Murray, along with Councilwoman Angie Cullin, National Grid, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), LIPA and various clean energy proponents formally dedicated the station at a ceremony, explaining the station's function as a way to evaluate and demonstrate the power of hydrogen fuel.

"We are very excited to be at the forefront of an innovative project that explores what we can do to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and improve our environment. Hempstead Town's hydrogen fueling station will demonstrate how hydrogen gas can be used effectively and safely as a source of energy that provides a potential solution to environmental degradation," Supervisor Murray said.

The construction of the fueling station cost approximately $2.2 million, with $900,000 provided by NYSERDA and $55,000 contributed by National Grid. The New York State alternative fuel vehicle fueling infrastructure tax credit will contribute  an additional 50 percent of the total cost of the refueling station. Though the first such station to be built on Long Island, it is the fifth in the New York Metropolitan area.

 Several individuals praise the station's construction. Francis J. Murray, President and CEO of NYSERDA, said: "By investing in hydrogen-fueled vehicles and participating in NYSERDA's Hydrogen Roadmap Initiative, the Town of Hempstead is on the leading edge of New York's municipalities in exploring alternative energy that will help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts. We hope to continue working with Hempstead and other municipalities to take these types of actions to meet Governor Paterson's goals of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and improving our air quality while bolstering a Green Economy in New York State."

Dan Dessanti, Vice President of Product Development for National Grid added, "Today's historic grand opening for the first Hydrogen Fueling station on Long Island would not have been possible without the forward-thinking leadership of Supervisor Murray. This important project that we are showcasing today will enable a sharing of research and technology that we hope will help lead to a complete overhaul of our transportation system."

Supervisor Murray concluded the ceremony stating, "I want to thank NYSERDA and National Grid for working closely with the town to support innovative uses of alternative energy. Along with the other components of our Energy Park, the hydrogen fueling station will help us to lay the groundwork for a cleaner community and a greener planet for future generations."