In what could almost be considered a pre-emptive bailout request, the fuel cell industry asked Congress and the incumbent Obama Administration last week for a staggering $1.2 billion in the upcoming planned stimulus package.

Fuel cells create electricity and heat electrochemically, and are used in everything from industrial equipment to consumer electronics

The industry argues that the government's investment could provide 24,000 jobs, create environmental and security benefits, and put numerous fuel cell vehicles on the road. 

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If fuel cell makers are given government cash, they plan on bolstering the fueling infrastructure, accelerating research, improving federal investment tax credits, and expanding manufacturing capabilities. 

While the industry's claim that "fuel cells are essential to the nation's response to climate change" may be true, the requested $1.2 billion could possibly be better spent diversifying our global warming arsenal with alternative energy and fuel technologies.