I saw one of the cars that run using the Hydrogen type fuel cell. Actually i work for a company that manufactures the membrane used to seperate the hydrogen & oxygen. The car engine compartment was filled with stuff. The back seat had a bunch of tanks/canisters etc. It looked rediculous but, you have to start somewhere. Only the rich had the first automobiles too. I'd rather pay the price than die from pollution..I don't think oil is the only interest we have in the far east. Power Power power, besides we could of had a great resource for oil from Mexico. You can thank Carter for not negotiating on that one.
I think Pollution is somewhat a localized event. Largely over big cities. In Minneapolis, if you go downtown, it's not very bad at all. Of course we're not as big as Los Angeles, which does have some issues with pollution. Frankly I don't think we as a species are going to choke to death from pollution. Also, I'm pretty sure when we were back in the coal burning days of home heating we were doing a lot worse to the air, than what we're doing now.
As far as the whole new hydrogen power cell deal goes, I'm more interested in seeing how it fairs, how efficient it really is and how affordable it is. I for one am not up for being one of those people who are pedestrian by force. I'd rather be one by choice. To legislate behavior is not right. It's bad enough that we're creating a two class society one of which is a huge majority of people who are struggling economically. A two class society where only one class seems to be held accountable for their actions and punished for all wrongdoings. A two class society where the ruling have greater priveledge to do what ever they want, and the average citizen is lucky to be law abiding as more and more regulation is poured onto them.
When the Hydrogen powered cars are able to do what gas powered cars can, and are at the same price range, then I'll sign up. However, until that day, I will not.