John White, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies (CEERT) – is the latest person to receive keys to a BMW Hydrogen 7 – the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan. Widely regarded as the leading legislative expert on California air quality law and regulation, White joins Will Ferrell, Jay Leno and other notable figures in a variety of industries as the latest person to join BMW’s Hydrogen 7 Pioneer Program, designed to help the company in its mission to build widespread support of hydrogen as a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

“CEERT commends BMW for its clean energy leadership, and its extraordinary engineering achievements in putting hydrogen powered cars on the road,” said White after testing the BMW Hydrogen 7. “Not surprisingly, the car is pure pleasure to drive, with all of the performance and engineering excellence one expects from BMW. But equally impressive is the company’s leadership in commercialising advanced automotive technology using hydrogen fuel, which can be made from renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar and geothermal.”

He added: “Now, if we can get California, the federal government, and energy companies to get serious about expanding hydrogen fuelling infrastructure, and developing advanced technologies for hydrogen storage which provide more convenience for consumers and lower costs, we can expand the use of zero carbon fuels for transportation.”

Since 1985, John White has served as the Special Representative on air quality, energy and growth management issues before the California State Legislature for the Sierra Club, the country’s oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organizations. In addition to serving as the executive director of CEERT – a leading non-profit organization that advocates investments in sustainable energy at the state and regional levels – White serves on the Board of Governors of the California Independent System Operator (ISO) and the California League of Conservation Voters.

Running in hydrogen mode, the BMW Hydrogen 7 essentially emits nothing but water vapour, representing a major step in reducing harmful CO2 emissions. It is not a concept car, but a production model vehicle that has successfully completed the entire Product Development Process. While the BMW Hydrogen 7 is not for sale, it is considered to be a milestone in bringing forward hydrogen as the sustainable fuel for individual transportation.

By harnessing the power and influence of individuals who, like Davis Guggenheim, are at the forefront of their respective disciplines, BMW hopes to continue to generate support of hydrogen-drive vehicles in the short term and stimulate demand for a viable hydrogen infrastructure in the long-term.