LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has won this year's Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) Environmental Achievement Award in the large-airport class for constructing the first retail hydrogen-fueling and generation station at an airport. The 10,500-square-foot station, which opened Oct. 22, 2004, incorporates a commercial retail-friendly design, paving the way for future retail outlets. At the station, hydrogen is produced onsite by using electrolysis, applying electricity to water in order to separate hydrogen molecules from oxygen molecules. The oxygen molecules are vented to the atmosphere and the hydrogen gas is compressed and stored for dispensing into fuel-cell vehicles. Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are zero-emission vehicles that eliminate all pollutant emissions. The new hydrogen fueling facility demonstrates Los Angeles World Airports' (LAWA's) commitment to a comprehensive alternative-fuel vehicle program that is incorporated into daily airport operations. LAWA has a program to identify and replace fossil-fuel vehicles and equipment with alternative-fuel models. Currently, more than 400 (or more than half) of LAX's vehicle fleet is comprised of alternative-fuel vehicles – including LNG-CNG (liquefied natural gas/compressed natural gas), electric, and hybrid – and further expansion of the fleet is planned. The hydrogen-fueling station at LAX is a joint project among BP, Praxair, LAWA, South Coast Air Quality Management District, California Energy Commission, and the U.S. Department of Energy – all of which helped fund the nearly $2-million construction cost. The station is being used to fuel hydrogen-powered demonstration cars supplied by a variety of automobile manufacturers. The facility also serves other Los Angeles City departments that have hydrogen-powered vehicles, and in the future, will serve private customers and other public agencies. Los Angeles World Airports is a self-sustaining City of Los Angeles department that owns and operates four airports: LAX, Ontario International, Palmdale Regional, and Van Nuys.