The scientist who first proposed the "FreedomFUEL" national initiative that was endorsed Tuesday by President Bush and who is a leading international authority on fuel-cell vehicles and the use of hydrogen as a fuel, is available for interviews on these and related transportation topics.

Daniel Sperling is director of the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis and a professor of civil engineering and environmental science and policy. He is also co-director of UC Davis' Fuel Cell Vehicle Center and New Mobility Center.

The first fuel-cell vehicles to reach the U.S. market were Toyota SUVs leased in December to the University of California. UC Davis' fuel-cell Toyota will be used at the White House on Feb. 6 at a news conference about fuel-cell vehicles.

Sperling is available to discuss the potential of hydrogen as a transportation fuel for both everyday drivers and commercial uses; the status of fuel-cell-powered automobiles and SUVs and their market potential; and the economic and environmental impacts of new fuel technologies.

The Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis administers more than $8 million in research contracts and grants and specializes in advanced transportation technologies, energy and environmental impacts, and travel behavior.

Daniel Sperling is recognized as a leading international expert on transportation technology assessment, energy and environmental aspects of transportation, and transportation policy. Sperling has testified numerous times to the U.S. Congress and various government agencies, and provides keynote presentations and invited talks at major conferences in Europe, North America and Asia.

He consults for and advises senior executives of many of the world's largest automotive and energy companies, and maintains close working relationships with senior government officials in the United States and Europe and leaders of environmental advocacy groups.

In the past 20 years, he has authored or co-authored more than 160 technical papers and eight books. His books include "Future Drive" (1995), "Alternative Transportation Energy" (1989), and "New Transportation Fuels" (1988).