Y'know, on one hand, it was tempting to dismiss this, given the other two (read 'em: 1 and 2) Christmas and fuel cell (yup!) posts we've done in recent weeks.

But they say good things come in threes. And this one was just so darn cute, plus SUCH a coup for fuel cell marketing folks, that even we more-jaded-than-average types here at Cleantech.com couldn't help but run it...

WASHINGTON – Saying that Santa “is going green,” U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters today certified the first-ever hydrogen powered sleigh as safe to operate in U.S. airspace this holiday season.

“Santa’s new sleigh is a hybrid vehicle that can fly using either the traditional eight tiny reindeer or modern hydrogen fuel cells.  The hydrogen sleigh is quieter, so Santa can make his deliveries without waking children and disturbing the visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads,” Secretary Peters said.

Christmas icon Santa (L) and Secretary Peters (R)

 Secretary Peters and members of the Department’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration Holiday Team inspected Santa’s sleigh, including the hydrogen fuel cell that powers the sleigh, new crash avoidance technology, and the GPS unit that will get Santa to all the houses on his list.

After the inspection, the Secretary signed a “Hydrogen Prototype Vehicle Waiver” that authorizes Santa, a.k.a. Kris Kringle, to operate the vehicle in U.S. airspace and on rooftops.

"Look ma! No reindeer!" an inspector notes.

The waiver signed by the Secretary expressed the Department’s wishes to promote the safe, efficient and environmentally-friendly passage of holiday goodies by a well-trained crew of reindeer and Santa’s prototype hydrogen-powered sleigh.  

“Santa’s new sleigh guarantees on-time delivery of toys to millions of good girls and boys this holiday season,” Secretary Peters said. 

P.S. Happy Holidays from the naughty and nice here at Cleantech.com!