U.S. Rep.

Phil English, R-3rd, was recently named to the House Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus, a bipartisan coalition created to promote the economic and environmental potential of hydrogen and fuel cell technology.The panel's mission is to consider alternative sources of energy in hopes of reducing dependence on foreign oil and promoting the conservation and development of domestic resources.The caucus was launched June 28, and is comprised of 38 members from both parties."Hydrogen is the world's most abundant element and has the potential to become an affordable source of energy for our local communities right here in Western Pennsylvania," English said in a news release.The state Senate last week approved a resolution sponsored by Sen.

Bob Robbins, R-50th, calling on Congress and President Bush to use all trade remedies to protect the U.S. steel industry.The resolution specifically cites the need to prevent "surges, dumping and subsidized imports of steel pipes, tubes and fittings" into the domestic market."China's unfair trade practices have had an adverse affect on our steel industry - in other words a loss of jobs," Robbins said. "Since China is a non-market economy, our current trade sanctions are not applicable."Robbins said his resolution calls for passage of legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep.

Phil English, R-3rd, that would apply countervailing duties in non-market economies.State Rep.

Frank LaGrotta, D-10th, announced he has been named to the Communication, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures.The committee is responsible for protecting states' interests in federal decisions regarding state and federal telecommunications, Internet, information technology, e-commerce, information privacy and access issues.It is a forum for legislators and legislative staff to exchange information on state policy approaches and to identify emerging issues of importance to state legislatures.The conference is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation's 50 states, its commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas.State Rep.

Brian Ellis, R-11th, urged the public to attend an open house at his new office in Winfield Township from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday."This new office location offers all of the same services available at my Butler office with all of the convenience of being closer to many of my friends who live in and around the Cabot and Sarver areas," Ellis said.The new office is in the Winfield Township Municipal Building, 194 Brose Road, and will be open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon."Also, I encourage residents to bring with them any state-government-related questions they may have and my staff will help assist them with whatever they need," Ellis said.Directions to the new office can be obtained by calling Ellis' Butler office at 724-283-5852.