The goal of this study is to make a solid case for public support for fuel cell vehicles and the needed fueling infrastructure. The objective is to develop a collective and unbiased understanding of the benefits associated with the successful commercialization of fuel cell vehicles in the mass market. The successful commercialization of fuel cell vehicles will most likely require significant public assistance. Public support will be critical in the near-term although near-term societal benefits are few. The case for fuel cell vehicles appears to indicate long-term societal benefits-decreased use of fossil fuels and nondomestic fuel sources, improvements in urban air quality, reduced sources of groundwater and open water contamination, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and other societal benefits. Identifying and characterizing these benefits will enhance public support for the near-term public investment needed.