"The Meritorious Service Award recognizes an individual for his or her leadership and significant personal contribution in the promotion of hydrogen," Rips explained. "There is no individual who exemplifies that criteria more than Hank Wedaa. Two-time president and program chair of the California Hydrogen Business Council, Hank embodies tireless devotion to the cause of hydrogen and clean air, is universally respected, knowledgeable, proactive, thoroughly networked, and a natural leader."

Wedaa is president of Valley Environmental Associates, an organization he started in 1970 that specializes in environmental studies, air quality issues, airport issues, intergovernmental relations, new technology business activities, etc. In addition to helping clients commercialize hydrogen technologies, he is the driving force behind CHBC and also serves as vice-chairman and director of Hydrogen 2000, a non-profit organization devoted to education about and advocacy for hydrogen technologies. He is a former member of the U.S. Department of Energy's Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel (HTAP) where he co-chaired the Strategic Planning Committee. He is a member of the National Hydrogen Association, a member of Fuel Cells 2000, an active participant in the California Hydrogen Highway Network Initiative, and is a member of a number of other related organizations.

Wedaa's hydrogen-related and clean air activities began many years ago. He was a member of the Governing Board of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) for seven years. He served as board chairman for the last three years and as vice-chairman during the preceding four years. He was involved in the 1989, 1991 and 1994 Air Quality Management Plans and participated in their evolution with each succeeding plan. Upon leaving the Board in 1994, he was named Chairman Emeritus by his fellow board members. In October 2003, the South Coast AQMD held its annual award ceremonies. Wedaa was honored with a Clean Air Award in the category of Leadership in Government.
In addition, he was elected to seven four-year terms on the Yorba Linda City Council. He is also a past-president of Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), former chairman of the North American Clean Air Alliance for zero emission vehicles, a co-founder of Fuel Cells for Transportation, and past president of the California Association of Councils of Government, among many others. Earlier in his career, he was employed by Northrop Corp., Martin Co. in Orlando, FLA and Aerojet General Corp. From 1950-58, he was employed at the U.S. Naval Weapons Center at China Lake, CA as a rocket scientist/weapons system specialist. Wedaa is a graduate of Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, PA and attended the University of Arizona Graduate School, where he majored in physics and chemistry.

His nomination stated, "Besides being one of the most consistently active and energetic people in the industry, Hank believes in the hydrogen economy with his whole heart. Despite his very hectic schedule, he takes time to offer advice to other states wanting to form Hydrogen Business Councils, participates in dozens of industry events each year, and helps promote related conferences. Fortunately for those of us who work with him on a regular basis, his enthusiasm and dedication tend to rub off! NHA would have a hard time finding a more deserving honoree."

The California Hydrogen Business Council is a non-profit organization comprised of organizations and individuals involved in the business of hydrogen. Members include fuel cell manufacturers and suppliers, manufacturers and distributors of hydrogen generation equipment, compression and storage technologies, manufacturers and suppliers of hydrogen internal combustion engines, engineers and service providers, municipal, state and federal agencies.