NOVELTY - The burner comprises a linear burner distributor with two fuel distribution apertures, a supply of air in a linear mixing cavity, which is parallel with the axis of the burner distributor, a catalytic burner element, and an electric heater in heat transferring relation to the burner distributor or the catalytic burner element. The burner is operable on both gaseous and liquid fuels. The two fuel distribution apertures supply burner fuel. The fuel and air mix to form a catalytically combustible mixture. The burner distributor receives heat from the electric heater.    USE - The burner is useful for a reformer for liberating hydrogen from a hydrogen containing feedstock.    ADVANTAGE - The burner enables easy startup and operation using a small electric heater and self-sustaining operation of the reformer without sending any additional methanol/water mix directly to the burner distributor thus ensuring hydrogen production of the reformer within 15 minutes.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The burner comprises a linear burner distributor with two fuel distribution apertures, a supply of air in a linear mixing cavity, which is parallel with the axis of the burner distributor, a catalytic burner element, and an electric heater in heat transferring relation to the burner distributor or the catalytic burner element. The burner is operable on both gaseous and liquid fuels. The two fuel distribution apertures supply burner fuel. The fuel and air mix to form a catalytically combustible mixture. The burner distributor receives heat from the electric heater such that the liquid fuel is partially vaporized. The electric heater heats the catalytic burner element to sufficient temperature such that the vaporized fuel and air mixture initiates catalytic combustion. The flow of burner air is transverse to the linear axis of the burner distributor. The burner distributor is a porous tubular element. The electric heater is contained within a burner distributor cavity such that the liquid fuel arriving at the burner distributor comes into direct contact with the electric heater prior to exiting the distribution apertures. The electric heater and burner distributor are tubular and concentric with each other. The heater further supplies sufficient heat to achieve a fuel and air light-off temperature within the catalytic burner element. The burner further includes an electric pre-heater to add heat to the fuel arriving at the burner distributor prior to the introduction of the fuel into the burner distributor. INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for:    (1) a linear reformer for liberating hydrogen from a hydrogen containing feedstock; and    (2) a method for initiating operation of a reformer for the production of hydrogen from a hydrogen-containing feedstock.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The diagram shows a cross section view of a burner arrangement for a linear reformer.    Electric heater (1)    Burner distributor tube (2)    Combustible fuel (5)    Combustible mixture (11)    Catalytic burner element. (12)