The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced more than $3 billion of funding to strengthen the nation's domestic production of batteries and other vital electronic components.
“Positioning the United States front and center in meeting the growing demand for advanced batteries is how we boost our competitiveness and electrify our transportation system,” Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said in a release.
According to a DOE news release, $3.1 billion in funding from the Biden administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be used to develop new commercial facilities.
"President Biden’s historic investment in battery production and recycling will give our domestic supply chain the jolt it needs to become more secure and less reliant on other nations—strengthening our clean energy economy, creating good paying jobs, and decarbonizing the transportation sector," Granholm said, according to the release.
About $60 million in separate funding will be allocated to support developing new methods to reuse electronic vehicle batteries or to recycle the raw materials from the batteries.
"For too long other countries have been outpacing the United States in funding new technologies," U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) said according to the news release. "We are at a critical moment in our competition to build the next generation of electric vehicles and batteries here in America and to secure Michigan’s automotive leadership in these next generation vehicles. Thanks to our bipartisan efforts in Congress, and with the president’s leadership, this funding will help us win this race by investing in our supply chain and manufacturing here at home."
“The future of mobility is electric, and this support could help to ensure Michigan remains on the forefront of innovation by shoring up our supply chains for advanced battery technologies necessary to deploy the next all-electric fleet,” U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) said, according to the release. “I was proud to help secure this funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to lessen our dependence on foreign producers like the Chinese government for these critical technologies, and help our automakers meet the growing demand for cleaner, safer cars.”
“I secured provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the domestic critical mineral supply chain used in battery production,” said U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), according to the release. “Nevada’s innovation economy is at the forefront of battery manufacturing and recycling, and the infrastructure law could bring vital new investments to the state. These grants to grow U.S. battery manufacturing are going to create good-paying jobs, spur our economic competitiveness, and help us combat the climate crisis. I appreciate Secretary Granholm and the dedicated staff of the Department of Energy for advancing this priority in timely manner.”
“Establishing a new generation of mobility in this country requires bringing our supply chain home, investing in domestic production of minerals and materials for electric vehicle batteries, and creating good-paying, union jobs here in Michigan and the United States,” said U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), according to the release. “[This] announcement utilizing funding provided by my battery material legislation enacted under the IIJA demonstrates the Biden administration's commitment to making good on our promise of ensuring half of all auto sales are electric vehicles by 2030. We have a lot of work to do to meet that goal, but today marks an important milestone in our efforts."
“The 13th Congressional District is home to many frontline communities that have already seen the devastating impacts of climate change which underline the urgent need for a just and equitable energy transition,” said U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), according to the release. “I am thankful to Secretary Granholm and the Department of Energy for visiting our communities and investing in the future with the announcement of funding to increase battery production.
"This type of funding is what we need to ensure that a green future is accessible to all," Tlaib added. "I look forward to continuing to work with the DOE to ensure we rapidly deliver clean, renewable energy and a livable planet for generations to come.”
