Approximately $74 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will fund 10 projects that will advance electric vehicle battery recycling and reuse.
The Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office will manage the projects, which are part of the $7 million funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a Nov. 16 news release said.
“Recycling advanced batteries presents an enormous opportunity for America to support the creation of a secure and resilient domestic battery supply chain to reach our clean energy and transportation future,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said in the release. “The historic investments of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are making it possible for cross-sector collaboration that will fuel America’s technological breakthroughs and eliminate our overreliance on other nations to meet our clean energy goals.”
Several members of Congress praised the investment, according to the release.
Investments in institutions such as Michigan Tech are important for Michigan’s future automotive industry, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., said in the release.
“Michigan is a global leader in automotive innovation and developing advanced technologies, thanks in part to work being done at institutions like Michigan Tech,” Peters, who is chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight and Ports, said in the release. “This federal investment will help give Michigan Tech more resources to develop the technologies needed to recycle and reuse electric vehicle batteries and their materials – which will be absolutely critical to strengthening electric vehicle supply chains nationwide and the future of our automotive sector in Michigan.”
U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., praised the grants, according to the release.
“I’ve been a steadfast advocate for Nevada’s booming clean-energy industry, including our cutting-edge companies engaged in manufacturing and recycling batteries,” Cortez Masto said in the release. “I’m pleased that these grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law I supported continue to come to the Silver State to support our innovative businesses and create jobs.”
U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., credited the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Biden-Harris administration for “investing nearly $10 million in funding to recycle batteries and create jobs right here in Nevada,” the release reported.
“This investment ensures that we are able to provide for the future demand of batteries, ensure a domestic supply chain of critical minerals and strengthen our national security,” Horsford said in the release. “As a member of the Congressional Critical Minerals Caucus and a proud supporter of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I will continue to work with the administration to make critical investments in Nevada and across the nation to advance a clean energy future.”
U.S. Rep. Michael Levin, D-Calif., said domestic battery supply chain and battery recycling are important, the release reported.
“As we tackle the climate crisis and expedite the transition to electric vehicles, it is imperative that we strengthen the domestic battery supply chain and improve battery recycling,” Levin said in the release. “I am thrilled to see the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law delivering investments for a local business on the cutting edge of this important technology, and I look forward to seeing Smartville continue to grow and thrive.”
