Biden Administration awards $3B for battery production

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – The Biden Administration announced Friday the awarding of billions of dollars for more than two dozen domestic battery technology projects. The money comes from the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law President Joe Biden signed in 2021.

The White House has chosen to aid 25 battery technology projects in 14 states geared towards production, recycling and manufacturing.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm says it can go a long way towards making more climate-friendly energy resources.

“There certainly is, a motivation on that part. But honestly, we’ve seen a huge amount of battery factories open up in the United States. So what it really means is jobs all across the country,” said Granholm.

The Energy Department says this funding, plus earlier awards, will generate $16 billion to improve the entire battery supply chain for materials used in electric vehicles.

Advanced Battery Technology advocates, like NAATBatt International, say the technologies “will determine which nations and which economies lead in the Twenty-First Century.”

The Biden Administration’s decision coincidentally is happening as Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.) is pushing a bill to strengthen federal regulation of the transportation of lithium ion batteries. Titus introduced the bill after a fire involving the batteries shut down a highway connecting Las Vegas and Southern California.

“Any time you change direction with the development of technology, you have to be sure that it’s regulated appropriately. And you put in place, provisions that help you make that move in a safe way so that everybody can benefit,” said Titus.

The companies chosen to get the White House’s grant money must first clear several hurdles before receiving the cash.

As for Titus’ bill, it has been referred to a House committee but has yet to receive a hearing.

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