House Science Committee Adopts Tonko Energy Innovation Amendments

Press Release

Congressman Paul D. Tonko celebrated unanimous adoption of two amendments he proposed on clean energy legislation advancing out of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee today:

Amended H.R. 2986, the Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act, to create a research and development program for recycling lithium-ion batteries.

Amended H.R. 5374, the Advanced Geothermal Research and Development Act of 2019, to encourage geothermal energy development in the places where it can be most economically beneficial including in New York's Capital Region.

"Our dream of a clean energy future will depend on our ability to produce millions of batteries," Congressman Tonko said regarding the BEST Act. "To be sustainable, affordable, and secure, we will need a robust recycling system that reclaims the critical minerals in these batteries to satisfy future demand, rather than relying on foreign imports and environmentally harmful mining. My amendment will put America in position to proactively create such a system, creating good-paying jobs in the process. Our nation cannot afford to fall behind the rest of the world in this essential research and development."

Despite effective recycling of almost 100 percent of the lead acid batteries in the United States, only 5 percent of American lithium-ion batteries are recycled, forcing domestic manufacturers to rely heavily on China, Australia, Chile, Congo, and others for additional supply. In contrast, most European and Asian nations recycle well over 60 percent of their lithium-ion batteries. Tonko's lithium battery recycling amendment would improve America's energy security and take steps to address the nation's growing need for battery minerals, including lithium, cobalt and nickel.

Tonko's amendment to the Advanced Geothermal Research and Development Act of 2019 directs the U.S. Department of Energy to address geothermal as an emerging, sometimes overlooked clean energy solution, most notably by encouraging geothermal investment in regions with high economic potential. To date, most geothermal research has occurred in the Western United States. Tonko's amendment would allow for more regions across the nation, including the Capital Region, to benefit from the development of this clean technology.

In addition to H.R. 2986 and H.R. 5374, the Committee also advanced H.R. 4230, the Clean Industrial Technology Act of 2019; H.R. 5428, the Grid Modernization Research and Development Act of 2019; and H.R. 5760, the Grid Security Research and Development Act with Tonko's support. These bills will now await action before the full U.S. House of Representatives.

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