31 May BPC Action Encourages Robust Federal Energy Innovation Investment in FY2019 Appropriations Bills in Energy and Environment

The House and Senate appropriations committees approved FY2019 spending bills providing clear support for energy innovation programs at Department of Energy. BPC Action believes robust federal investments in energy innovation are essential to American economic growth, and critical to our competitiveness and national security.  

Both the House and Senate bills significantly increase the Department of Energy’s Office of Science budget, as well as provide funding for critical investments in research programs that have already demonstrated success in accelerating the pace of energy technology breakthroughs. These investments include the Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs), and advanced manufacturing programs in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy such as the Critical Materials energy innovation hub.  

 BPC Action applauds the Senate Appropriations bill inclusion of record level funding of $375 million for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy (ARPA-E), consistent with BPC’s recommendation to significantly increase funding for this key agency.      

 The United States must invest in American ingenuity by supporting funding to develop more efficient, cleaner, and lower-cost energy technologies that benefit consumers and businesses. House and Senate appropriators have taken bold steps to bolster American leadership in this crucial industry, and BPC Action looks forward to working with Congress to spearhead the development of advanced energy technologies.