North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015

Floor Speech

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Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this bipartisan amendment which brings us one step closer to realizing the enormous potential of battery energy storage.

This technology is capable of transforming our energy landscape by storing power in times of excess production and releasing power in times of excess demand. It can make our grid more reliable and secure. It can save consumers money by replacing costly gas-powered peaker stations.

And, perhaps most importantly, it is compatible with any source of energy. Its compatibility with multiple power sources means we aren't picking winners and losers. Rather, we are increasing our capacity to use all sources of energy.

Battery energy storage is particularly promising in its ability to unlock the power of renewables, leading to a cleaner, more sustainable energy portfolio.

Even as the cost of renewable energy sources drops closer to that of fossil fuels, the viability of wind and solar power is limited by inconsistency. Put simply, the wind doesn't always blow and the sun doesn't always shine. Battery energy storage offers a solution to this challenge.

This week at the climate summit in Paris, we have heard about the importance of innovation in reaching our environmental goals. Battery storage is exactly the type of revolutionary technology that will help get us there, creating new jobs and economic growth in the process.

A GAO report on large-scale battery storage will help us make informed decisions about accelerating its growth while signaling our commitment to supporting the next chapter in America's energy infrastructure.

I am thankful to be joined by Mr. Collins of New York as well as my good friend Mr. Honda of California.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

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