Rep. Sherrill Says Energy Bill Would Quell ‘Battlefield Threat’

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Rep. Mikie Sherrill has teamed up with Democratic and Republican colleagues in an effort to create a joint program between the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Energy (DOE).

On Thursday, Sherrill – who represents New Jersey’s 11th District (Essex, Morris, Passaic, Sussex counties) – introduced H.R.5905, also known as the Joint Long-Term Storage Act.

According to Sherrill, if passed, the bill would establish a joint program between the DOD and the DOE in an effort to “develop long-term energy storage technologies.” It would cut down on red tape and “bureaucratic barriers,” and streamline research into energy storage technology, she said.

Sherrill said that long-term energy storage represents a “top priority” for the DOD and DOE, because it would allow the storage of excess energy during non-peak hours, increase grid reliability and reduce the U.S. military’s dependence on the transportation of highly flammable fuel.

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“Combustible fuels on the battlefield have posed a threat to our troops for decades,” said Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot. “Effective research into long-lasting energy storage can not only make our energy grid more reliable, but improve our national security by decreasing the risk that flammable fuels pose to our troops.”

“This partnership between the Departments of Energy and Defense makes the most of our research dollars and gets us closer to goal of safe, reliable, long-term energy,” Sherrill said.

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Alongside Sherrill, the bill’s sponsors include Rep. Chris Pappas of New Hampshire, a Democrat, and Rep. David Schweikert of Arizona, a Republican.

“Improving our energy storage technology is critical in building a more resilient grid, reducing our carbon footprint, and fully realizing our nation’s renewable energy potential,” Pappas said. “Developing the ability to better harness this power will also vastly improve our national security by reducing our military's dependence on foreign fuel sources. This legislation takes a common sense step to better leverage DOD and DOE’s efforts, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to improve America’s energy storage capabilities and national security.”

“Within the energy space, advances in storage technology are revolutionizing the way we can provide long-duration energy,” Schweikert said. “We continue to see innovative technologies that benefit both our national security and the environment, and I am pleased to be a part of this effort to further collaboration between the DOD and DOE that has the potential to scale up this technology.”

The bill was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Armed Services. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Angus King of Maine and Martha McSally of Arizona.

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