Coalition Promotes Grid Investments to Congress

A story in altenergymag.com last month detailed a letter urging Congress to include electric transmission provisions in any proposed infrastructure legislation and streamline expansion of U.S. electrical infrastructure.

The letter was sent to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California from a coalition of groups including the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), WIRES, and others representing a broad spectrum of U.S. manufacturing, construction, energy and environmental workers.

According to the story, the letter urged Congress to promote grid investments that lessen the economic impact of electrical outages and ensure that the country’s high-voltage transmission system is productive and secure.  The publication also quoted Tom, Kiernan, CEO of AWEA, “Just like highways and bridges, transmission is infrastructure that keeps the U.S. economy moving – and growing,” he said. “Investment in new transmission lines will modernize the U.S. grid and deliver more clean energy to population centers. This investment also will help to keep the lights on and costs low for American homeowners and businesses. Recognizing transmission as essential infrastructure is another way Congress and the administration can keep promises of advancing all forms of energy while growing U.S. energy independence.”

Find the complete story online at altenergy.com