Washington (June 6, 2022) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Chair of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety, released the following statement today on President Biden’s decision to invoke the Defense Production Act to strengthen the power grid by boosting domestic production of renewable and energy-efficient electric technologies.

 
“President Biden’s decision to invoke the Defense Production Act to bolster the clean energy industry will make our country safer and more resilient for years to come. By investing in the clean energy that will power our nation’s future – from solar panels to heat pumps to clean energy technologies – the President is answering our call for immediate action to lower energy prices, fortify our independence from a corrupt global oil market, boost American manufacturing, create good-paying jobs, deliver a healthier environment, and build a more resilient economy. I will continue to fight alongside climate warriors from across the country and work with my colleagues in Congress to deliver the comprehensive climate justice and clean energy action we need to meet the magnitude of the climate crisis head-on.”

Senators Markey and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) led their colleagues in a letter to President Biden in March urging the Administration to invoke the Defense Production Act to bolster the production of clean energy technologies, such as electric heat pumps, efficient electric appliances, and renewable energy generation and storage. Senator Markey is an original cosponsor of the Energy Security and Independence Act, introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT ) and Representatives Cori Bush (MO-01) and Jason Crow (CO-06), which would provide funding for the Defense Production Act for use by the Administration to build renewable energy infrastructure and invest billions in energy-efficient technologies.

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