A bipartisan bill introduced by Representative David Schweikert (R-AZ) to build additional pumped storage hydropower facilities in the Salt River reservoir system has passed the House and Senate with "near unanimous support" and is now headed to the President's Desk to be signed into law.
The purpose of this bill and the construction of these facilities is to reduce energy costs and stabilize the electric grid produced by hydropower. Pumped-storage hydroelectricity allows water to be pumped from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir when energy demand is low. When energy demand is high and power is needed on the grid, the upper reservoir is released downhill back into the lower reservoir and run through hydropower turbines, generating up to 10-12 hours of reliable energy.
Rep. Schweikert commended the strong support for the bill in Congress, which, as mentioned, was "near-unanimous," and praised Arizona for having "proven to lead the charge to deliver innovation and make life more efficient for Arizonans at a time when our state's economy and population continue to explode."
"Once again, Arizona has proven to lead the charge to deliver innovation and make life more efficient for Arizonans at a time when our state's economy and population continue to explode. The near unanimous support for this legislation proves that America is ready to embrace long-term energy storage technologies to expand the supply of affordable and reliable energy for our communities. I'm incredibly thankful for my friend and colleague, Rep. Stanton, who's been crucial to this process of embracing innovation, and I'm looking forward to seeing this technology benefit Arizona," Rep. Schweikert's complete statement read.
Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ), who co-sponsored the bill, added, "I'm thrilled to see the Senate pass our bipartisan bill to help facilitate the innovative development of additional pumped-storage hydropower along the Salt River. Not only do pumped storage projects provide greater flexibility and improve reliability in our energy grid, but they also cut utility costs for Arizona families and businesses. His critical legislation passed the House with an overwhelming majority last year, and today, it's on its way to becoming law. I greatly appreciate Congressman Schweikert and Senators Kelly and Sinema for their partnership."
