WASHINGTON, July 28, 2021 – National business group Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) released the following statement after the United States Senate voted to proceed with a bipartisan infrastructure bill:

“The advanced energy industry applauds today’s forward progress on investments in our nation’s infrastructure, including investments in advanced energy infrastructure,” said Leah Rubin Shen, director at AEE. “The inclusion in today’s bipartisan agreement of funding to modernize our electric grid, build new transmission, and electrify our transportation system is a critical first step that sends a clear signal that policymakers recognize that advanced energy is a core component of our nation’s infrastructure and future economic prosperity.”

“Modernizing and more fully connecting America’s electric grid and investing in energy efficiency will be critical to incorporating new technologies and ensuring that the power needed to heat and cool people’s homes will be clean, reliable and affordable,” adds Rubin Shen. “It would also represent a powerful investment in American workers and families, creating potentially tens of millions of new jobs in an industry that already employs over 3.2 million Americans.”

“The investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure are welcome, but there remains a need for additional incentives to help expand access to electric vehicles of all sizes, including school buses. Additional investments in clean electricity generation and electrifying homes and businesses are also needed to fully realize the promise of jobs and economic growth that our industry has to offer. We look forward to working with Congress on these and other vital priorities as additional infrastructure legislation continues to take shape.”

The advanced energy industry supports millions of jobs, drives billions of dollars in economic development, and makes the energy we use secure, clean, and affordable. From energy efficiency, demand response, energy storage, and electric vehicles to wind, solar, hydropower, and more, advanced energy delivers for customers and the economy.

• The advanced energy industry employs 3.2 million Americans, with 8% job growth expected in 2021. 
• Recent analysis by AEE finds that every public dollar invested in advanced energy results in nearly $2.40 of private investment and adds $6 to the national economy.
• Federal investment in advanced energy could save Americans over $74 billion annually.

Learn more about how advanced energy works for America at Advanced Energy Works.