Battery trade association BCI asks Congress to defend US energy storage supply chain

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The Battery Council International (BCI), a trade association representing the North American battery industry, has urged Congress to take action to bolster the U.S. energy storage supply chain. In a recent briefing, BCI outlined five key policy recommendations aimed at creating jobs, supporting domestic battery manufacturers, and protecting the U.S. economy from foreign competition. These recommendations focus on maintaining the Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Provision, eliminating tax penalties for domestic battery production, supporting key Department of Energy (DOE) programs, and enhancing workplace safety regulations.

BCI emphasizes the importance of domestic manufacturing and innovation in the battery sector, highlighting that the industry contributes significantly to the U.S. economy, supporting approximately 48 million jobs. The association's president, Roger Miksad, stressed that reliable energy storage is essential for the modern economy and that their policy recommendations are crucial for maintaining strong and independent U.S. supply chains. As the future of federal funding and agency support remains uncertain, BCI aims to ensure that the voices of battery industry stakeholders are heard in Congress.