[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 129 (Tuesday, August 2, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3863-S3864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. PADILLA (for himself, Ms. Warren, and Mr. Wyden):
  S. 4727. A bill establish a grant program to incentivize the energy 
resilience of air carrier airports to acquire or install solar 
photovoltaic panels, battery storage systems, microgrids, and related 
electric infrastructure for on-site renewable energy generation and 
storage, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation.
  Mr. PADILLA. Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Airport 
Energy Resiliency and Renewable Energy Act, which I introduced today.
  While some airports are already using renewable energy systems to 
enhance the energy efficiency of their power sources, our Nation's 
airports still have incredible opportunities to lower emissions and 
improve energy resiliency by further investing in renewable energy 
sources and energy storage solutions.
  For example, commercial solar panels are bigger and more efficient 
than residential ones and can generate substantially more power without 
presenting a threat to aviation operations.
  Furthermore, battery storage and microgrids would allow energy to be 
stored and used later during peak demand, when it is most needed. In 
the event of a power disruption or outage as a result of a natural 
disaster or other emergency, deploying solar generation coupled with 
battery storage would allow airports to power essential facilities 
using renewable resources instead of generators, which often run on 
fossil fuels.

[[Page S3864]]

  In concert with the resources being delivered by the bipartisan 
infrastructure law, providing new dedicated funding would help 
kickstart existing interest in reducing carbon footprint and improving 
the energy resiliency at airports.
  That is why I am proud to introduce this bill to create a new FAA 
grant program to help airports invest in renewable generation resources 
such as solar panels, battery storage systems, and microgrids.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in support of this bill to unlock 
the opportunity to leverage our Nation's airports to modernize our 
electric grid and implement clean energy technologies.
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