[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 6, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S4434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        INFLATION REDUCTION ACT

  Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, in the face of the ever growing threat of 
climate chaos, it is vital for the future of our Nation and our planet 
that we move swiftly and boldly to transition from an energy economy 
that relies on carbon fossil fuels to one that is electrified and 
powered by clean and renewable sources of energy.
  The Inflation Reduction Act makes historic investments in making that 
greener, cleaner future a reality. Included in those investments is the 
residential clean energy credit for battery storage technology. When we 
talk about transitioning to a greener economy, energy storage is 
critical. With this credit, homeowners can install energy storage 
capacity in two ways: by purchasing stand-alone batteries or by 
purchasing a bidirectional charger so the batteries in their electric 
vehicle can discharge to their home or the electric grid. Both will be 
``qualified battery storage technology expenditures'' under this 
legislation.
  Bidirectional charging is an exciting, groundbreaking new frontier 
for our vehicles and for our energy grid. I was excited, not too long 
ago, to see Ford's new F-150 Lightning with my own eyes when one was 
parked outside the front of this Capitol. And it was impressive, and I 
think it could be a game changer. One of the features I loved most is 
that, in the event that a storm knocks out power to a house, the F-150 
Lightning can be plugged in as a backup to keep the lights on. Not only 
is that convenient, it could be lifesaving.
  So I am very excited that this tax credit, which will be essential to 
the continued development and deployment of bidirectional battery 
storage technology, is included in the Inflation Reduction Act. And I 
look forward to supporting it in this bill and then building from it in 
the days to come.

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