Schweikert Legislation Expanding Affordable Pumped Storage Hydropower in Arizona Heads to President’s Desk

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative David Schweikert (AZ-01) celebrated Senate passage of his bipartisan legislation. The bill enables the exploration of constructing additional pumped storage hydropower facilities in the Salt River reservoir system to keep energy costs low for Arizonans, help stabilize the state's electric grid during peak demand and boost the supply of affordable and reliable energy. Co-sponsor Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-04) was an important champion for furthering the implementation of innovative development for Arizona's critical resources. U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) introduced companion legislation in the Senate in March, S.739, which now heads to the President's desk where it awaits his signature.

As a refresher, 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 which can generate up to 10-12 hours of reliable energy.

"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," said Rep. Schweikert. "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."

"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," said Rep. Stanton. "This 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."

"Expanding pumped-storage hydropower in Arizona will strengthen our energy grid and lower energy costs for families," said Senator Kelly. "This is about using technology to make our energy more reliable and affordable. After months of work together as a bipartisan delegation, I'm proud to see this legislation on its way to becoming law."

Rep. Schweikert speaks in support of his affordable pumped storage bill last year. Click here to watch his remarks.
Additional Information:

• The House Natural Resources Committee passed the bipartisan pumped storage hydropower legislation by unanimous consent on July 19.
• Rep. Schweikert spoke in support of his legislation on the House Floor prior to passage. You can watch video from his testimony here.
• House legislation supported by Salt River Project GM & CEO Jim Pratt.
• The full bill text is available here.

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Congressman David Schweikert serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and is the current Chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee. He is also the Vice Chairman on the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, Chairman the Congressional Valley Fever Task Force, and is the Republican Co-Chair of the Blockchain Caucus, Telehealth Caucus, Singapore Caucus, and the Caucus on Access to Capital and Credit.