Kelly, Sinema, Schweikert, Stanton’s Bill to Expand Affordable, Reliable Hydropower in Arizona to Become Law

Today, legislation introduced by Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema and Representatives David Schweikert (R-AZ-01) and Greg Stanton (DAZ-04) to expand affordable and reliable hydropower in Arizona passed the Senate by Unanimous Consent—sending it to the president’s desk to be signed into law. It previously passed the House by a vote of 384-1.  

Kelly spoke on the Senate floor in support of the bill as it was passed. Since introducing this bill, Kelly has worked to get it over the finish line, including delivering remarks in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, where he urged his colleagues to support the legislation during the committee vote. 

This bipartisan legislation will allow for the exploration and development of pumped-storage hydropower facilities within the Salt River system near the Roosevelt Dam. This will let surplus electricity, from periods of low demand, to pump water to a higher elevation reservoir which can then be released to generate electricity during times of high demand, ensuring grid stability and lowering energy costs for Arizona families. 

“Expanding pumped-storage hydropower in Arizona will strengthen our energy grid and lower energy costs for families,” said 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.”  

“I’m proud our bill lowering energy costs for Arizonans through affordable and cleaner energy storage passed the senate. I look forward to it becoming law,” said Sinema.  

“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 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, they cut utility costs for Arizona families and businesses,” said 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.”