Economy

The bill would make current, viable solar technologies available for funding, spur the deployment of advanced solar technologies if DOE concludes they are ready for commercialization.

Moving forward, the two sides set up 10 working groups to hammer out concrete plans on issues ranging from technology standards to climate-tech, data governance, and technology platforms.

The grants are part of an ARC initiative that has provided more than $287 million to 362 projects since 2015 to increase economic diversification.

The program so far has awarded six prototype development contracts to companies working on rocket engine designs, ride-share-capable spacecraft, hydrogen storage, battery chemistry, and high-performance magnets.

The committee draft initially called for $2.4 billion to electrify USPS vehicles, but the number ballooned to $7 billion after an amendment proposed by Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA) passed along party lines.

The innovation program involves collaborative partnerships between public and private industries, stimulated by awards from the secretary of commerce, who will oversee a total of $13.5 billion worth of new and expanded initiatives under the Science Committee’s purview.

A new Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth will be the new home for all of NTIA’s broadband initiatives. And among them will be a new Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives.