**Kuster’s full remarks are available here**

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), a Member of the prominent Energy and Commerce Committee, questioned U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm about the department’s budget for Fiscal Year 2024. During the hearing, Kuster urged continued action to expand clean energy generation and long-duration storage.

“Achieving our clean energy goals and lowering energy costs for hardworking families requires coordination between Congress, the administration, and our state and local leaders. Today’s hearing began that important process,” said Kuster. “Thank you to Secretary Granholm for joining us today and for being a steadfast partner in our work to improve our energy grid and build a more resilient clean energy future for all.”

During the hearing, Kuster questioned the secretary on a number of energy priorities for New Hampshire, including:

• Hydropower and renewable energy incentives and grant funding opportunities.
• New Hampshire is home to more than 664 dams – Kuster is working on expanding access to resources to improve dam safety and increase energy generation.
• New clean energy generation and long-duration energy storage.
• The Inflation Reduction Act provides a 30% investment tax credit for the next 10 years to help developers retrofit non-powered dams for hydropower generation and build new pumped storage projects.
• Improving the licensing process for hydropower and clean energy facilities.
• The licensing process for a new hydropower facility can take between 7-10 years, if not longer. Kuster is working to streamline that process and cut through the red tape.

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