Sullivan, Schiff Introduce DOE–NASA Research Bill Strengthening U.S. Energy and Space Innovation

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) yesterday introduced the DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act to strengthen collaboration between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The bill encourages both agencies to share research, technology, and data-an effort designed to accelerate American innovation in science, energy, and space exploration.

"Alaska is where space and energy meet," Senator Sullivan said. "We're home to world-class launch facilities in Kodiak and leading micro-grid research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks-some of the most advanced in the country. This bill helps ensure our state's scientists, engineers, and students are part of the national mission to explore, innovate, and power the future. The Department of Energy brings unmatched research labs and supercomputing capabilities. NASA brings world-leading space expertise. When they work together, it's good for America-and it's great for Alaska. I want to thank Rep. Begich for leading this effort in the House and look forward to working with Senator Schiff and our colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation."

"The partnership between the DOE and NASA is essential for the future development of scientific and energy innovations," Senator Schiff said. "I am proud to join Senator Sullivan and Representatives Begich and Whitesides in ensuring both agencies can collaborate to promote and contribute to a variety of programs, including wildfire mitigation - something that is critical to communities in California."

The legislation authorizes DOE and NASA to formalize their partnership and focus on joint research in areas such as advanced computing, energy storage, materials science, and space-based observation. Representatives Nick Begich (R-Alaska) and George Whitesides (D-Calif.) introduced companion legislation in the House.

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