Press Releases

Binghamton, NY – U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (NY-19) is directly appealing to the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to approve SUNY Binghamton’s application for $160 million in federal funding to create a battery manufacturing hub in the Southern Tier. Rep. Molinaro’s effort follows news that SUNY Binghamton’s New Energy New York project, a coalition of academic, non-profit, and government organizations dedicated to growing battery production in the Southern Tier, is a finalist for this funding.

In a letter to Sethuramen Panchanathan, the Director of the NSF, Rep. Molinaro emphasized the school’s expertise in battery technology and highlighted the national economic and security implications of this initiative.  

Rep. Molinaro said, “Binghamton and the Southern Tier have an eager workforce, and with SUNY Binghamton, we have the expertise to transform our region into a successful battery manufacturing hub. All we need is a chance. I’m urging the Director of the National Science Foundation to invest and create jobs in Binghamton.”

The full text of the letter can be found below:

Dear Director Panchanathan,

I fully support Binghamton University, its New Energy New York project, and their application to the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines Competition.

New Energy New York, led by Binghamton University, is a coalition of academic, non-profit, and government organizations dedicated to bringing battery production to upstate New York. In recent years, Binghamton has become a leader in our country’s developing battery industry. Much of this is due to the research of Professor M. Stanley Wittingham, who in 2019, won the Nobel prize in chemistry for his role in developing lithium-ion batteries.

The battery industry is becoming increasingly critical to our nation’s infrastructure. The number of homes, devices, and vehicles being powered by batteries are on the rise. By supporting New Energy New York, our nation will be better able to support the domestic battery industry while also supporting renewable clean energy technologies. Funding for this program will also lead to an economic resurgence in the Southern Tier. The battery industry is valued at $30 billion and is rapidly growing. This funding will allow New Energy New York to invest in the community and create new employment opportunities.

For these reasons, I request your full and fair consideration of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact my office at (607) 242-0200 if you have any questions.