State Briefs: Milestone’s Reached in Both Energy Storage and Mental Health

California Reaches Energy Storage Milestone

SACRAMENTO — New data show California has built out more than 6,600 megawatts or MW of battery storage, enough electricity to power 6.6 million homes for up to four hours. The total resource is up from 770 MW four years ago and double the amount installed just two years ago, significant progress towards California’s goal of a 100% clean electric grid by 2045. 

As greenhouse gas emissions accelerate climate change, energy storage is a critical part of California’s strategy to cut pollution and create a cleaner, more reliable grid – storing excess power from solar, wind and other renewable sources generated during the day to meet demand in the evening when the sun sets.

Details: New online dashboard, https://tinyurl.com/CA-energy-storage-system and https://tinyurl.com/CA-energy-commission 

Senators Launch Bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) Oct. 17 announced the launch of their bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus.  

Amidst a national mental health crisis, the Senate Mental Health Caucus will serve as a forum for Senators to collaborate on and promote bipartisan legislation and solutions, hold events to raise awareness of critical mental health issues, and destigmatize mental health. The caucus will work to improve prevention and early intervention efforts, expand the country’s mental health professional workforce, enhance the nation’s crisis response services, and increase access to evidence-based mental health treatment and common-sense solutions for all Americans.

Details: The full mission statement of the Senate Mental Health Caucus is available at https://tinyurl.com/Mental-Health-Caucus