S. 5220: Clean Transportation Jobs and Development Act of 2026

This bill would extend and expand several federal programs related to batteries, critical minerals, and advanced transportation technologies. It would continue government support for research, development, and demonstration projects aimed at improving battery technologies, finding and processing critical minerals, and advancing electric and other next-generation vehicle systems.

What the bill would do

• Reauthorizes federal programs focused on batteries and critical minerals.
• Creates a new Department of Energy office focused on critical minerals and energy innovation.
• Provides funding for research and development on:
  • critical minerals extraction and processing,
  • advanced vehicle technologies,
  • charging infrastructure and grid integration,
  • vehicle safety and mobility systems, and
  • electrification of heavy-duty vehicles.
• Requires coordination among federal agencies, outside stakeholders, and an advisory committee.
• Sets requirements for cybersecurity, workforce training, and safety practices in the programs it covers.
• Requires periodic reporting so Congress can track progress and program performance.

Funding and timeline

The bill includes phased authorization levels totaling about $2.9 billion for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. This money would support the federal programs, research efforts, and administrative functions created or extended by the bill.

Potential effects

If enacted, the bill would increase federal involvement in building domestic supply chains for critical minerals and in supporting technologies related to electric and advanced vehicles. It would also formalize planning and oversight requirements, including cybersecurity and workforce-related measures, for the funded programs.

Relevant Companies

• TSLA — Tesla could be affected by federal support for battery technology, charging infrastructure, grid integration, and electric vehicle R&D.
• GM — General Motors could be affected by funding for advanced vehicle development, vehicle electrification, and charging-related programs.
• F — Ford could be affected by federal support for electric and heavy-duty vehicle technologies and related infrastructure.
• ALB — Albemarle could be affected by programs supporting critical minerals supply chains and battery materials processing.
• LAC — Lithium Americas could be affected by federal efforts to expand domestic critical minerals development and processing.
• MP — MP Materials could be affected by support for critical minerals extraction, processing, and related supply chain development.
• BLBD — Blue Bird could be affected by electrification programs for buses and other fleet vehicles.
• PCAR — PACCAR could be affected by funding for heavy-duty vehicle electrification and related technology development.