Senator Schumer said electric car incentives could open new opportunities for Rochester

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Senator Chuck Schumer came to Rochester’s Li-Cycle battery recycling hub on Monday to speak about how renewable energy investments could boost the upstate New York economy.

The Senate majority leader spoke about the Inflation Reduction Act and its investments in fighting climate change through renewable energy.

Schumer hopes the act’s new electric vehicle tax credit will create demand for battery-powered vehicles that are made with New York State sourced or recycled materials. The act could open opportunities for the company Li-Cycle, a rapidly growing lithium-ion battery recycler with a branch in Rochester.

“It’s going to create, as I said, this is a game changer,” Schumer said. “It’s going to bring jobs, jobs, jobs to upstate New York. I’m using my clout as majority leader to make upstate New York the center of all this new manufacturing.”

Schumer also says this effort will spark battery research at local universities.