June 01, 2021
ICYMI: Manchin, Graham, Hickenlooper Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Help Manufacturers Upgrade Facilities
Legislation Would Help Improve
Efficiency And Reduce Carbon Footprint Of Small And Medium-Sized Manufacturers
Washington, DC – Last week, U.S. Senators
Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee,
Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) introduced bipartisan
legislation to help eligible small and medium-sized manufacturers upgrade their
facilities to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Investing in
energy efficiency is among the best, and most proven, ways to save energy and
reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It’s also readily available – there are so
many opportunities to improve efficiency in industrial facilities across the
country. But, many small and medium-sized manufacturers struggle to find the
necessary capital to do so. My bipartisan Manufacturing Clean Energy and
Energy Efficiency Act would provide grants to these manufacturers so they
can make upgrades as recommended in Department of Energy-funded Industrial
Assessment Center energy assessments. As we transition to a cleaner energy
future, investments like these are critical to addressing the climate challenge
and maintaining our nation’s position as a global energy leader. I look forward
to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure this
legislation becomes law,” said Chairman Manchin.
“South Carolina
small and medium size businesses are major economic engines across the state,
and we must ensure they remain competitive globally. This legislation leverages
the expertise of Clemson University’s Industrial Assessment Center as well as
private sector funds to improve the energy efficiency and the competitiveness
of South Carolina businesses,” Senator Graham said.
“We must confront
climate change by improving energy efficiency and cutting industrial emissions.
These grants do just that while giving engineering students on-the-job
training. It’s a win-win,” Senator Hickenlooper said.
The
Manufacturing Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Act:
- Establishes a program to provide grants to small and medium-sized manufacturers that have received an energy assessment from a Department of Energy-funded Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) to make recommended upgrades to their facilities that would improve their energy efficiency, cybersecurity, and productivity while reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and waste.
- Authorizes IACs to provide technical assistance to clients to aid them in carrying out their upgrade projects.
Full text of the
legislation can be viewed here.
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