Press Releases

Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) and U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) introduced the Consortia-Led Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Networks Act in both the U.S. House and Senate to spur the development and deployment of clean energy and advanced manufacturing technologies in the United States.

This legislation would create a program in the Department of Commerce providing up to $100 million in grants toward founding at least six new consortia that could include research universities, private companies, national laboratories, venture capitalists and state and non-profit entities with expertise in technology commercialization. Together, they will help bring the latest clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing processes to market.

This proposal would also help drive investments and job creation in Northeastern Pennsylvania by accelerating efforts in the region to commercialize these technologies. This bill would allow organizations such as Ben Franklin Technology Partners, which works to promote tech-driven economic development in Northeastern Pennsylvania and across the state, to support early-stage technology firms, help manufacturers improve their operations, coordinate with new partners and foster new business growth.

“We need to make sure the groundbreaking ideas being developed in our national labs and research institutions are put to work in the marketplace,” said Rep. Cartwright. “Bringing scientists and engineers together with the private sector will enable companies to leverage the latest technologies to make their operations cleaner and more efficient, and help venture capitalists make new investments that lead to new jobs in Northeastern Pennsylvania and across the country. I’m proud to work with Senator Markey on this legislation to ensure our economy remains on the leading edge of innovation.”

“Strong connections between education, research, and innovation are key to Massachusetts’s economic growth and maintaining our global technological edge,” said Sen. Markey. “This legislation will help launch clean energy technology out of the lab and into the factory. It will foster a network of scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs focused on clean energy innovation, and encourage sharing of skilled staff and facilities. I thank Congressman Cartwright for his partnership and look forward to working with my colleagues to pass legislation that will help ensure American ideas are American-made.”

“The Ben Franklin Technology Partners are thrilled to see the leadership from Representative Cartwright and Senator Markey on this important legislation,” said Ryan Glenn, Director of Statewide Initiatives for the Ben Franklin Technology Partners. “Solutions like the Consortia-Led Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Networks Act are incredibly important to bring together researchers, entrepreneurs and funders. It will help drive the creation of technology-based start-ups and improve innovation in established manufacturers, generating highly paid, sustainable jobs now and in the future.”

Co-sponsors of this legislation in the U.S. House are: Rep. Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03), Rep. Jerry McNerney (CA-09), Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41) and Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-20).