Press Releases

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08), vice chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) reintroduced the Job Creation through Energy Efficient Manufacturing Act, legislation to create jobs and help reduce energy costs for small and medium-sized manufacturers.

“We have an opportunity to boost American manufacturing, all while helping companies cut costs and improve the economy. As companies of all sizes rethink their operations, this legislation can help them reduce costs through modern energy solutions,” said Congressman Cartwright. “Investing in energy efficient manufacturing is good for our workers, our economy, our clean air and our national energy security.”

“Strengthening manufacturing in America is a win-win. If we don't make things in America, we won't have a middle class in America,” said Senator Merkley. “Now is the time to invest in energy efficiency retrofits that will create good-paying jobs. The Job Creation through Energy Efficient Manufacturing Act makes America’s small manufacturing businesses more competitive and also reduces energy waste.”

Nearly a quarter of energy used in the United States is consumed by the manufacturing sector, where there is an enormous opportunity for cost savings. Investing in cost-effective energy efficiency measures could save businesses hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

In addition to cutting energy costs, investing in energy-efficient manufacturing programs is a job multiplier. The energy efficiency sector already employs over two million workers, and it continues to grow.

The Job Creation through Energy Efficient Manufacturing Act will create manufacturing and construction jobs by authorizing up to $600 million to establish a Financing Energy Efficient Manufacturing Program under the Department of Energy (DOE). This funding can be used by small- to medium-sized manufacturers for energy-efficient upgrades like sustainability retrofits, onsite clean energy generation, power facilities that recycle and reuse waste energy, and smart micro-grid systems. The program prioritizes American iron and steel materials along with American-made products, ultimately growing our economy while strengthening our energy security for years to come.

This legislation is endorsed by the BlueGreen Alliance, Combined Heat and Power Alliance, Good Energy Collective, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, and the National Association of State Energy Officials.

Additional co-sponsors of this legislation in the U.S. House are Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Andre Carson (IN-07), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), and Paul Tonko (NY-20).