In the News

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Moosic, vice chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, and U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, this week 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,” Cartwright said. “Investing in energy efficient manufacturing is good for our workers, our economy, our clean air and our national energy security.”

Merkley added, “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.”

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).