Washington, DC – Today, 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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