Washington (March 22, 2018) – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-17) introduced a bill to foster clean technology and advanced manufacturing.  The Consortia-Led Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Networks Act would create clean technology and advanced manufacturing consortia to serve as commercialization centers to enhance our country’s economic, environmental, and energy security. U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (Mass.) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“America’s research institutions are the foundation of our high-tech industry. We need to ensure scientific breakthroughs are translated into commercial applications to strengthen our economy, create jobs, and improve our lives,” said Rep. Cartwright. “These consortia will engage in the development needed to jump the gap from lab bench to store shelves.”

“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 marketplace. It will foster an American clean energy innovation network of scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs, 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.”

This bill would establish a Department of Commerce grant program to form at least 6 new consortia dedicated to commercializing cutting-edge clean energy technology. These consortia will include a mix of research universities, businesses, national laboratories, venture capitalists, state entities, and non-profits with expertise in technology commercialization. Designed as public-private partnerships, the bill includes rigorous cost-sharing requirements to ensure that the private industry is working together with our government to spur innovation and entrepreneurship.

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