Washington (April 26, 2021) – Today, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) introduced the Consortia-Led Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Networks Act in both the Senate and House to spur the development and deployment of clean energy and advanced manufacturing technologies in the United States.

 

This legislation would create clean technology and advanced manufacturing consortia serving as commercialization centers to enhance the economic, environmental and energy security of the United States. These consortia would promote domestic development, manufacturing and deployment of clean technologies and advanced manufacturing processes.

 

“Strong connections between education, research, and innovation are key to Massachusetts’s economic growth and maintaining our global technological edge,” said Senator Markey. “This legislation will help launch clean energy technology out of the lab and into the marketplace, and will ensure the United States remains competitive as other countries accelerate their clean energy investments. 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.”

 

“We need to make sure the innovative ideas being developed in our national labs and research institutions reach the market,” said Representative Cartwright. “Bringing scientists and engineers together with the private sector will enable companies to leverage the latest technologies to make their operations more efficient, and help drive new investments that lead to new jobs in Northeastern Pennsylvania and across the country.”

 

A copy of the legislation can be found HERE.

 

Original co-sponsors of this legislation in the House include Reps. Mark Takano (CA-41), Mike Doyle (PA-18) and Paul Tonko (NY-20).

 

There are many businesses and manufacturing companies throughout the U.S. that would like to harness the latest advancements in clean energy technology and advanced manufacturing processes to improve their products, services or processes.  At the same time, American innovations in the clean technology arena remain underutilized. Businesses often lack the capital to harness these technologies, and research and development centers often lack the ability to commercialize their ideas.

 

This Consortia-Led Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Networks Act would create a program in the Department of Commerce providing up to $100 million in grants toward founding at least six new consortia, dedicated to commercializing cutting-edge clean energy technology. Consortia will include a mix of research universities, businesses, national laboratories, venture capitalists, state entities and non-profits with expertise in technology commercialization. Designed with a focus on public-private partnerships, the bill includes rigorous cost-sharing requirements, ensuring private industry is working with our government to spur innovation and entrepreneurship.

 

This legislation is endorsed by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Ben Franklin Technology Partners.