Sen. Markey, Rep. Cartwright Introduce Legislation to Foster Commercialization of Clean Technology and Advanced Manufacturing

Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright and U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) introduced the Consortia-Led Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Networks Act, in the U.S. House and Senate.

The legislation will create clean technology and advanced manufacturing consortia to serve as commercialization centers to enhance the economic, environmental, and energy security of the United States by promoting domestic development, manufacture, and deployment of clean technologies and advanced manufacturing processes.

Consortia could include a mix of research universities, large and small companies, national laboratories, venture capitalists, and state and non-profit entities with expertise in technology commercialization, and will spur the flow of information between scientists, engineers and venture capitalists.

"Strong connections between education, research, and innovation are key to Massachusetts's economic growth and global technological leadership," said Senator Markey. "This legislation will help launch clean energy technology out of the lab and into the market place. It will foster an American clean-energy innovation ecosystem by developing connections between scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs, and by encouraging sharing of skilled human resources and facilities. I thank Rep. Cartwright for his partnership and look forward to working with my colleagues to pass legislation that will help ensure American ideas are American-made."

"America's universities and research institutions are national treasures, and our venture capitalists and entrepreneurs are the best in the world," Rep. Cartwright said. "America's research institutions are the foundation of our high-tech industry and we need to ensure scientific breakthroughs are translated into commercial applications that are connected to appropriate markets."

The bill will make $100 million available to the Secretary of Commerce to create 6 or more Consortia to shepherd innovations through the commercialization process, and includes rigorous cost-share requirements to ensure that taxpayers are only partnering on the best ideas in which the private sector also has significant capital commitment.

Solar Energy Industries Association has endorsed the legislation.

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