Tonko Introduces Bill to Spur U.S. Competitiveness & Drive Down Emissions

Press Release

Congressman Paul D. Tonko today introduced the State Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2021, new legislation that strengthens and enhances the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing, all while cutting emissions by providing manufacturers with needed resources and technical support to increase their overall efficiency.

"Our workers, industries and communities are best served by strong investments in manufacturing that help raise the bar in energy efficiency and support a cleaner, more resilient economy," Congressman Tonko said. "These vital investments in our domestic manufacturing will play a significant role in increasing American competitiveness around the globe. The new State Industrial Competitiveness Act will help States and Indian Tribes secure countless good-paying American jobs all while reducing emissions and moving us on the path towards a cleaner future. I am proud to introduce this powerful legislation and urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to join me in this continued effort to propel America's recovery."

Doreen Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA, said, "The Flex Tech model has been a stalwart of New York's energy efficiency portfolio and consistently demonstrates value to the businesses that access this service. As Congressman Tonko and I can both attest from results of this program, Flex Tech can provide businesses with cost effective solutions to their energy requirements, and allows facility operators to incorporate clean energy outcomes in capital planning to strengthen their bottom line, while also working to advance clean energy policy outcomes for all citizens."

David Terry, the Executive Director of the National Association of State Energy Officials, said, "Once again, Rep. Tonko has shown great leadership in introducing legislation targeting the competitiveness of domestic manufacturing. The 21st century is marked by increasing international competition, especially in the clean energy space. This legislation would advance U.S. interests by helping manufacturers improve their processes and reduce costs, thus expanding good paying jobs and helping all Americans. This legislation should be advanced quickly because it can make a real difference in urban, suburban and rural communities."

"In order to reach long-term greenhouse gas reduction goals, it is vital that we make significant reductions to industrial emissions," said Steven Nadel, Executive Director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). "Representative Tonko's State Industrial Competitiveness Act would invest in energy management in industrial facilities to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. This policy is based on New York State's long-running Flex-Tech program, which has a proven track record of success."

Tonko's legislation enables States and Indian Tribes to establish a Flex-Tech Energy Program that would provide grants to U.S. manufacturers to conduct energy studies and implement recommendations from those studies. This proposal draws from New York State's successful Flexible Technical Assistance program, and is intended to complement and expand upon the work of existing programs, such as DOE's Industrial Assessment Centers, and requires that State Energy Agencies coordinate with existing programs that provide assistance to manufacturers.

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