WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall, D-NM, today introduced legislation that would expand a federal grant program to help small manufacturers take advantage of opportunities to improve energy efficiency, commercialize environmentally-focused products and create clean energy jobs.
Through the National Institute of Standards and Technology Grants for Energy Efficiency, New Job Opportunities and Business Solutions Act, or NIST GREEN JOBS Act, Udall would expand the current Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program to fund pilot projects for clean energy jobs related to energy efficiency. The legislation also would allow MEP centers to explore ways to extend their services to small companies in the construction industry where manufacturing is increasingly important. Currently, the MEP program is only available to small- and medium-sized manufacturers. The NIST GREEN JOBS Act calls for $7 million in annual funding for three years.
"As the United States continues to emerge from the worst recession since the Great Depression, the resources and expertise MEP Centers provide small manufacturers are more valuable than ever," Udall said. "Our MEP centers do great work - and I believe they can do even more as companies look for ways to take advantage of new opportunities in an increasingly green economy that promotes energy efficiency and independence for our country."
Albuquerque is home to the New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership, one of more than 70 not-for-profit centers across the country dedicated to providing small- and medium-sized manufacturers with the tools they need to grow, improve productivity and expand capacity. Since its creation, the New Mexico MEP has helped create or maintain more than 2,600 jobs in the state and achieve $24 million in annual cost savings.
