Manufacturers Comment on Kerry-Lieberman Climate Change Bill

Washington, DC, 05/12/10 -  The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Executive Vice President Jay Timmons today issued the following statement on the American Power Act introduced by Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT):

“The NAM appreciates the transparent and inclusive process Senators Kerry, Lieberman and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) pursued over the past few months in drafting this legislation.  While we are encouraged by many of the provisions, we believe it is still a work in progress. 

Manufacturers strongly believe opportunity exists for U.S. energy security and independence in the resources available in the Outer Continental Shelf, and we appreciate the Senators’ provisions on offshore drilling. We also believe nuclear power is vital to our domestic energy security and critical to meeting manufacturers’ growing demand for reliable, affordable, clean and environmentally friendly electricity.  Further, the provisions on natural gas, renewables and carbon capture sequestration are steps in the right direction.

Manufacturers believe America can and should work toward a reasonable, economically-viable solution on climate change issues. No other sector of the economy has made more investments in innovative solutions to advance renewable and alternative energy and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) reduction technology. 

However, we remain concerned that the legislation could impose additional burdens on manufacturers that will raise energy prices and ultimately hurt our global competitiveness.

The legislation still lacks key details on how these programs will work and what impact they will have on the economy.  We will actively work with the Senators to make certain the concerns of manufacturers are addressed and that final legislation does not compromise our ability to compete in the global marketplace.”