Developing a Clean Energy Strategy

As Sacramento's representative in Congress, I have made it a top priority to transform our region into a global leader in clean technology. We are uniquely positioned to be at the forefront of meeting America's growing clean energy needs, and I am working hard to create jobs and ensure that the Sacramento becomes a Clean Tech Capital.

During the 111th Congress, I joined my colleagues in pursuing and promoting a "Make it in America" initiative - a strategy that focused on creating good-paying manufacturing jobs at home while increasing our exports abroad. In the 112th Congress, I am committed to continuing that effort by introducing legislation that will increase incentives and support of domestic manufacturing and exportation.

Last Wednesday, I introduced H.R. 502, the Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Act, which would support the development and implementation of a National Clean Energy Technology Export Strategy. My bill would work to promote the domestic clean tech manufacturing industry as well as assist U.S. clean tech firms with finding and navigating foreign markets to export their goods and services. During the last Congress, I introduced identical legislation, which was passed by the House, but did not have a chance to be taken up by the Senate. I believe it is critical to our economic recovery that we act quickly on this legislation so that we can meet our export goals and not fall behind other nations in the clean energy economy.

According to the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee, more than 30 percent of non-exporting small and medium sized companies would export if they had more access to market information, export opportunities, and the export process. The Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Act will help provide that assistance many small businesses are seeking.

The bill would create a Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Fund to support the development, implementation, and sustainability of a National Clean Energy Technology Export Strategy. H.R. 502 would also strengthen America's domestic clean tech manufacturing industry by promoting policies that will reduce production costs and encourage innovation, investment, and productivity in the clean energy technology industry here at home.

As your representative in Congress, I will continue to support policies that will help make Sacramento the Clean Tech Capital and bring good jobs to our region.

To learn more about my work to create clean technology jobs to Sacramento, visit www.matsui.house.gov/cleanenergy. To learn more about the Make it in America initiative, visit www.matsui.house.gov/makeitinamerica