Today, Senator Coons was the keynote speaker at the “Clean Energy: Perspectives on Innovation” briefing in Washington. The second of a two-part series Chris’ office is co-hosting with the American Chemical Society and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the luncheon explored the roles that the private sector, universities, venture capital, federal and state governments, and other vested interests play in facilitating an economic environment that incentivizes the growth of clean energy in the United States.
In Chris’ speech, he emphasized the correlation between manufacturing and innovation, stating that “manufacturing is only sustainable if it is tied to innovation.” Chris referenced his first piece of legislation, the Job Creation through Innovation Act, which provides federal incentives to grow America’s manufacturing sector by expanding, simplifying, and making permanent the research and development tax credit.
Chris went on to applaud Bloom Energy’s recent decision to open a facility in Newark, which will create clean energy jobs for hundreds in the surrounding area. This deal underscores Chris’ belief that, in order to gain job opportunities and help balance the economy, we need to embrace innovation.
A panel presentation followed Chris’ remarks. The presenters include Josh Freed, the Vice President for the Clean Energy Program at Third Way; the University of Michigan’s Office of Technology Transfer Program Manager Megan Reichert-Kral; DuPont’s Research and Development Director Bill Provine; and William Lese of Braemar Energy Ventures.