Integrating Advanced Manufacturing and Climate Change Policies

Amidst the largest economic downturn since the Great Depression and escalating trade and security controversies with China and other nations, the need to rebuild the U.S. manufacturing sector and increase its competitiveness has never been greater. At the same time, the threat of climate change will ultimately force this diverse sector to transition to much cleaner production processes.

ITIF co-sponsored a webinar hosted by the Boston University Institute for Sustainable Energy (ISE) in partnership with the Northeast Clean Energy Council (NECEC). An expert panel discussed underappreciated opportunities for bringing clean manufacturing innovation to greater prominence with the goal of shaping the climate and manufacturing policy agenda. ITIF Senior Policy Analyst Colin Cunliff emphasized the importance of merging domestic manufacturing and climate policy.

Sustained innovation in clean manufacturing is necessary to avert the worst consequences of climate change and enhance U.S. economic competitiveness in a low-carbon future. However, federal programs aimed at reducing industrial sector emissions form a disproportionately small part of the clean energy RD&D portfolio. This talk examines innovation opportunities and the federal role to advance clean manufacturing in the United States.