News | Energy Efficiency

http://www.newenergyworldnetwork.com/renewable-energy-news/news-type/policy-news/dow-corning-recommends-policy-strategies-to-spur-us-renewable-export-market.html

Dow Corning CEO Stephanie Burns has called for further investments in US ‘green’ manufacturing to keep the country competitive in the global marketplace.

Immediate, decisive investments in the green manufacturing sector can help boost America’s exports, lower the trade deficit, create jobs and increase its competitiveness in a dynamic world marketplace, she insists.
‘I believe that with the right mix of private investment, government support and entrepreneurial spirit, we can revitalise the heart of our nation’s economy – our manufacturing sector,’ said Burns.
‘We need to make this commitment now, or the net long-term effect will be the export of jobs today and the import of foreign-made solar panels tomorrow.’
Burns claims that US companies confront legislative obstacles that dissuade them from moving into manufacturing.
‘Other nations have adopted aggressive policies to support the growth of their renewable-energy manufacturing base, but companies that hope to manufacture in the US are faced with discouraging barriers,’ she said.
She called for short-term, demand-side incentives to attract companies to the sector to pave the way for a solar export market in the US.
Dow Corning has proposed a four-point plan to grow the domestic solar industry, which addresses manufacturing, legislative, regulatory and workforce-related factors.
The roadmap recommends that the government encourage consumer adoption of renewable energies as well as establishing policies to encourage rapid growth.
Burns made her remarks in an address to the 2010 International District Export Council Conference.