Washington, D.C. – The American Shale & Manufacturing Partnership (ASMP), a diverse group of organizations and industries united in a singular goal of fostering an American manufacturing renaissance, launched the creation of the group at an event held at the Washington Press Club in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
ASMP is a multi-stakeholder initiative focused on shale development and its impact on the American manufacturing supply chain, workforce development and ultimately on the U.S. consumer. More than 100 billion dollars in new manufacturing infrastructure has been announced and is expected to be developed across the nation during the next decade. The Partnership is dedicated to laying the groundwork to ensure that development is not stalled.
Matthew Sanfilippo, senior executive director, Research Initiatives for the College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University said, “The confluence of emerging technologies and new domestic energy options such as shale gas can fundamentally transform American manufacturing. To realize this potential we must craft new models of collaboration among research universities, industry, labor, state and federal government and the environmental community. That is exactly what we are starting today. Carnegie Mellon is pleased to join the partners of the ASMP to craft a roadmap for bringing this future to reality.”
“The dream of bringing manufacturing back to the United States is very real, but it requires our government to develop policies that encourage growth, instead of putting regulatory barriers in the way,” said American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) President Charles T. Drevna. “Energy development is the key not only to a manufacturing revival, but to a strong economy and ultimately, our national security.”
Margot Anderson, executive director of the Energy Project at the Bipartisan Policy Center, led a panel discussion of several members of the Partnership including AFPM; Institute for 21st Century Energy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental & Reinforcing Iron Workers; National Association of Manufacturers (NAM); and the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA). The diverse group of panelists shared their unique perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of bringing manufacturing back to the United States.
Jay Timmons, president & CEO of NAM added, "As users of one-third of the nation’s energy, manufacturers depend on an affordable and reliable energy source to remain globally competitive. The shale revolution is a game changer for manufacturers that drives job creation, but overreaching laws and regulations at any level could slow this energy revolution and, in the worst case, stop it. The wrong policies will deny Americans and our economy the promise of reliable and secure energy. The right policies will spur economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness for years to come.”
“It is critical that the opportunities created by natural gas are compounded to deliver a reconstruction of our manufacturing base that will produce good community-building jobs, reduce trade deficits, and enhance the competitiveness and security of our nation,” said Walter W. Wise, general president, International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental & Reinforcing Iron Workers.
Karen Alderman Harbert, president & CEO, Institute for 21st Century Energy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce added, “Shale energy has already created over 2.1 million jobs in communities across America, with another 1.25 million new jobs expected over the next decade. In addition, shale energy will generate more than $2.5 trillion in new tax revenue between now and 2035, with more than half going to states and localities. That makes shale energy truly a game changer for the American economy, and it is why the Chamber is working to ensure that these opportunities become reality.”
“From the specialty chemical industry perspective, shale gas will aid in strengthening our global competitiveness and maintaining our role as innovation leaders,” said Lawrence D. Sloan, President & CEO of the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates. Small and medium-sized companies, which have borne a disproportionate disadvantage attributed to a 20 percent structural cost premium, will particularly benefit. Shale will also help reinforce the increasing interest in buying American because of our quality advantage over foreign supplies. This is particularly critical in the pharmaceutical industry, where product quality is paramount.”