Dive Brief:
- The U.S. Department of Energy today announced a new partnership with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), aimed at improving energy efficiency and productivity in plants around the country.
- DOE said the partnership is a result of its Better Plants program, which encourages voluntary goals aimed at a 25% reduction in energy intensity over a decade.
- Officials say the project represents President Trump's "true partnership with manufacturers." The White House has slowed the rollout of some new efficiency measures, and last week announced it would cut vehicle efficiency requirements set by the Obama Administration.
Dive Insight:
The DOE's announcement comes out of the Better Plants program which means any efficiency targets will be voluntary, and Energy Secretary Rick Perry said the move will drive savings and spotlight industrial leadership.
DOE said the Sustainability in Manufacturing partnership will let the agency and NAM engage directly with manufacturers to identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements. The partnership also aims to be a platform to recognize companies and leaders using innovative strategies.
The United States spends more than $200 million annually to power manufacturing plants. The Better Plant program is allowing 200 manufacturers to share energy efficiency strategies, DOE said. In the last 10 years the sector has reduced emissions 10%, NAM President and CEO Jay Timmon said in a statement, while the sector's value to the economy rose almost double that.
The Trump Administration has been less climate- and efficiency-focused in other areas, however. Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it would revisit vehicle mileage standards, which were targeting 54.5 mpg by 2025 under the Obama administration.
In February, a federal judge yesterday ruled the White House's delay on finalizing efficiency regulations for several consumer and commercial products was unlawful and gave the Administration a month to issue them.
