USW Supports 'SEAM Act' to Create Green Manufacturing Jobs in U.S.
PITTSBURGH, May 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United Steelworkers (USW) today praised Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) for introducing the "Security in Energy and Manufacturing Act of 2010" -- the SEAM Act. Senator Brown was joined by Senators Schumer, Merkley, Casey and Hagan in sponsoring this bill aimed at helping to grow the nation's green manufacturing supply chain.
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Senator Brown's SEAM Act is a companion to Congressman Phil Hare's (D-IL) bill, which was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on April 16 and supported by the USW. Brown's bill provides for greater opportunity to create good green manufacturing jobs by making available $5 billion in tax credits or grants to companies manufacturing goods and components in the United States that are used in alternative energy projects, such as wind farms, nuclear power plants and solar generation plants.
The SEAM Act builds upon the leadership provided by President Obama in establishing the energy manufacturing tax credit (Section 48c of the IRS) in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to encourage a green domestic manufacturing supply chain for alternative energy projects as the nation transitions to energy independence. Section 48c provides for a 30% tax credit for investments in new, expanded or re-equipped green energy manufacturing facilities.
The USW strongly supported Section 48c in the Recovery Act, which was so popular that the initial $2.3 billion in credit ran out quickly and many worthy projects had to be put aside awaiting additional credit authority.
"The USW supports Senator's Brown's efforts to expand and improve this energy manufacturing tax incentive by providing an additional $5 billion in credit or grants to expand and create green manufacturing and good jobs right here in the U.S.," said USW International President Leo W. Gerard. "A typical wind turbine made by Pennsylvania Steelworkers includes 250 tons of steel, three tons of copper, 250 yards of concrete, titanium components for rotator hubs, gears and gear boxes, bearings and many more domestic components."
Gerard also noted that USW members also make many other alternative and efficient energy products, such as glass for solar panels, goods from recycled paper and energy efficient air conditioning products.
"These are the kinds of good-paying, permanent jobs we need to create if we are to reinvigorate our manufacturing base so it can become a key player in the transition to a clean and green energy future."
SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)
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