In a historic agreement, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on April 21 solidified their strong commitment to a clean environment and energy security by announcing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to help improve the energy efficiency of U.S. manufacturers, who use nearly a third of the energy in the United States.
“This new partnership with EPA leverages the unique strength of U.S. manufacturers as the world’s leaders in energy efficiency and innovative green technology,” NAM president and CEO John Engler said. “Under the agreement, the NAM will challenge its member companies to reduce energy use across all operations by 10 percent or more. If the manufacturing industry reduced its energy use by 10 percent, manufacturers would save nearly $10.4 billion and enough energy to power nearly 10 million American homes for one year. Energy efficiency is critical to a clean environment and to energy security. As we celebrate Earth Day this week, let’s remember that building upon U.S. manufacturers’ leadership in energy efficiency makes good economic and business sense.”
EPA administrator Stephen L. Johnson noted, "Environmental responsibility is everyone's responsibility – and today I'm pleased the NAM is taking this motto to heart. By making smart energy choices, U.S. manufacturers are helping improve our nation's energy and environmental outlook.”
The NAM energy management call-to-action for manufacturers is in cooperation with EPA’s Energy Star Challenge, a voluntary, market-based program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. EPA will support NAM members in developing and refining company-wide energy management programs, sharing best energy management practices, providing training and recognizing the energy efficiency achievements of NAM members.
“The NAM has the potential to reach more than 100,000 corporations, both large and small,” Engler said. “With this agreement, the NAM will make sure its members and the 225 associations that comprise the Council of Manufacturing Associations have access to all the Energy Star resources of the Environmental Protection Agency to start saving energy.”
The NAM signed a similar memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Department of Energy in June 2007 that supports a variety of activities aimed at assisting manufacturers to initiate and implement energy management programs.
The most recent memorandum of understanding between the NAM and EPA is available on-line at www.nam.org/EPAMOU.