Bill aims to boost clean-tech exports (Sacramento)

Congresswoman Doris Matsui of Sacramento has introduced legislation that aims to increase the competitiveness of American-made clean technologies at home and abroad, and strengthen the nation’s clean-tech manufacturing industry.

The Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Act of 2010 would also have a big impact on the Sacramento region, helping to further the region’s goal of establishing an economic cluster around clean technologies, according to Matsui’s office.

The nation’s clean-tech industry lags behind international competitors in exports abroad. The U.S. industry exported about $7.7 billion in products and services last year compared to China’s $22.7 billion and Germany’s $19.6 billion in clean-tech exports, according to a U.S. Senate report released in January.

The act introduced Tuesday would create a $15 million fund to help boost the U.S. clean-tech industry’s competitiveness. The fund would support the development and implementation of a national export strategy, and help U.S. firms find and navigate foreign markets.

“The U.S. must be a leader in manufacturing and exporting clean technologies, not one that becomes dependent on foreign energy products,” Matsui said in a news release. “This legislation will enhance the U.S. standing in the race to clean energy by coordinating a national strategy to increase the competitiveness of the U.S. clean-tech industry here in the U.S. and in the international marketplace.”

Read the full post in the Sacramento Business Journal.