Brown Announces New Federal Resources for Energy Efficiency Training at University of Dayton
Funds Will Train University of Dayton Students to Conduct Energy Assessments at Ohio Manufacturing Facilities
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced that the University of Dayton has been awarded new federal resources to train undergraduate and graduate students to conduct energy assessments at a broad range of manufacturing facilities. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy program will provide resources to connect engineering students with small and medium-sized industrial and manufacturing facilities to help advance energy efficiency projects.
“This is about improving the efficiency and competiveness of Ohio manufacturing facilities while training more Ohioans for jobs in the 21st century clean energy economy,” Brown said. “The University of Dayton is a leader in educating the students who will be leaders in the high-growth energy-efficiency industry.”
The University of Dayton will receive $1,218,312 for its industrial assessment center, which performs energy audits for companies. Since 1981, the University of Dayton Industrial Assessment Center has performed more than 800 audits, resulting in an estimated half-billion dollars in savings. The center received the 2003 U.S. Department of Energy National Center of Excellence Award and the 2006 Ohio Governor’s Award for Energy Excellence. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy named Center Director Kelly Kissock a champion of energy efficiency. He just returned from Brazil where he was part of a U.S. Department of Energy and Global Sustainability Electric Partnership to promote sustainable energy development. Kissock also has served on the Midwestern Governors Association Energy Efficiency Advisory group.
Brown has introduced a package of key legislative proposals aimed at bolstering the competiveness of U.S. manufacturers. He is the author of the Investments for Manufacturing Progress and Clean Technology (IMPACT) Act, legislation that would help small- to medium-sized manufacturers become more energy-efficient or transition to the clean energy supply chain. Brown is also a coauthor of the Security in Energy and Manufacturing (SEAM) Act, legislation that would expand and improve the Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit (48C) program.
Brown is also the author of the Strengthening Employment Clusters to Organize Regional Success (SECTORS) Act, which would address the disparity between the high unemployment and job vacancies by tailoring workforce development efforts to meet the needs of high-growth, regional industries. The SECTORS Act addresses the disparity between high unemployment rates and a shortage of skilled workers for many emerging industries by providing grants for sector-style partnerships among institutions of higher education, industry, organized labor, and workforce boards. These partnerships would create customized solutions for specific industries at the regional level. A sector approach can focus on the dual goals of promoting the long-term competitiveness of industries and advancing employment opportunities for workers.
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