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Congressional Composites Caucus Briefing: Composites in Wind Energy
Three composites industry experts in wind energy explained to Congressional staff the important role that composites play in developing our nation's wind energy generating capability. Cheryl Richards of PPG, Pete Emrich of MFG, Bob Lindyberg of the University of Maine, provided information on the enabling role composites play in wind energy, the development of composites technology to address the need of wind energy generation, the employment provided by composite manufacturers, the future of wind energy including off-shore installations, and the need for a consistent national policy on renewable energy. The briefing, organized by ACMA, was made at the invitation of Reps. Joe Wilson (SC-02) and Rick Boucher (VA-09), co-chairs of the Congressional Composites Caucus. The next Congressional Composites Caucus event is planned for Sept. 24, and will focus on the use of composites in improving fuel economy through light-weighting of cars, trucks and mass transit vehicles. Congressional Composites Caucus Briefing
Composites industry experts from ACMA briefed more than a dozen Congressional staff members on the advantages of using composites to repair and build our nation’s bridges. They learned learn how composites, because of their lightweight, high strength and corrosion resistant properties, are an economical solution to many of America’s transportation problems. Those attending the briefing were encouraged to support including language in the surface transportation reauthorization bill that would require using life-cycle costing for construction of transportation structures. Transportation Infrastructure & Congressional Composites Caucus Event
Inaugural Composites Caucus Event Draws Large Crowd in Congressional Office Building At a July 15 reception for the Congressional Composites Caucus held in the Rayburn House Office Building, House members and staff mingled with composite manufacturers and discussed how composites can help states build longer-lasting highway bridges. In over 40 meetings July 15-16 with Representatives, Senators and their staff, ACMA members explained how our industry has proven the ability of composite rebar, girders, decking, and column wrap systems to significantly extend the life, and therefore lower the cost, of highway bridges. In the Transportation Bill now in mark-up in both Houses, the industry encouraged Congress to require that states start building sustainable bridges using innovative materials such as composites. Future Caucus events will focus on other nationally-important uses of composites, including energy production and conservation, and military/ballistic. Future Caucus events will focus on other nationally-important uses of composites, including energy production and conservation, and military/ballistic. The Caucus, co-chaired by Rep. Joe Wilson (SC) and Rep. Rick Boucher (VA), will allow interested Members of Congress to stay informed about the composites industry. ACMA members should visit ACMA's caucus website to learn how they can invite their Representative to join the Caucus. For additional information about Composite Caucus events, contact: Jonathan Roberts at 703-682-1649 or jroberts@acmanet.org. To read Proposed Legislative Language for Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill, click here. To learn about ACMA-PAC and how it aids the composites industry, click here to become “Prior Approved.” |
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