{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4502", "Tonko Introduces \u2018Flex-Tech\u2019 Bill that Spurs U.S. Competitiveness & Cuts Emissions", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) today introduced the State Industrial Competitiveness Act, legislation that strengthens and enhances the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing, all while cutting emissions by providing manufacturers with needed resources and technical support to increase their overall efficiency.\n\nTonko\u2019s bill draws from New York State\u2019s successful Flexible Technical Assistance \u201cFlex-tech\u201d program and is intended to complement and expand upon the work of existing programs, such as DOE\u2019s Industrial Assessment Centers. The legislation also requires that State Energy Agencies coordinate with existing programs that provide assistance to manufacturers.\n\n\u201cSupporting our domestic manufacturers serves our workers, industries, communities, and economy,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cI\u2019m leading this legislation to deliver that strong support and bring cost-saving opportunities to our domestic manufacturers while addressing the challenges associated with our growing electricity demand. These vital investments will also play a significant role in increasing American competitiveness. I urge my colleagues to join me in advancing this legislation that secures good-paying jobs while reducing emissions and moving us on the path towards a cleaner future.\u201d\n\nDavid Terry, the President of the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), stated, \u201cAs we push to expand domestic manufacturing, we need to do all we can to help these businesses lower costs and increase competitiveness through energy efficiency technologies that optimize energy use.\u201d Mr. Terry added, \u201cNearly every state is experiencing substantial increases in electricity demand, which requires actions on both the electricity demand and supply sides to keep costs down. This legislation is a significant way to help move the nation\u2019s expansion of manufacturing forward as rapidly as possible.\u201d\n\nJennifer Layke, executive director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, said: \u201cSmall and medium-sized manufacturers are the backbone of America\u2019s economy\u2014but rising energy costs threaten their competitiveness. It\u2019s time to invest in proven solutions that lower costs and boost productivity. With a program to support manufacturers around the country in identifying and adopting energy-saving strategies, we can help them save money, create jobs, and build a stronger, more efficient industrial base.\u201d\n\nTonko\u2019s legislation enables States and Indian Tribes to establish a Flex-Tech Energy Program that would provide grants to U.S. manufacturers to conduct energy studies and implement recommendations from those studies.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4502"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 2.2698091343045235, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}