Port of Port Angeles Commissioner Colleen McAleer has been invited to testify on carbon fiber recycling and energy workforce development before the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on Tuesday, June 9, in Washington, DC. The invitation was given by the office of Senator Lisa Murkowski, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The Committee is conducting this hearing to receive testimony on legislation concerning energy accountability and reform. The invitation was given at the request of Senator Maria Cantwell, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Of the 42 initiatives under consideration during this hearing, several focus on supporting advanced technology and improving productivity and energy efficiency in the manufacturing sector. Commissioner McAleer will give testimony specifically concerning Senate Bills 1304 and 1432. S.1304 addresses the development of a skilled 21st century energy workforce. S. 1432 would require the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study on the technology, potential lifecycle energy savings and economic impact of recycled carbon fiber.
“The development of composite manufacturing in Clallam County under the auspices of the Port of Port Angeles has gained the attention of both federal and state agencies,” said Commissioner McAleer. “Our county is increasingly recognized as a leader in this industry sector, especially with the development of the Composites Recycling Technology Center (CRTC). I am delighted to have the opportunity to testify before the Senate energy committee as to the importance of recycled composite fiber and let them know that we are well on the way to providing this crucial service to the advanced manufacturing industry.”
Some of the points Commissioner McAleer will touch on include the importance of manufacturing, recycling and innovation in carbon fiber composites, partnerships and tech transfers that the Port has been engaged in, the need for partnerships in education and investments in developing a skilled workforce, international markets, and exports.
Upon her return, Commissioner McAleer will give a full report of her experience at the following Port Commissioners meeting. These bi-weekly meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. in the Port’s meeting room, and are open to the public. The text of her testimony will be published in the upcoming issue of the Port Pilot.