Lawmakers hear testimony on clean energy manufacturing jobs

On Tuesday, lawmakers from across Western Pennsylvania heard testimony about clean energy manufacturing, energy efficiency and the jobs the industries create.

As part of a public policy hearing hosted by state Rep. Mandy Steele (D-Cheswick), testifiers spoke to Western Pennsylvania’s manufacturing legacy, as well as its history of success through embracing innovation, as a way for the state to compete in the mid-Atlantic region when it comes to manufacturing jobs.

“We know clean energy manufacturing is a tremendous opportunity in this commonwealth that has never existed before,” Steele said. “We have the potential for unbelievable job creation and business growth, and we learned more about the thousands of jobs being created and the potential to bring manufacturing jobs back to Pennsylvania from Asia – but it’s important the state continues to support these efforts to maximize this moment.”

The House Majority Policy hearing heard testimony from Paul Bush of Vitro Architectural Glass, which hosted the event, Doug Gudenburr of DMI Companies; Erik Widner of Exus Renewables; and Donald Evans of Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation.

Witnesses focused on partnerships and how the state governments policies have affected businesses, including job growth.

“Manufacturers highlighted how companies have become greater stewards of Pennsylvania’s resources and how that shift has helped drive job creation and economic growth,” said Policy Committee Chairman Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie).

Bush said his company’s will be manufacturing film photovoltaic solar panels for First Solar, a move that required investing a total of $93.6 million to rebuild and modernize a production line at the company’s Meadville Plant in Cochranton. The plant will add 140 good paying jobs, Bush said, and an estimate 140-or-more jobs as part of its supply line needs. Vitro’s average production worker earns $80,000 a year with full benefits, he said.

The hearing was the 30th Policy Committee event of the year. It will next travel the state to hear directly from workers, advocates, industry leaders, executive and experts on the issues and policies affecting the state.

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