“We are facing an incredible opportunity and a critical need to accelerate the commercialization of clean energy technologies. We need to embrace this opportunity for economic and environmental reasons: to reduce emissions as well as to create sustainable clean energy jobs to propel the U.S. out of the economic crisis we face,” said States in her testimony. Partnerships and collaboration across public and private entities are critical to enable the necessary innovations and develop a systematic approach to new technologies needed to address climate change effectively.
States’ testimony draws upon her experience directing projects for Washington Maritime Blue, a cluster organization that is charged with implementing Washington state’s strategy for the Blue Economy. It is a non-profit partnership between public entities, private industry, community organizations, and research institutions to find solutions that create economic growth, healthy ecosystems and thriving communities. The proposed IMPACT for Energy Foundation aligns with the purpose of Washington Maritime Blue by fostering collaboration across sectors and industries and supporting research, technology development, and economic growth at a regional level.
“As demonstrated by Washington Maritime Blue and DNV GL’s joint innovation projects, a collaborative, cross-cutting approach to technology development and commercialization can create benefits and opportunities that are shared by many,” said Richard S. Barnes, region president for Energy North America at DNV GL. “The proposals discussed today will enable investment and innovation that can create new jobs, build communities, and accelerate the energy transition.”
