Cantwell unveils blueprint for rebuilding infrastructure

Published on January 27, 2017 by Daily Energy Insider Reports

Ranking Member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-WA), along with other Senate democrats, announced this week a blueprint that would invest $1 trillion into rebuilding infrastructure and create 15 million jobs over the next 10 years.

A Blueprint to Rebuild America’s Infrastructure and Create 15 Million Jobs would provide funding for investments in the national energy infrastructure, including upgrading our power grid, integrating smart technology, reforming existing tax incentives for renewable energy and protecting against cyber-attacks.

The blueprint would also provide billions for road and bridge improvement projects, expanding broadband in rural communities, repairing critical rail systems in major cities, modernizing VA hospitals, rebuilding public schools, expanding port and waterway infrastructure, and rehabilitating water and sewer structures.

“I’m here to talk about energy infrastructure investments, which…will help save consumers money, grow our economy and create jobs. We are talking about things like transmission lines, grid modernization, grid storage, micro-grid investments and the all-important cybersecurity investments,” Cantwell said. “We know this kind of infrastructure investment … not only produces great jobs, but also saves money and helps our businesses and homeowners be competitive.”

The blueprint will follow Buy America provisions by using American products and ensuring strong protections for workers, as well as support participation from minority- and women-owned business and adhere to environmental protections.