WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Shale & Manufacturing Partnership (ASMP) today issued its report that builds a path forward for a U.S. manufacturing renaissance. This report titled Ideas to Empower America's Emerging Shale-Based Manufacturing Renaissance is a culmination of discussions conducted across the country and focuses on five core areas: workforce development; federal and state processes; infrastructure; environment; and research and innovation.
This multi-stakeholder initiative focused on shale development and its impact on the supply chain for American manufacturing and identifies current and potential problems that could impact or deter manufacturing's comeback in the United States, and presents solutions and opportunities. The ideas presented in the report are meant to help all participants in manufacturing to take steps to advance manufacturing and ensure a future of prosperity for our nation.
"The benefits of a manufacturing renaissance are considerable and a well-thought-out path forward is necessary to guide our nation to economic security and drive innovation," said American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers President Charles T. Drevna.
"The return and expansion of our country's manufacturing base created by shale development will, once again, provide opportunities that will fuel the growth of America's middle class," said Walt Wise, general president, International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental & Reinforcing Iron Workers.
The Partnership consists of academic institutions, trade groups, think tanks, foundations, labor organizations, non-governmental entities and business development groups. The group held workshops during the past two years that examined the impact of abundant natural gas and oil due to shale development on U.S. manufacturing and to explore how to enhance the nation's global competitiveness.
"After traveling around the nation and seeing the economic boon the shale revolution has spurred from coast to coast, it is critically important to remove remaining barriers and allow this growing industry to flourish," said Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber's Institute for 21st Century Energy.
The report was released at an event held in Washington, D.C. that featured a Congressional briefing and a senior-level discussion that stressed the potential of domestic, abundant shale resources and the resurgence of American manufacturing.