Wyden, Merkley Announce $682,000 to Oregon Manufacturers to Reduce Pollution and Lower Costs

Wyden, Merkley Announce $682,000 to Oregon Manufacturers to Reduce Pollution and Lower Costs

Companies in Philomath, Salem and Tualatin earn federal funds

Washington D.C.-U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a combined federal investment of $682,675 for Oregon businesses to improve their facilities, save energy, reduce carbon pollution, lower costs, and strengthen Oregon's manufacturing sector.?

"The fight against the climate crisis requires action from every sector in order to avoid its worst effects on the physical and financial well-being of small businesses in Oregon and nationwide ," Wyden said. "I applaud this federal investment to Oregon manufacturers, and will continue to push resources for similar climate-conscious projects."

"Small manufacturers power Oregon's economy and have a crucial role to play in reducing the emissions that drive climate chaos," said Merkley. "These funds are heading to Oregon manufacturers so they can make climate-smart investments to keep operating safely and efficiently for the future."

The federal investment is through the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains and will be distributed in Oregon as follows:

• Patrick Lumber Manufacturing - Philomath, $267,675
• Scenic Fruit Company Inc. - Salem, $300,000
• Ichor Systems - Tualatin, $115,118

"We are excited to have been selected for negotiations as part of the Industrial Assessment Centers Implementation Grants program," said Natalie Heacock, President/CFO, Patrick Lumber Company. "This opportunity highlights our dedication to energy efficiency and aligns perfectly with our efforts to enhance productivity. We look forward to the potential implementation of the recommended improvements, which will benefit our operations and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient manufacturing landscape in America. We thank the Department of Energy for considering us and are eager to continue this process."