Wyden, Merkley: Nearly $5 Million to Reduce Pollution from Manufacturing of Construction Materials

Businesses in McMinnville and Portland earn EPA investments

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced nearly $5 million in federal funds for businesses in McMinnville and Portland to help combat pollution caused by the manufacturing of materials used in construction projects; an industry that accounts for 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

"If we want to build a cleaner and more resilient future in Oregon and across the nation, then we need the right tools and materials to do so," said Wyden. "I applaud this investment into Oregon businesses that will set examples of sustainable manufacturing for years to come."

"Investing in clean manufacturing in Oregon and across the United States is a win-win," Merkley said.  "This $5 million in federal funding will create good-paying jobs right here in our state and help reduce climate pollution from the construction sector. We must continue to invest in the industries of tomorrow that will simultaneously grow our economy while fighting climate chaos."

The $4.96 million from the federal Environmental Protection Agency are distributed as follows:

• Pioneer Millworks - McMinnville: $302,300
• International Living Future Institute - Portland: $4.66 million

"We are honored to be selected to support the Inflation Reduction Act's goal to reduce embodied GHG emissions from construction materials. With the support of this grant, we look forward to deepening our industry collaborations to create pathways toward decarbonization in the built environment," said Lindsay Baker, CEO of International Living Future Institute.

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