While
manufacturing is a critical part of the U.S. economy, it's struggled over the
last several years, both financially and environmentally. Overall U.S.
manufacturing employment has dropped by more than one-third since 2000.
Meanwhile, U.S. industry -- of which manufacturing is the largest component --
still uses more energy than any other sector and serves as the largest source
of U.S. and global greenhouse gas emissions.
The
good news is that energy efficiency can help U.S. manufacturing increase
profits, protect jobs and lead the development of a low-carbon economy. The Midwest's
pulp and paper industry is a case in point.
