Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand met Thursday with Corning, Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer Peter Volanakis to talk about ways to work together to support Corning’s high-tech manufacturing and energy efficient efforts that can help strengthen New York’s economy.
“New York is home to some of the world’s best companies and the hardest workers,” Senator Gillibrand said. “New York companies like Corning are showing that we can bring our manufacturing tradition into the 21st century – producing high-tech products with energy efficient methods – efforts that will strengthen New York’s economy for the long term.”
Corning, Inc., headquartered in Corning, NY, manufactures high-tech glass and ceramic materials, including products for LCD computer and television screens, fiber optic cable for telecommunications, materials for pharmaceutical research, as well as ceramic materials with the ability to reduce emissions. They have a manufacturing tradition that spans nearly 160 years in New York.
Senator Gillibrand discussed with Volanakis ways they can work together to support Corning’s efforts to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions – efforts with the ability to go a long way in helping to strengthen all New York businesses, prepare New York for the new energy economy and create renewable energy jobs.
In February, Senator Gillibrand helped lead the effort to fully fund the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act as part of the stimulus package, delivering $300 million through the Environmental Protection Agency to help businesses like Corning retrofit vehicles, reduce emissions and save jobs.
Senator Gillibrand is a strong voice for advancing renewable energy projects and the jobs they can create. She helped pass President Obama’s economic plan, which is expected to help create or save more than 215,000 jobs in New York, while making critical investments in new renewable energy projects.