The Industrial Energy Efficiency Research and Development Act (H.R. 3775), which has been lauded by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), authorizes and supports research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of new industrial processes and technologies that will optimize energy efficiency, environmental performance, and economic competitiveness of energy-intensive industries. It also expands industrial Assessment Centers at universities in order to promote student training as well as adoption of these technologies by small and medium-sized companies. "As consumers of one-third of the nation's energy, manufacturers understand the role energy efficiency plays in providing immediate and cost-effective opportunities to cut the increasing energy costs associated with making products," says Keith McCoy, NAM's vice president for energy and resources policy.