WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today applauded the passage of the Composite Standards Act—legislation she introduced with Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.). The bill would establish a design data clearinghouse to disseminate existing guidelines and standards for using composite materials in infrastructure projects. Specifically, it would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop a data clearinghouse to disseminate guidance on composite technology in sustainable infrastructure. The bill would also direct NIST—in consultation with the National Science Foundation (NSF)—to carry out a four-year pilot program to assist in assessing the feasibility of adopting composite technology.

“Infrastructure remains a top bipartisan priority, and as we continue working to improve, rebuild, and grow America’s infrastructure, it’s important that we make sure individuals and businesses have the information they need to get it right. That includes information on using composites in infrastructure projects—something that would help encourage both sustainability and innovation in construction, as well as help lower costs on a wide range of critical projects. The passage of this legislation is great news as it will help make the case for using composites in various projects with the help of institutions like our very own West Virginia University,” Senator Capito said.

The United States produces more carbon fiber than any other nation (31 percent) and is home to two of the top five leaders when it comes to glass fiber production. U.S. composite exports are expected to grow at a rate of 4.2 percent in 2017 and 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

In February 2017, NIST released the “Road Mapping Workshop on Overcoming Barriers to Adoption of Composites in Sustainable Infrastructure.” NIST found that the top three barriers for composite adoption were: training and education, codes and standards, and durability and service life prediction. As a result, NIST identified three activities or tasks to overcome these barriers: durability testing, design data clearinghouse, and education and training.

By establishing a design data clearinghouse to disseminate existing guidelines and standards for using composite materials in infrastructure projects, the bill introduced by Senator Capito will help eliminate one of the barriers NIST identified and enable more individuals and businesses to take advantage of the opportunities created by composites. 

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