Two congressmen in the Florida delegation have teamed up to call for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to create a data clearinghouse for composite building materials.
Last week, U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster, R-Fla., showcased his “NIST Creation of Composite Standards Act” which has U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, R-Fla., as a cosponsor. Other backers include U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, and U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Calif.
Webster offered the rationale behind the proposal, pointing to the key role infrastructure plays in the Sunshine State.
“Infrastructure is critical to Florida’s economy, which is dependent on moving goods and people efficiency and effectively,” Webster said. “Composites can help reduce construction costs and timeline and decrease the overall lifecycle costs associated with maintenance and repair. This helps maximize the value of every infrastructure dollar. Allowing NIST to conduct this vital research and establish nationally accepted composite standards will permit contractors and businesses to make the best decision for Americans and our country.”
“Composite materials are currently used for everyday purposes such as constructing bridges, watercraft, airplanes, sea walls, buildings, and much more. Use of these materials allow us to build more resilient products that maintain a higher resistance to many of the environmental factors that deteriorate traditional building materials. This bill will provide the standards needed to guide future composite material projects. NIST presently defines composite materials as, ‘polymers strengthened with fibers or other additives,’” Webster’s office noted.
The bill was sent to the U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee last week. So far, there is no companion measure over in the U.S.Senate.
Kevin Derby can be reached at Kevin.Derby@floridadaily.com.
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