House-Passed Energy Bill includes NEMA-advocated policies.

Press Release Summary:



Promoted by NEMA, legislation passed by U.S. House of Representatives included policies to support energy efficiency. NEMA advocated extension of energy-efficient commercial buildings tax deduction through 2013; energy efficient standards for light bulbs, metal halide lighting fixtures, electric motors, and external power supplies; and policies to support commercial Green buildings. NEMA also promoted policies to support research, development, and demonstration of Smart Grid technologies.



Original Press Release:



NEMA-Advocated Policies Included in House-Passed Energy Bill



ROSSLYN, Va., December 7, 2007- Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed comprehensive energy legislation that includes several policies which the National Electrical Manufacturing Association (NEMA) has promoted. The legislation provides new policies to promote energy efficiency and extends tax incentives for the deployment of energy-efficient technologies and products. Among the NEMA-advocated provisions are:

Tax Incentives: Extension of the energy-efficient commercial buildings tax deduction through 2013 and a 7-year depreciation for advanced electricity metering

Standards & Codes: New energy-efficiency standards for light bulbs, metal halide lighting fixtures, electric motors, and external power supplies; and energy building codes

High-Performance Buildings: Policies to support commercial high-performance, "green" buildings

Smart Grid: Policies to support research, development, and demonstration of "Smart Grid" technologies

Federal Buildings: Making permanent the energy savings performance contract, and requirements for energy-efficient lighting systems.

"This bill is a move in the right direction. Providing incentives to businesses and consumers is vital to making our country more efficient," said NEMA President and CEO Evan Gaddis. "I applaud the House for this action, and I hope that comprehensive energy-efficiency legislation can soon be ratified into law."

Although the House has moved forward with legislation, this bill faces a several obstacles before it can be signed into law. The Senate must now pass the same bill before it can be sent to the President for his signature.

Earlier this year, the lamp manufacturers represented in NEMA announced an industry commitment to transform the market to more energy-efficient lighting. A key component of that commitment was the establishment of national energy efficiency standards for light bulbs that were technology neutral and performance based. The industry is pleased that Section 321 of HR 6 passed by the House of Representatives on December 6, 2007 meets that test. This uniform national standard will provide the certainty needed for an orderly and phased transition, and will provide consumers with a mix of energy-efficient light bulbs that can meet their varied lighting needs.

NEMA is the trade association of choice for the electrical manufacturing industry. Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its approximately 450 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end-use of electricity. These products are used in utility, medical imaging, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. Domestic production of electrical products sold worldwide exceeds $120 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in Beijing, São Paulo, and Mexico City.

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