NEMA Lauds Congressional Actions to advance energy legislation.
Press Release Summary:
NEMA President and CEO Kevin J. Cosgriff praised passage, by 18-4 vote, of Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015 by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee as "a welcome and positive step." This legislation incorporates NEMA-supported provisions within portions of S 720, Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2015. Also, NEMA welcomed Senate Finance Committee's July 21 action advancing legislation to renew and extend 52 tax incentives that expired at end of 2014.
Original Press Release:
NEMA Welcomes Congressional Actions to Advance Bipartisan Energy Legislation
ROSSLYN, VA —The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) today welcomed passage of the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015 by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee by a vote of 18-4.
“Today’s action by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee under the leadership of Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA) is a welcome and positive step toward passage this year of the first comprehensive energy bill since 2007,” said NEMA President and CEO Kevin J. Cosgriff.
The legislation incorporates portions of S 720, the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2015 sponsored by Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). Long-supported by NEMA, these provisions advance energy efficiency in building codes, schools, federal, and industrial facilities. Included in the provisions are pilot programs for the replacement of inefficient transformers and the installation of energy-efficient electric motors, controls, and drives that precisely manage the energy required for industrial and commercial applications.
Other NEMA-supported portions of the bill would:
improve transmission siting and permitting processes;
establish an energy storage research and development program;
increase grid reliability and resilience;
increase use of energy-savings performance contracts to finance retrofits in federal facilities;
authorize pilot programs to advance energy-water efficiency programs for utilities, cities, and water districts;
establish an information clearinghouse to assist schools in retrofitting their buildings;
authorize grants for job training programs leading toward industry-recognized credentials;
enable small- and medium-sized enterprises to access computing facilities at the National Labs;
reform and improve federal policies on critical minerals; and
improve existing federally-oriented manufacturing programs.
House Energy Legislation Completes First Step
On July 22, the House Energy and Power Subcommittee unanimously passed a similar energy bill that addresses energy infrastructure, workforce needs, energy efficiency, and regulatory improvements. The committee held seven legislative hearings and received testimony from private sector organizations and experts, including NEMA. One of the NEMA-backed provisions in the legislation would establish a strategic reserve of large power transformers to improve reliability of the grid during severe weather, physical damage, and cyber events.
Energy Tax Extenders Pass Senate Finance Committee
NEMA also welcomes the Senate Finance Committee’s action on July 21, which advances legislation to renew and extend 52 tax incentives that expired at the end of 2014, including several important NEMA-backed provisions. The legislation would reinstate for 2015 and extend through 2016 energy tax incentives including the Energy-Efficient Commercial Building Tax Deduction (Section 179D supports retrofitting and renovation of buildings) and the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit (Section 30C supports electric vehicle charging stations). The legislation also includes bonus depreciation and the domestic research and development tax credit.
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) represents nearly 400 electrical, medical imaging, and radiation therapy manufacturers. Our combined industries account for more than 400,000 American jobs and more than 7,000 facilities across the U.S. Domestic production exceeds $117 billion per year. Our industry is at the forefront on electrical safety, reliability, resilience, efficiency, and energy security.
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
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