NEMA Welcomes Congressional Focus on energy efficiency.
Press Release Summary:
NEMA applauded hearing held by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power on energy-efficiency legislation. Citing "broad support" across USA encountered via research, NEMA's Kevin J. Cosgriff lauded energy efficiency as "fuel of first choice" for its economy, deployment speed, and cleanliness in meet America's energy needs. NEMA encourages Senate to enact S 720, Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2015.
Original Press Release:
NEMA Welcomes Congressional Focus on Energy Efficiency
Senate and House Committees Discuss Benefits of Energy Efficiency
ROSSLYN, Va.—The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power held hearings today focused on energy-efficiency legislation. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) welcomed the continued focus on common sense policies that save American consumers money, reduce waste, and use electricity more wisely.
“We believe energy efficiency should be the fuel of first choice because it’s the most cost-effective, most rapidly deployed, and the cleanest way to meet America’s energy needs,” said NEMA President and CEO Kevin J. Cosgriff. “From our research, we know that there is broad support from across the country to move ahead with energy efficiency policies that will save consumers money. The Senate and House should be mindful of this grassroots support as they work to pass energy efficiency legislation this year.”
NEMA encourages the Senate to enact S 720, the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2015. Long-supported by NEMA, this bipartisan bill has received acclaim for its practical approach to improving energy efficiency in the United States. The bill sponsored by Senators Portman (R-OH) and Shaheen (D-NH) would promote energy efficiency in building codes, schools, federal buildings, and industrial facilities— including pilot programs for the replacement of inefficient distribution transformers and the installation of energy-efficient electric motors and controls that precisely manage the energy required for industrial and commercial applications.
Everyday Americans agree that Congress should focus on saving energy. A 2014 survey conducted for NEMA and the National Association of Manufacturers found that a substantial majority of voters polled—including those identifying as conservative, moderate, and liberal—support measures to promote energy efficiency. Nine in ten of those polled support using energy-efficient products and believe it is important to include energy efficiency as part of our country's energy solutions. Seventy-four percent support investing taxpayers' dollars on energy-efficient technologies, innovations, and programs if it would save consumers more money. Finally, 69 percent are more likely to support investing taxpayers' dollars on energy efficiency if those investments will not raise taxes or add to the federal deficit due to the fact that energy efficiency investments reduce government operating expenses and return dollars to the Treasury, and as long as they do not involve government mandates on consumers.
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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