Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) has launched a $700 million motor rebate bill for an energy-efficient motor rebate program advocated by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). This "crush for credit" legislative proposal has been introduced in the House of Representatives as HR 4031. Similar to a previous legislative proposal, this bill authorizes a federal rebate program for the purchase of NEMA Premium® motors. The newly introduced bill, however, doubles the authorized amount from $350 million to $700 million.
"NEMA and one of its member companies in my district, Regal Beloit, have been valuable resources and allies in crafting legislation that will help create jobs and protect our environment," said Congresswoman Baldwin, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. "Offering incentives to purchase energy-efficient electric motors is a smart way to reach these goals."
The $700 million legislative proposal creates a federal rebate program that will provide a $25 per horse power rebate for the purchase of NEMA Premium energy-efficient motors. It also provides for a $5 per horse power rebate for the proper disposal of the less efficient, non-NEMA Premium motor.
"Since the energy/climate change bill continues to be held up due to partisan bickering, I applaud Representative Baldwin for taking a leadership role to ensure that the crush-for-credit proposal remains active," said NEMA President and CEO Evan Gaddis. "Not only does this program incentivize the purchase of NEMA Premium motors, it also vastly decreases the demand on our electric grid."
NEMA is the association of electrical and medical imaging equipment manufacturers. 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, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications.
