On November 9, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) launched a $700 million motor rebate bill for an energy-efficient motor rebate program advocated by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Rosslyn, Va. This “crush for credit” proposal, introduced in the House of Representatives as HR 4031, is similar to a previous proposal authorizing a federal rebate program for the purchase of NEMA Premium motors. However, the new bill 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,” says 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 hp rebate for the purchase of NEMA Premium energy-efficient motors. It also provides for a $5 per hp rebate for the proper disposal of the less efficient, non-NEMA Premium motor.
“Because the energy/climate change bill continues to be delayed due to partisan bickering, I applaud Representative Baldwin for taking a leadership role to ensure that the crush-for-credit proposal remains active,” says NEMA president Evan Gaddis. “Not only does this program incentivize the purchase of NEMA Premium motors, it also vastly decreases the demand on our electric grid.” For more information, visit www.nema.org.
