NEMA-Backed Motor Rebate Bill Introduced in Congress

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), Rosslyn, Va.. This "crush for credit" legislative proposal has been introduced in the House of Representatives as HR 4031.

According to a press release at www.nema.org, the billl is similar to a previous legislative proposal and 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. The $700 million legislative proposal creates a federal rebate program that will provide a $25 per horsepower rebate for the purchase of NEMA Premium energy-efficient motors. It also provides for a $5 per horsepower rebate for the proper disposal of the less efficient, non-NEMA Premium motor.

Said NEMA President and CEO Evan Gaddis, "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. Not only does this program incentivize the purchase of NEMA Premium motors, it also vastly decreases the demand on our electric grid."