House Passes Energy Legislation That Would Extend Commercial Buildings Deduction 2013, Set New Federal Energy Standards for Lighting
Craig DiLouie, Editor
Posted August 13, 2007
The House of Representatives passed new legislation on August 4 containing numerous provisions that promote energy efficiency.
In a rare Saturday session, the House passed by a vote of 241-172 H.R. 3221 New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act and by a vote of 221-189 H.R. 2776 Renewable Energy and Conservation Tax Act of 2007.
"We commend the House for advancing the use and deployment of energy-efficient electrical products and renewable energy, and we look forward to working on the legislation as it moves to a conference committee with the Senate," said NEMA President and Chief Executive Officer Evan R. Gaddis.
H.R. 3221 contains numerous NEMA-backed provisions to further energy efficiency. NEMA-specific provisions include new federal energy conservation standards for premium efficiency electric motors, metal-halide lighting fixtures, incandescent reflector bulbs, and standby power. The bill also contained provisions to support the "smart" transmission and distribution grid, federal leadership in purchasing energy-efficient technologies, energy savings performance contracts, and high-performance "green" buildings.
H.R. 2776 contained NEMA-specific tax provisions to extend the energy-efficient commercial building tax deduction through 2013, and five-year accelerated depreciation for advanced electricity meters.
NEMA championed several legislative provisions and worked over the past several months with various House committees to advance energy-efficiency tax and policy proposals, including testimony before House committees.
The Senate passed its counterpart to HR 3221 in June, and the two bills must now be reconciled in a joint Conference Committee. A House provision on new light bulb standards is one area that must be worked out during conference. Action on a Senate energy tax package is also still needed.