NEMA Motor Tax Credit Included in Senate Tax Bill

An advanced motor technology tax credit promoted by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has been included in the recently introduced Senate tax bill S. 1639, the Expanding Industrial Energy Efficiency Incentives Act.  Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Chairman of the Finance Subcommittee on Energy, introduced the bill before Congress adjourned for its August recess.

This tax credit provides $120 per horsepower to original equipment manufacturers and end-users for the substitution of advanced motor systems with adjustable speed capability, like permanent magnet, electronically commutated, or switched reluctance motors, as well as other technologies as determined by the secretary of energy in redesigned equipment and appliances. The tax credit is estimated to provide between $400 and $600 million in direct tax incentives for the purchase of NEMA member products.

“I am thrilled that NEMA’s advocated tax credit has been included in the bill.  This tax credit will greatly assist our motor manufacturers, especially during these tough economic times,” says NEMA President and CEO Evan R. Gaddis. “Not only will it encourage the adoption of NEMA member products, but these newer, high-end technologies will provide enormous energy-savings in the much-needed industrial sector.”

S. 1639 is likely to be adopted into the Senate’s comprehensive energy bill, which also contains NEMA’s “crush for credit” motor rebate program and NEMA’s motor assessment.

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. The association’s Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) Division represents manufacturers of cutting-edge medical diagnostic imaging equipment including MRI, CT, x-ray, and ultrasound products. Worldwide sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in Beijing and Mexico City.