ROSSLYN, Va. -- NEMA President Malcolm O’ Hagan today called on the Senate to complete work on comprehensive energy policy legislation, S.14, currently being debated in the Senate. The legislation currently being debated provides essential stimulus for investment in new energy infrastructure, advanced energy technologies and gains in energy efficiency. It follows similar legislation in the last Congress that died after being held up in a deeply divided Senate.
O’Hagan said that the legislation is now more important than ever. “Not only will it help fix a strained infrastructure and promote the use of energy efficient technologies, it will ensure the development of new energy supply, which is the engine that drives U.S. economic growth and creates jobs,” he said. “The capital goods sector has been hurting in this economy; S.14, as reported by the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, will create a stable energy future for the nation and create jobs as well.”
O’ Hagan also called on senators to resist removing incentives for the construction of new nuclear power plants. “The reliability and security of our nation’s energy supply requires us to have a diverse energy portfolio, including nuclear power,” he said. “Votes against incentives, particularly loan guarantees, are a vote against reliable, low cost, stable, and environmentally friendly energy supplies. It is also a vote against jobs and a stronger economy.”
NEMA is the leading trade association in the United States representing the interests of electroindustry manufacturers. Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its 400 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end-use of electricity. Domestic shipments of electrical products within the NEMA scope exceed $100 billion.
