ROSSLYN, Va., May 17, 2001¾The National Electrical Manufacturers Association today announced its strong support for the comprehensive energy plan released by the White House. NEMA President Malcolm O’Hagan praised the plan for its comprehensiveness.

"President Bush has recognized that the energy dilemma facing the country is multifaceted. We are delighted that his plan recognizes the importance of energy efficiency and conservation, insures ample supply and generation, creates an environment that will expand and improve the energy infrastructure, and encourages investment in new energy technologies."

In conjunction with the release of the White House energy plan, the NEMA Board of Governors approved a NEMA statement of principles regarding a comprehensive national electrical energy policy. The principles will guide NEMA in the months ahead as energy policy is debated in Congress. The principles address energy efficiency, generation and transmission, infrastructure regulation, power reliability, and sources and generation of power. Malcolm O’Hagan said "the statement makes it clear that energy efficiency and conservation do not mean we have do without. Rather, we can do more with less through the use of more efficient products and systems. These are bipartisan themes that Republicans and Democrats in the Congress can both embrace."

NEMA supports the administration’s proposal for incentives to promote increased use of energy efficient technologies. "For years," said O’Hagan, "electrical manufacturers have worked to develop energy-efficient, environmentally-sound technology solutions. We know that homeowners, businesses, and industry can and do save energy through more efficient lighting and motors, as well as up to date heating and air conditioning controls. Although much has been done, there is much more to do. Our industry is dedicated to seeing a more energy efficient, cleaner, smarter environment."

O’Hagan also praised the Bush plan to expedite permits for energy-related projects. "Continued economic growth demands it. We are pleased to see that the Council on Environmental Quality will chair the government task force, thereby ensuring the necessary level of environmental coordination and oversight."

"The call for comprehensive electricity legislation in the National Energy Policy," said O’Hagan, "is long overdue. Our energy policy has been very narrowly focused and a captive of political gamesmanship. The president’s call for an end to polarization on this issue, as well as others, is a breath of fresh air. Making the required investment in the energy infrastructure can be undertaken only when we have a clear understanding of the rules that apply."

O’Hagan voiced his industry’s support of proposed changes to improve the reliability of interstate transmission. "The power must be available to customers, who are often hundreds or thousands of miles away from the sources. Our existing infrastructure was not designed for the marketing of power by an increasingly deregulated market."

"Finally," O’Hagan said, "we appreciate the administration’s support of the export of environmentally friendly, market-ready technologies. This will improve environmental quality around the world while creating jobs for American workers. It’s a win-win situation. The Bush plan does not pay lip service to comprehensiveness. It truly is a comprehensive plan."

NEMA, celebrating its 75^th anniversary, 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 450 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end-use of electricity. Annual shipments of these products total $100 billion.

Text of the NEMA Energy Policy Statement can be found on the NEMA website at http://www.nema.org/energy/energypolicy.html.

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Jason Peak
Senior Editor
(703) 841-3222
jas_peak@nema.org