The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), on behalf of its Lighting Systems Division, published a brief white paper on considerations U.S. federal, state, and local governments should have in mind when setting requirements for procurement of energy-efficient lighting systems. Specifically, the paper summarizes issues surrounding requirements that governments may set on the manufacturing location of final products or any product component. 

"Our member companies produce and compete here but they also compete in the global economy where price to consumers and time to market are important discriminators," remarked NEMA President and CEO Kevin J. Cosgriff. "Our lighting companies are leading the way in raising issues that U.S. government at all levels need to be especially mindful of  as they consider placing requirements for local or U.S. product content." 

According to the paper, which is specifically to assist policy makers, any government decision that affects lighting products should be developed "with a consideration of the complex issues related to end user cost, supply chain logistics, production efficiencies, and international trade agreements."

A copy of the white paper, Domestic Procurement Policy and Manufacturing Efficiency for Lighting Products, is available at www.nema.org/lighting-procurement.

NEMA is the association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Rosslyn, Virginia. Nearly 400 members strong, its companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. Total U.S. shipments for electroindustry products exceed $100 billion annually.