The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (HR 1) that President Obama signed into law yesterday contains significant tax, investment, and spending provisions impacting energy efficiency, Smart Grid, health information technology, and infrastructure projects, all of which were endorsed by NEMA. To see NEMA's seven-page summary of key provisions, visit http://www.nema.org/NEMA-Summary-HR1.

According to Kyle Pitsor, vice president, government relations at NEMA, the association has been engaged in advocating provisions to stimulate the economy and assist its members throughout the legislation’s progress in both the House and Senate.

“We have been successful on a number of fronts,” Pitsor said. “We will be working closely with Congress and the administration to ensure provisions are implemented quickly and effectively so that their impact can be felt as soon as possible. Congress is also moving forward with separate legislation on energy policy, climate change, healthcare reform, and infrastructure. NEMA is engaged in each of these legislative activities and in advising the new administration.”

NEMA is the trade association of choice for the electrical manufacturing industry. The Association’s Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) Division represents manufacturers of medical diagnostic imaging equipment including MRI, CT, x-ray, and ultrasound products. 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, medical imaging, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. Domestic production of electrical products sold worldwide exceeds $120 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in Beijing and Mexico City.