The legislation would provide an incentive for the replacement of the more than 36,000 chillers still in use in 2004 that use chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants.
A wide range of non-residential buildings would qualify for the new depreciation rate including offices, malls, airports and factories where HVACR equipment, from large tonnage liquid chillers to unitary air conditioners and heat pumps, plays a key role in increased productivity and makes possible use of heat sensitive computers and telecommunications gear.
According the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), installing more efficient chillers could reduce energy consumption by 7 billion kilowatt hours per year, saving $480 million annually and avoiding emissions of 4 million tons of carbon dioxide. The electricity saved would be enough to provide for the average annual electrical needs of approximately 740,000 American households.
Hoekstra has already garnered support of 25 co-sponsors, including bipartisan members of the House Committee on Ways and Means.
For more information contact Hoekstra's office at john.mcdonald@mail.house.gov.
