ARLINGTON, Va. - The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) applauded the introduction of a new bill by U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.) - H.R. 3953, the "Cool and Efficient Buildings Act" - which would lower the depreciation period for HVACR systems in commercial buildings from 39 years to 15 years.

According to ACCA, the association and its contractor members in Michigan worked closely with Rep. Hoekstra in developing the legislation. "The 39-year depreciation span is just not realistic," said Paul T. Stalknecht, president and CEO of ACCA. "Lowering the depreciation time to a more reasonable level will encourage building owners to invest in new equipment, thus boosting the economy, while also replacing old, inefficient systems with modern systems that significantly reduce energy usage."

Stalknecht added, "This is a perfect example of how responsible environmental practices and economic development can go hand in hand."

The association also applauded the bipartisan co-sponsors of the bill: Reps. Dave Camp (R-Mich.), Robert Andrews (D-N.J.), Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-Ohio), Nydia M. Velazquez (D-N.Y.), and House Committee on Small Business Chairman Donald Manzullo (R-Ill.).

For more information about the "Cool and Efficient Buildings Act," contact Chris Brown at chris.brown@acca.org or 703-824-8841.

Publication date: 04/05/2004