House Considers Step Backwards on Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

Environment America

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House of Representatives will soon vote on Rep. Barton’s Better Use of Light Bulbs (BULB) Act.  The bill would repeal energy efficiency standards for light bulbs that were originally passed with industry support and a large bipartisan majority in 2007.  According to a study by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy the standards could lead to $11.9 billion per year in energy savings when fully instituted.

Environment America’s Clean Energy Advocate, Sean Garren, issued the following statement:

“House leadership is attempting to legislate a step backwards in time for America’s light bulbs.  In 2007 Congress passed a common sense measure that will save Americans billions of dollars on their energy bills.  Over the past four years, the industry has invested heavily in the next generation of light bulbs that will save consumers money and reduce pollution. Instead of offering a path forward for our energy future, House leadership is turning back the clock.

“The Department of Energy estimates that the newest generation of light bulbs, both incandescent and compact fluorescent, will save the average household $50 per year.  In addition, new incandescent light bulbs use 28-33% less energy, reducing dangerous fossil fuel pollution from power plants.

“BULB Act proponents are using misleading scare tactics to promote their bill.  In reality, in addition to reducing energy costs and reducing pollution, the light bulb efficiency standards create more and better choices for Americans.  If it were up to the authors of this bill, we would still be listening to music on an 8-track player or a hand-crank Victrola.

“With America’s economy struggling to recover and America’s air pollution adversely affecting public health, it is unconscionable to repeal common sense energy standards that can help with both these problems.  We urge all our Representatives to vote no on the BULB act.”