Rokita Votes for Consumer Choice, Against Light Bulb Mandates

Press Release

Rep. Todd Rokita voted for the Better Use of Light Bulbs Act, legislation to repeal the government imposed ban on traditional incandescent light bulbs scheduled to begin in 2012.

"At a time everything from food prices to energy prices are skyrocketing due to excessive government regulation, backwards energy policies and inflation driven by out-of-control spending and borrowing, this legislation would create another burden that families and small businesses simply cannot afford.

"Government dictating a ban on incandescent light bulbs in favor of costly, environmentally hazardous compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) is just another example of politicians and government bureaucrats who think they know better, trying to make decisions that should be left to American consumers,"Rokita said. "Instead of letting these products compete, government has chosen a winner, and chosen to drive the competition out of business, costing thousands of American jobs."

Intended to reduce electricity costs and limit pollution, this mandate, as is typical of government mandates, comes with a host of unintended consequences. Traditional incandescent bulbs are significantly cheaper than fluorescent bulbs. While more efficient and longer lasting, fluorescent bulbs are designed to be left on for long periods. If frequently turned off, their life span is greatly reduced and consumers will have to purchase new, more expensive fluorescent bulbs more often. Disposal of fluorescent bulbs is also a problem. Improper disposal can result mercury pollution.

Thousands of American jobs producing incandescent bulbs have already been lost while Chinese manufacturers churn out government acceptable fluorescent bulbs.

The BULB Act was defeated Tuesday night after failing to garner the two-thirds necessary for passage under suspension rules. Rep. Rokita is working toward passage of the Bulb Act under regular rules.

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