Better Use of Light Bulbs Act

Floor Speech

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2417 proposes to repeal bipartisan, common sense lighting efficiency standards signed into law by President Bush in 2007. These technology neutral standards simply call for efficiency improvements of 25 to 30 percent above traditional incandescent bulbs and are broadly supported by industry, environmental groups and consumers alike.

Mr. Speaker, lighting accounts for approximately 19 percent of our total electricity use. So the potential for energy savings in the lighting sector is substantial. In fact, when these new lighting efficiency standards take effect in 2012, they will save the average American household over $100 a year in lower electricity bills, negate the need for 30 large power plants and avoid approximately 100 million tons of carbon pollution, which is the equivalent of taking 17 million cars off the road.

Proponents of this bill falsely claim that these new standards will somehow eliminate incandescent bulbs or restrict consumer choice. In reality, major manufacturers including GE, Philips and Osram Sylvania are already manufacturing a number of bulbs--including incandescent bulbs--that meet the new efficiency standards. Additionally, these improved standards have drawn new entrants into the market, like North Carolina-based Cree, whose innovative LED products are creating jobs right here in the United States and giving consumers more choice, not less.

Mr. Speaker, the traditional incandescent bulb was invented over 100 years ago. We should no more turn back the clock on lighting efficiency than we should return to the days of ice boxes and the horse and buggy. This is fundamentally backward looking legislation that should be soundly rejected.

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