Light bulbs are not being taken lightly in the halls of Congress. The U.S. Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources March 10 discussed legislation that could either shave or define energy efficiency appliances as set in 2007 legislation. "People are wondering whether the standards contained in the 2007 [Energy Independence & Security Act] really are a ban on incandescents in their homes," said Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). Republicans on the committee expressed concern over the cost to consumers for light bulb change outs. Kathleen Hogan, Department of Energy deputy assistant secretary of energy efficiency, said that the government is not expected to be neighborhood light bulb enforcers. She added that if parts of the 2007 law are repealed, it still "gives the opportunity to follow in California's footsteps" to ban higher energy use lighting. California is ahead of the nation. Sponsored by committee chair Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), S. 395, the Better Use of Light Bulbs Act, defines incandescent light bulbs to make them no longer an option. The bill amends and refines the Energy Policy & Conservation Act. It addresses lighting as well as Energy Star ratings, refrigerators, and hot tubs. Coming from the other direction, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) named her March 3 legislation, H.R. 549, the Light Bulb Freedom of Choice Act. It aims to repeal a portion of the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act that phases out traditional incandescent light bulbs for more energy-efficient ones over the next several years. Government has "no business" ordering consumers to purchase energy conserving lighting, Bachmann stated. Her bill has the caveat that if the Government Accountability Office finds that "energy efficient bulbs would lead to real savings in energy costs for consumers," as well as "significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions," and "would not lead to a health risk for consumers," the national ban on incandescent bulbs may remain.
