The Obama administration is making it clear that they don’t want Americans to have a choice when it comes to how they light their homes. As we noted earlier today, the Better Use of Light Bulbs (BULB) Act would allow Americans to choose what kind of light bulbs they want since Congress has already previously decided to outlaw incandescent light bulbs. The BULB Act would undo this ban.
The House is expected to vote on this today, so be sure to contact your Representative (202- 225-3121) to let them know that you want Light Bulb Choice!
From the Executive Office of the President:
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
July 11, 2011
(House)
STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY
H.R. 2417 – Better Use of Light Bulbs Act
(Rep. Barton, R-TX, and 33 cosponsors)
The Administration opposes HR 2417, which would repeal energy efficiency standards for light bulbs, because it would result in negative economic consequences for U.S. consumers and the economy. The Department of Energy has estimated that the lighting standards that H.R. 2417 would repeal could collectively save U.S. households nearly $6 billion in 2015 alone. These standards are: (1) helping to drive U.S. innovation; (2) creating new manufacturing jobs in the United States; (3) saving consumers money by providing them with energy and cost efficient lighting; and (4) reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Further, H.R. 2417 is unnecessary. Any type of bulb can be sold as long as it meets the efficiency requirements. In sum, the bill would hinder an opportunity to save American consumers money, while enhancing energy efficiency and reducing harmful emissions associated with energy production.
And check out this line from Energy Secretary Steven Chu, “We are taking away a choice that continues to let people waste their own money.”
Where the Obama administration gets everything wrong is where they want to force people to purchase a new light bulb based on economic savings. People will naturally decide if they want to save money, and if the bulbs do indeed create desired savings, people will naturally move towards these type of light bulbs instead of the incandescent bulb. Restricting choice is not the way to achieve this transition. Rather, allowing people to freely decide how they light their homes and offices will allow the best forms of lighting to rise to the top of the marketplace.
For more on this, read:
