[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 45 (Thursday, March 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E563]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            LIGHT BULB BILL

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                            HON. JANE HARMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 15, 2007

  Ms. HARMAN. Madam Speaker, today I introduce legislation to phase out 
low-efficiency light bulbs--an important step toward making every 
household, business and public building in America more energy 
efficient.
  Most incandescent light bulbs currently use 12-15 lumens per watt. My 
legislation would ban the sale of light bulbs using anything less than 
60 lumens per watt, the standards met by today's fluorescents. By 2016, 
the bill would ban the sale of anything under 90 lumens per watt. And 
by 2020, the baseline would be set at 120 lumens.
  This standard--created in consultation with technical experts in the 
environmental community, architects, engineers and others--does not 
discriminate against any bulb type or technological composition. But it 
does create a bar that makes sense for the market, for the environment, 
and for America's energy future.
  This bill also includes some practical carve-outs for specialized 
lighting, such as military, medical, and public safety uses and for 
situations where such lighting is not technologically feasible. But 
these would be small exceptions, not the rule. A seller of light bulbs 
would need to specifically seek a waiver and have it approved by a 
Department of Energy panel to put a non-conforming bulb on the market. 
These waivers would only be good for 2 years, pushing the market for 
more innovation.
  Madam Speaker, it's clear that we need to change the way we consume 
and produce energy. This bill will help America one-day transform into 
a more energy efficient and energy independent Nation.
  But today, most of us still use the same glass and filament bulbs 
that Thomas Edison invented 128 years ago. When it comes to lighting 
our homes, offices and public places, we still live in a cave.
  Only 10 percent of the power used by today's incandescent bulbs is 
emitted as light. A full 90 percent is released as heat. The typical 60 
watt bulb only lasts 750-1,000 hours. Most fluorescent bulbs can last 8 
to 10 times longer.
  The continued widespread use of incandescent lighting results in low 
overall efficiency, high energy costs and output, and in the end, tons 
and tons of harmful carbon emissions. According to the Department of 
Energy, one energy efficient bulb can prevent the release of over 450 
pounds of greenhouse gases.
  Because bulbs using 60 or more lumens significantly reduce energy 
consumption, everyone saves money--and new markets can blossom. 
Companies across the country, including some in my own district, will 
benefit by helping develop the technological innovations the 
legislation calls for.
  Though the marketplace of ideas is suddenly crowded with proposals to 
cut carbon emissions, increase energy efficiency and tackle global 
climate change, sometimes the most effective, accessible ideas are also 
the smallest. One small change that everyone can make--one that is 
being proposed in Australia, in Europe, my home State of California, 
and now in Congress--is as simple as changing a light bulb.

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