[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 126 (Thursday, August 2, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1691-E1692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN SUPPORT OF AMENDMENT TO H.R. 3093 REQUIRING USE OF ``ENERGY STAR'' 
                              LIGHT BULBS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JAY INSLEE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 1, 2007

  Mr. INSLEE. Madam Speaker, I would like to commend Representative 
Jane Harman (D-CA) and Representative Fred Upton (R-MI) for their 
unfailing hard work and dedication to the issue of light bulb 
efficiency in the United States Congress. Their leadership in this area 
has greatly contributed to our national effort to prevent global 
climate change and reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources. 
Recently Ms. Harman and Mr. Upton offered an amendment to H.R. 3093, 
the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 
of 2008. This amendment prohibited funds to be used to purchase light 
bulbs unless the light bulb has the ``ENERGY STAR'' or ``Federal Energy 
Management Program'' designation. During this vote, Rollcall 738, I 
erroneously voted against the measure which I wholeheartedly support.
  Since indoor and outdoor lighting accounts for up to fifteen percent 
of energy use in the average residence, inefficient light bulbs can 
consume large amounts of excess energy.
  With the advent of compact fluorescent light bulbs, Americans have 
been given an alternative to inefficient incandescent bulbs which waste 
up to ninety-five percent of consumed energy as heat. These long-
lasting high-efficiency fluorescent light bulbs provide equivalent 
illumination as incandescent light bulbs, so neither comfort nor 
convenience is sacrificed in this energy-saving endeavor. However, they 
consume up to sixty-six percent less energy, leading to major decreases 
in energy bills. By simply replacing the light bulbs in their homes, 
our constituents will be saving money in addition to energy.
  Ms. Harman and Mr. Upton have empowered Americans with an 
uncomplicated, affordable plan that offers only benefits to both 
individuals and our nation as a whole. As we look to renewable energy 
sources to minimize our foreign oil dependence and increase national 
security, each citizen can do his or her part both at home and at work 
with the nearly effortless action of changing a light bulb.

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