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Mar 26, 2008 6:17 pm US/Central
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Bachmann Bill Aims To Reverse Light Bulb Decision
WASHINGTON (AP) ―
Rep. Michele Bachmann wants to put the brake on a national conversion from conventional incandescent light bulbs to energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs.
Bachmann, a Minnesota Republican, has sponsored the "Light Bulb Freedom of Choice Act," which would repeal the national phase-out of the old bulbs.
"This is about freedom, this is about consumer rights," she said.
President Bush signed an energy bill last December that mandates phasing in energy-saving light bulbs starting in 2012.
Under Bachmann's legislation, the phase-out would be repealed unless Congress' Government Accountability Office can demonstrate that it would lead to real savings in energy costs, lead to significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and not cause a health risk to people.
Bachmann said she's concerned that the mercury content in fluorescent light bulbs could pose a danger.
"The least government can do if they are going to ban the household light bulb is provide evidence to back up their claims that there's some long-term benefit," she said. "Congress should not be in the business of promoting fads and Congress should always be in the business of watching out for the health, safety and budget bottom line of the American family."
Frank O'Donnell, president of Clean Air Watch, an environmental group, said that it is true that there are trace amounts of mercury in fluorescent light bulbs, so care must be taken in disposing of them. But he said the energy-efficient bulbs will help reduce mercury emissions into the environment by reducing the need for electricity power from coal.
"There's little doubt that compact fluorescent light bulbs are a very important way to save energy," O'Donnell said. "They will be a crucial component in plans to deal with global warming. I'd be very concerned about the legislation for that reason."
The bill was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. It has not yet been scheduled for action.
Bachmann's legislation has 11 co-sponsors, including Wisconsin Republican Jim Sensenbrenner.
"The high mercury content in these (fluorescent) light bulbs should concern everyone because of the potential health risks of mercury, and absent adequate information on the 'energy efficiency,' of these bulbs, Congress shouldn't be requiring people to use them," he said.
(© 2008 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)