The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“LIGHT BULB BILL” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Energy was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E563 on March 15, 2007.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
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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