Plan to Block Energy Efficient Lighting Standards Reflects Outdated Mindset

WASHINGTON (February 15, 2011) – Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.) unveiled a proposal today to block implementation of greater energy efficient lighting standards, which are due to take effect next year.

The following is a statement by Jim Presswood, federal energy policy director at the Natural Resources Defense Council:


“Repealing the standards would increase household energy bills, stifle American ingenuity that creates jobs and increase air pollution that harms human health and the environment. Let’s stop clinging to 19th century technologies and embrace a clean energy future that spurs innovation and creates jobs.”


Akin’s proposal, filed as an amendment to the continuing resolution to keep the U.S. government functioning, would withhold funding from the Department of Energy to implement the energy efficient light bulb standards that Congress adopted in 2007.


The impending standards do not ban incandescent bulbs; rather, bulbs meeting the 2012 standards, including the incandescent variety, will be widely available.


For more information about the U.S. Energy Efficiency Standards For Everyday Light Bulbs, go to http://www.nrdc.org/energy/energyefficientlightbulbs/11011901.asp.