Incandescent Light Bulbs

This is a communication with Rep. Neugebauer.

The issue here is whether government should be cotrolling what the public purchaes by withholding competitive products from the market place.

Randy,
Right on target! Please keep pushing it, but more importantly. press Pres. Obama to the wall, so that he starts doing the right things,

ACS

-----Original Message-----
Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2011 8:33 AM
To: 'Arthur Sucsy'
Subject: RE: Banning Incandescent Light Bulbs

Thank you for contacting me regarding recent legislation relating to incandescent light bulbs. I appreciate you taking the time to share your views about this important issue.

As you know, Representative Joe Barton (TX-6) introduced H.R. 2417 on July 6, 2011. This bill would repeal the provision of a 2007 energy law (PL 110-140) that created minimum efficiency standards for incandescent light bulbs and would eliminate $30 million in funding for the Department of Energy research and consumer education related to energy-efficient lighting.

Due to urgency about the standards going into effect by January 1, 2012, the bill was fast-tracked through the House of Representatives. Six days after it was introduced, H.R. 2417 was brought directly to the floor under a procedural rule that required a two-thirds majority to pass. You will be pleased to know that I fully supported this measure and voted for the repeal of the 2007 standards. Unfortunately, although the final vote was 233-193 in favor of the measure, it did not receive the two-thirds majority (290 votes) it required for approval. However, the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Joe Barton, has suggested that he will try to return this bill to the floor under a rule that would only require a simple majority to pass.

I believe these new standards will threaten consumer choice by phasing out the traditional light bulb and replacing it with more expensive compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). This regulation is a perfect example of an overreaching government intrusion into the lives of everyday Americans. I cannot support any plan where the government steps in and picks winners and losers.

Please be assured that I will continue to support this legislation and other similar bills should they come before the full House of Representatives for a vote.