Tag: compact fluorescent

Republican Tea Partiers in Congress, like Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), insist that energy rules setting higher standards for, among other things, light bulb efficiency are proof of a “nanny state,” evinced by First Lady Michelle Obama speaking against childhood obesity.

Pres. Obama is blamed for “dictating” that Americans must use compact fluorescent light bulbs but a) Obama is not to blame, and b) no one is dictating any such thing.

• The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 was signed into law by Pres. George W. Bush
• Nothing in the act bans the use of incandescent bulbs or requires they be replaced with compact fluorescents. The act does increase efficiency standards on all bulbs
• The U.S. Energy Department projects higher standards will save money for both families and businesses
• Independent observers have seen no evidence of constituents lobbying members of Congress to “save incandescent bulbs”