[Vision2020] As the Debt Ceiling Looms, What is the US House Debating?

Tom Hansen thansen at moscow.com
Wed Jul 13 05:45:27 PDT 2011


Courtesy of today's (July 13, 2011) Spokesman-Review.

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Bid to scuttle light bulb rules fails in House

WASHINGTON – Opponents of the federal phase-out of old-style incandescent light bulbs failed in the House Tuesday to repeal the requirement for more efficient lighting but are expected to try again soon.

Republicans who have made the new light bulb efficiency rules a symbol of Washington regulatory overreach fell short of the two-thirds majority required for expedited action on the repeal measure, the Better Use of Our Light Bulbs, or BULB, Act.


But with a 233-193 vote in favor of it, the House GOP leadership may bring it back for approval under procedures that require only a simple majority. The repeal faces dim prospects in the Democratic-controlled Senate, however.

Federal energy legislation signed by President George W. Bush in 2007 phases out the old incandescents over three years, starting with 100-watt bulbs next Jan. 1, in favor of more efficient lighting.

California has already implemented the new standards.

But Texas recently enacted legislation seeking to get around the federal law by declaring that incandescent bulbs – if made and sold only in Texas – do not involve interstate commerce and are not subject to federal regulation, and a number of other states are considering following suit.

The vote came after supporters of the new rules held up more efficient incandescent bulbs on the House floor to point out that consumers would still be able to buy incandescents instead of compact fluorescent light bulbs that have drawn criticism for being more costly, mostly made in China and containing mercury.

The Obama administration, with a coalition that includes Thomas Edison’s descendents, bulb manufacturers, the United Steelworkers and consumer and environmental groups, opposes the repeal.

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Why trouble themselves with such low priority concerns like jobs and the debt ceiling when the "incandescent vs. fluorescent" debate urgently demands the attention of our Republican-run US House.

Next on the House agenda:  "Tastes Great" vs. "Less Filling"

Seeya round town, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho
 
"The Pessimist complains about the wind, the Optimist expects it to change and the Realist adjusts his sails."

- Unknown

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