White House bashes GOP light bulb bill ahead of vote
The White House on Monday attacked GOP legislation that would repeal light bulb efficiency standards contained in a 2007 energy law, alleging it would harm consumers and the economy.
The House is slated to vote on the bill — H.R. 2417 — as soon as Tuesday after kicking off debate Monday evening.
The White House, in a formal “statement of administration policy,” has this to say about the bill:
The Department of Energy has estimated that the lighting standards that H.R. 2417 would repeal could collectively save U.S. households nearly $6 billion in 2015 alone. These standards are: (1) helping to drive U.S. innovation; (2) creating new manufacturing jobs in the United States; (3) saving consumers money by providing them with energy and cost efficient lighting; and (4) reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Further, H.R. 2417 is unnecessary. Any type of bulb can be sold as long as it meets the efficiency requirements. In sum, the bill would hinder an opportunity to save American consumers money, while enhancing energy efficiency and reducing harmful emissions associated with energy production.
Repealing the 2007 lightbulb mandates has become a rallying cry among conservatives who call them an example of an overreaching government bent on meddling with consumer choices.
Check out our coverage of the bill here and here for more.
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