Alliance to Save Energy Applauds House for Refusing to Pull Plug on Energy-Efficient Lighting
The Alliance to Save Energy News
Alliance to Save Energy Applauds House for Refusing to Pull Plug on Energy-Efficient Lighting
Washington, D.C., July 12, 2011 – The Alliance to Save Energy today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for putting reason before politics in rejecting a bill that would have pulled the plug on energy-efficient lighting standards.
“Repealing the efficiency standards contained in the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) and signed into law by President George W. Bush would have been the equivalent of levying a yearly tax of about $100 on the average U.S. family,” declared Alliance President Kateri Callahan. ($100 is the estimated annual energy savings realized from use of more efficient lighting as required by EISA.)
Coalition Tells Congress Efficient Lighting = More Consumer Choices
In addition to its own efforts, the Alliance is part of a broad-based coalition of more than 80 companies and organizations that worked to defeat the ill-conceived attempts to roll back lighting standards that were advocated not only by energy efficiency advocates but also by light bulb manufacturers and trade associations.
“Contrary to misinformation propagated by sponsors and supporters of the so-called BULB Act, the lighting standards actually expand consumers’ lighting choices while keeping more money in their pockets,” Callahan said.
“The standards have prompted U.S. lighting manufacturers to develop cost-effective, energy-saving products that already have begun to come to the market, including incandescent bulbs that are more efficient because they use halogen technology and LEDs that last almost as long as a traditional mortgage,” she added.
Improving the US Economy
“The standards will lower overall U.S. energy costs by more than $10 billion a year,” Callahan continued. “That’s real money that America families can stop wasting and which can be better used to improve the sagging economy.”
Callahan concluded, “Energy efficiency is a proven ‘win-win’ issue for consumers and the U.S. economy, and – most significantly at this time – an issue that crosses the political aisle. We applaud the House for wisely rejecting a partisan and ill-conceived attempt to roll back standards designed to benefit all Americans.”
For Further Information
- Ronnie Kweller (202) 530-2203; rkweller@ase.org
- Allyson Schmutter (202) 448-8759; aschmutter@ase.org
STAY EMPOWERED
Help the Alliance advocate for policies to use energy more efficiently – supporting job creation, reduced emissions, and lower costs. Contact your member of Congress.
Energy efficiency is smart, nonpartisan, and practical. So are we. Our strength comes from an unparalleled group of Alliance Associates working collaboratively under the Alliance umbrella to pave the way for energy efficiency gains.
The power of efficiency is in your hands. Supporting the Alliance means supporting a vision for using energy more productively to achieve economic growth, a cleaner environment, and greater energy security, affordability, and reliability.