Democrats Block Consumer Choice on Lightbulbs

Washington, D.C. – Today, the United States of Representatives voted on the Better Use of Light Bulbs (BULB) Act. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26), helped lead legislation efforts to repeal the Subtitle B of Title III of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which bans the 100-watt lightbulb. The legislation failed with a vote of 233 to 193. After the vote, Dr. Burgess released the following statement.

“The new bulbs cost more and at a time when American families are already tightening their budgets, they should be able to choose the standard inexpensive bulb that has been available for years. This is about choice. The government already over regulates, and this is one place where it is definitely not needed. This is another example of the government overreaching into the lives of Americans.”

“This ban has not only cost American’s their choice, it has cost American jobs. In 2010, the last major GE factory that manufactured the incandescent light bulb closed its doors as a result of the reckless 2007 legislation. As a result two-hundred people lost their jobs, and this wasn’t the only plant to close as a result of the 2007 legislation. In addition, these jobs are being sent overseas as GE has said that the new lights cost about fifty percent more to make in the United States than in China.

“This is just another example of the job killing legislation Democrats focused on in previous Congresses. Unfortunately the House voted to not repeal the ban and as a result Americans will be forced to purchase lightbulbs regulated by the federal government.”

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