We had a rather lively discussion during the subcommittee markup last week on the issue of mercury in compact fluorescent light bulbs.

During the Subcommittee markup, I offered two amendments, one which dealt with warning labels on CFLs and one which would clarify that nothing in this bill would compel daycares, hospitals, nursing homes, and schools to use lighting containing mercury.

I had planned to re-offer one of those amendments today.

But this morning I learned that compromise language has been reached by Mr. Upton and Ms. Harmon that deals with this issue.

The language in the subcommittee print would have required widespread use of CFLs to meet the light bulb efficiency standard set forth in the bill.

The Upton/Harmon amendment would revise the underlying language to allow mercury-free halogen, LED, and new generation, highly-efficient incandescent light bulbs to meet the standard.

I am pleased to see that the committee has acted to address the concerns raised by Republicans about mercury during the subcommittee markup.

As a Physician, and an Obstetrician, I am still concerned about the potential impact on public health, particularly on children, whose nervous systems are still developing and who could face developmental challenges if exposed to mercury, as well as expectant mothers.

That's why I am also please to see that the Upton/Harmon amendment contains a rulemaking requirement to set labeling standards.

I would like to read into the record the EPA instructions on how to clean up a broken CFL on its website:

1. Open a window and leave the room (restrict access) for at least 15 minutes.

2. Remove all materials you can without using a vacuum cleaner.

· Wear disposable rubber gloves, if available (do not use your bare hands).

· Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard.

· Wipe the area clean with a damp paper towel or disposable wet wipe.

· Sticky tape (such as duct tape) can be used to pick up small pieces and powder.

3. Place all cleanup materials in a plastic bag and seal it.

· If your state permits you to put used or broken CFLs in the garbage, seal the CFL in two plastic bags and put into the outside trash (if no other disposal or recycling options are available).

· Wash your hands after disposing of the bag.

4. The first time you vacuum the area where the bulb was broken, remove the vacuum bag once done cleaning the area (or empty and wipe the canister) and put the bag and/or vacuum debris, as well as the cleaning materials, in two sealed plastic bags in the outdoor trash or protected outdoor location for normal removal.

With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.