Editorial: A bright idea in Congress

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007 | 7:02 a.m.

Tucked into the energy bill being finalized in Congress is a provision that would help Americans save energy every time they turn on the lights.

The provision calls for light bulb manufacturers to make bulbs that use less energy. Over the next 12 years, manufacturers will have to meet efficiency standards, and by 2020 light bulbs will have to be 70 percent more efficient than they are today.

USA Today reported Monday that the provision could, according to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, save consumers $40 billion in energy and other costs from 2012 to 2030. The council says such a savings could lessen the demand for new electricity sources, lessening the production of carbon dioxide from power plants. Advocates of the plan say the amount of energy saved would be equivalent to the energy produced by 80 coal-fired power plants.

Two of the major objections to energy-saving light bulbs are cost and quality - the fluorescent bulbs' light is harsher than that of ordinary incandescent bulbs. However, manufacturers are making fluorescent bulbs that produce softer light and, as manufacturers ramp up production to meet the bill's provisions, the costs should come down.

Fluorescent bulbs now on the market are significantly more costly than incandescent bulbs, but energy experts say they can quickly save people money. They last about six times longer than incandescent bulbs and they can pay for themselves in as little as four months because they use less electricity.

Light bulb manufacturers support the provision, which was included in the energy bill that passed the Senate. The bill is awaiting a vote in the House. President Bush has indicated he will sign the bill.

He should. It is a smart plan and a simple way to conserve energy.