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New light bulbs are brightening lives and saving money
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The Nov. 28 article "100-watt Bulb Alternatives Leaving People in the Dark" has the federal lighting standards all wrong.
For starters, there is no ban on incandescent light bulbs. The lighting standards only require that bulbs become more energy efficient. In fact, General Electric, Philips and Sylvania all sell incandescent bulbs in the market today that meet the new standards. These bulbs produce similar light and color to traditional 100-watt bulbs but use far less energy. The only thing you're giving up is paying more on your electricity bills.
In fact, Pennsylvania households will save $465 million every year thanks to these efficient bulbs.
These standards are also helping to drive innovation and build U.S. manufacturing. Sylvania assembles its "Super Saver" incandescent right here in St. Mary's in Elk County, and companies across the country have hired thousands of employees to work on the research and development of LED lights.
Federal energy efficiency standards for appliances, equipment and lighting have been in place since the 1980s. They have worked to lower strain on our electric system, create jobs and reduce pollution. Appliance standards alone have saved taxpayers more than $300 billion in energy bills.
Instead of fearing change and stockpiling old and inefficient bulbs, let's embrace a brighter -- and cheaper -- energy future.
COURTNEY LANE
Senior Energy Project
Analyst
Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future (PennFuture)
Philadelphia
First Published December 4, 2012 12:00 am
