Thursday, March 10, 2011

Sen. Mike Enzi has a dim view of a federal law requiring light bulbs to be more efficient.

The Wyoming Republican is pushing a bill to repeal the 2007 law and give consumers the choice to buy any light bulbs they want.

Twenty-six senators — all Republicans — support Enzi's bill, but many Democrats and consumer groups say the plan is not so bright. They call it a step backward and compare it trading in a fuel-efficient hybrid car for a gas-guzzling SUV.

Sen. Jeff Bingaman, a New Mexico Democrat, said the 2007 law does not ban traditional incandescent light bulbs, as some GOP critics claim. Instead it requires new bulbs to use 25 to 30% less energy beginning in 2012. He says the new bulbs last longer, use less energy and save money.