"Spending Bill Blocks Light Bulb Standards"

"The shutdown-averting budget bill will block federal light bulb efficiency standards, giving a win to House Republicans fighting the so-called ban on incandescent light bulbs."



"GOP and Democratic sources tell POLITICO the final omnibus bill includes a rider defunding the Energy Department's standards for traditional incandescent light bulbs to be 30 percent more energy efficient.

DOE's light bulb rules — authorized under a 2007 energy law authored signed by President George W. Bush — would start going into effect Jan. 1. The rider will prevent DOE from implementing the rules through Sept. 30.

But Democrats said they could claim a "compromise" by adding language to the omnibus that requires DOE grant recipients greater than $1 million to certify they will upgrade the efficiency of their facilities by replacing any lighting to meet or exceed the 2007 energy law's standards."

Darren Samuelsohn reports for Politico December 15, 2011.

SEE ALSO:

"Congress Overturns Incandescent Light Bulb Ban" (Washington Times)

"Congress' Job Approval Entrenched at Record Low of 13%" (Gallup)

Source: Politico, 12/16/2011