Landmark Energy Bill Bans Some Light Bulbs, Ups MPG Ante
A landmark energy bill signed into law today by President Bush will require greater fuel efficiency from a wide range of products, including cars and light bulbs.
In an effort to reduce U.S. dependency on foreign oil, the Energy Independence and Security Act requires a 40 percent increase in fuel efficiency for new cars and light trucks by 2020, and bans by 2012 what Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.) describes as “the famously inefficient 100-watt incandescent bulb,” according to the Los Angeles Times. It also mandates greater reliance on biofuels which can be produced here.
Rep. John D. Dingell (D-Mich.), who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, says the new law is expected to improve energy efficiency of “almost every significant product and tool and appliance that we use, from light bulbs to light trucks.”
Critics, however, contend that it could have done even more.
Houston Chronicle: “Bush signs massive energy policy bill into law.”
New York Times: “Bush Signs Broad Energy Bill”
BBC: “Bush signs energy bill into law”
The Swamp (Chicago Tribune): “An energy bill at last … but will it work?”
