Energy bill phases out traditional light bulbs

From a story by Bob Van Enkenvoort in the Green Bay Press-Gazette:

Americans are getting a push toward using compact fluorescent or other energy-saving light bulbs in lieu of the traditional incandescent light bulb.

A provision in the federal energy bill phases out the 125-year-old bulb over the next four to 12 years. In their place will be a new energy-efficient lights that cost more but quickly return their investment in energy savings.

"This is one of the most significant policies ... in terms of reducing electric demand and addressing global warming," says Lowell Ungar of the Alliance to Save Energy.

The U.S. House approved the energy bill Tuesday. It passed the U.S. Senate last week, and President Bush has said he will sign it.

Under terms of the energy bill provision, all light bulbs must use 25 percent to 30 percent less energy by 2012 to 2014. The phase-in begins with 100-watt bulbs in January 2012 and ends with 40-watt bulbs in January 2014. By 2020, bulbs must be 70 percent more efficient.