By Josh Craft | Fri, July 22, 11
The Boston Globe has been the site of lively debate over common-sense federal lighting standards this week, standards that NEEP strongly supports. Globe columnist Jeff Jacoby voiced his opposition, citing a number of misconceptions about the coming rules. NEEP's Policy Outreach Manager, Natalie Hildt, penned a response to illuminate the facts about coming changes, which will help consumer save energy and money in the years ahead. We encourage you to read Natalie’s letter below as well as the Globe’s own editorial in support of the standards.
Lighting Standards Offer Choice, Spur Innovation
Re: Jeff Jacoby’s 7/17 piece on light bulbs
Mr. Jacoby never let the facts get in the way of a good story, and his recent piece about the coming federal lighting standards is no different. Yes, in 2012 the brightest light bulbs will have to be 30% more efficient for the same energy input. But the Energy Independence and Security Act that President Bush signed in 2007 does not tell the manufacturers how to get there. Sure enough, American ingenuity is providing a range of options for consumers— all designed to save energy and costs. Ultimately the standards will save consumers $100 billion annually on their electricity bills, or $143 for the typical household.
Just last week, Congress soundly rejected a Tea Party-backed bill that would have squelched this smart policy under the guise of personal freedom. Jacoby also charges that enviros and the lighting industry hatched a scheme to “ban” incandescents. Others, such as the bi-partisan Alliance to Save Energy, would call this progress. Efficiency standards are a key driver in advancing technology— finding new and better ways to do more and waste less, maintaining choices— all by harnessing the power of markets. Sounds to me like the American way.
See more about NEEP's work on appliance standards here.