Free Republic

In 2007, Congress passed new bulb standards requiring at least a 25% increase in efficiency for 100-watt bulbs by 2012 and smaller-wattage bulbs by 2014, leading to the replacement of incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) and halogen bulbs. Barton's bill, the Better Use of Light Bulbs (BULB) act, was introduced in September. He wants to nullify the standards, which he claims cost U.S. jobs and are a safety hazard. The BULB act was not taken seriously until it became a key part of the struggle between Barton and Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), a sponsor of the standards, to...