Lipinski Sheds Some Light on Saving Energy

Cong. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd), vice chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology, called on the Senate on Tuesday to accept his provision to require the use of high efficiency light bulbs in federal buildings, which was included in the comprehensive energy bill that passed the House on Aug. 4.

Lipinski hosted an event at the Kluczynski Federal Building to discuss the benefits of changing to high efficiency light bulbs and to demonstrate the ease of use of these bulbs.

"Installing high efficiency light bulbs in federal buildings will help cut down on energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by the federal government while saving tens of millions of taxpayer dollars," said Lipinski. "This initiative was included in the House energy bill, now we need to get it enacted into law and make it a win for the environment, a win for national security, and a win for American taxpayers."

Lipinski has been promoting the adoption of energy efficient lighting technologies.

Earlier this year, he introduced H.R. 1705, the Bulb Replacement in Government with High-efficiency Technology Energy Savings Act, which directs the U.S. General Services Administration  to install high efficiency bulbs in federal buildings.

The language was incorporated into the comprehensive energy bill (H.R. 3221), which passed the House.

In addition, the House passed amendments co-authored by Lipinski on 10 appropriations bills to require federal agencies to purchase only high efficiency light bulbs.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs are currently the most common high efficiency bulb, said Lipinski.

He also said that CFLs use 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs to provide the same amount of light, last approximately eight to 10 times longer, and save up to $74 in energy costs over the bulb's lifetime.

Lipinski added that other high efficiency light bulbs are close to commercial application, including improved halogen bulbs as well as new light-emitting diode  technologies that are even more energy efficient than CFLs.

By using these energy efficient bulbs the federal government - the largest energy consumer in the nation - can cut down significantly on energy consumption and cut emissions of global warming gases while saving tens of millions of taxpayer dollars.

"If all of these initiatives are enacted into law, most federal buildings will be required to use only high efficiency bulbs," said Lipinski. "The federal government is one of the largest consumers of energy in this country.

"In a time of growing environmental concerns and support for energy independence, these initiatives will help the federal government do the right thing at the right time, and also lead by example."

Lipinski was joined at the event by Joe Shacter, senior policy advocate of the Environmental Law and Policy Center; Rebecca Stanfield, state director of Environment Illinois; and John Gaudette, outreach coordinator of the Illinois Environmental Council.