Lipinski Introduces Common Sense Legislation to Save Energy and Taxpayer Dollars
BRIGHT Energy Savings Act Would Install Energy Efficient Light Bulbs In All Federal Buildings

[WASHINGTON, DC]  Today, Congressman Dan Lipinski introduced H.R. 1705, The Bulb Replacement in Government with High-efficiency Technology (BRIGHT) Energy Savings Act.  Introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, the legislation would direct the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to replace commonly used low efficiency light bulbs with high efficiency bulbs whenever a new bulb is installed in a GSA-owned office building.  Lipinski introduced the bipartisan legislation with Rep. Bob Inglis (R-SC) and was joined by over 35 other members of the House as original cosponsors of the legislation. 

Lipinski is a member of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, which has jurisdiction of the GSA.

"Americans are rightly concerned about the impact of foreign energy dependence on our national security and the effect of global climate change on the future of our planet," said Lipinski.  "The BRIGHT Energy Savings will help us address both of these issues by cutting down significantly on energy use by the federal government, and at the same time it will save millions of taxpayer dollars. It's a win for the environment, a win for national security, and a win for American taxpayers."

The GSA is the federal agency which owns and administers office space for civilian federal agencies.  The federal government owns approximately 1,800 facilities with about 174 million square feet of space.  At least 3 million lights throughout the Federal government could be upgraded to high efficiency bulbs.  One type of high efficiency bulb that could be used is the Energy Star-certified Compact Fluorescent Light bulb, also known as a CFL.  CFLs use approximately 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs to provide the same amount of light and they last approximately 8-10 times longer.  Replacing an ordinary bulb with a comparable CFL saves up to $74 in energy costs over the bulb's lifetime.

Even higher efficiency light bulbs are close to commercial application including improved halogen technologies as well as new light-emitting diode (LED) technologies.

 "With CFLs already in the marketplace and other high efficiency bulb technologies right around the corner, the future really is now," explained Lipinski.   "Much of this new technology represents American ingenuity and innovation.  The BRIGHT Energy Savings Act will mean reduced energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and saved taxpayer dollars.  It's a common sense, practical measure that is simply the right thing to do."