Lawmakers Seek Stricter Standards For Outdoor Lighting

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 3:18PM
Staff in Bingaman, Congress, NEMA, fred upton, jeff bingaman

A bipartisan, bicameral collection of lawmakers announced Tuesday that they will be pursuing legislation to increase the efficiency standards for outdoor lighting fixtures.

“Outdoor lighting consumes the equivalent of the output of about 50 coal plants,” said Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) during an afternoon press conference. “Preliminary estimates are that this agreement will defer the need to build 6 to 8 new plants.”

Although the specific vehicle for the legislation has not yet been decided, Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) expressed confidence that it will ultimately receive bipartisan backing in both chambers.

“Not a lot of folks ... think cap-and-trade will get to the President’s desk this year,” said Upton. “One of the reasons is, at least thus far, it has not been bipartisan. It has been partisan. This issue ... really is bipartisan.”

“It’s gonna happen,” Upton added.

According to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, the legislation will save the U.S. $2.8-5.1 billion anually by 2030.

Article originally appeared on Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media (http://www.talkradionews.com/).