Beginning next year, a law from 2007 regarding more efficient lightbulbs will finally be enacted. The mandate calls for bulbs to be 25% more efficient. The trace amount of mercury in compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) is concerning to some, but there are other options, including halogen bulbs or LEDs, for those who are not comfortable using compact fluorescent bulbs. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency:
CFLs present an opportunity to prevent mercury from entering our air, where it most affects our health. The highest source of mercury in our air comes from burning fossil fuels such as coal, the most common fuel used in the U.S. to produce electricity. A CFL uses 75% less energy than an incandescent light bulb and lasts at least 6 times longer. A power plant will emit 10mg of mercury to produce the electricity to run an incandescent bulb compared to only 2.4mg of mercury to run a CFL for the same time.From the GovTrack site, an independent civic project to track Congress:
In 2007, an act to move the United States toward greater energy independence and security, to increase the production of clean renewable fuels, to protect consumers, to increase the efficiency of products, buildings, and vehicles, to promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options, and to improve the energy performance of the Federal Government, and for other purposes.
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
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2007-2008
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 | Introduced | Jan 12, 2007 |
| Referred to Committee | View Committee Assignments |
| Reported by Committee | Jan 22, 2007 |
| Amendments (331 proposed) | View Amendments |
| Passed House | Jan 18, 2007 |
| Passed Senate | Jun 21, 2007 |
| Signed by President | Dec 19, 2007 |
This bill became law. It was signed by George Bush.
The full text of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, with a specific notation to Title III, subtitle B, sections 321-325.
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