WASHINGTON -- Minnesota congresswoman Michele Bachmann wants americans to see the light-- incandescent light, that is-- if that's the type of bulb they prefer.
Bachmann reintroduced her 'Light Bulb Freedom of Choice Act' on Tuesday. It would repeal the mandate in the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act which requires that incandescent light bulbs be phased out.
"The government has no business telling an individual what kind of light bulb to buy," Bachmann said on the floor. "In 2007, Congress overstepped its bounds by mandating that only 'energy efficient' light bulbs may be sold after January 1, 2012. This mandate has sweeping effects on American families and businesses and needs serious consideration before taking effect."
Bachmann's legislation calls on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to prove that the energy efficient bulbs would lead to real savings in energy costs for consumers; that the authorized bulbs would significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions; and that the bulbs would not present a health risk for consumers, particularly those in hospitals, schools, day care centers and nursing homes.
"The American people want less government intrusion into their lives, not more," Bachmann said, "and that includes staying out of their personal light bulb choices."