To The Eagle:

In 2007 President George Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA).

This bipartisan bill simply requires that new light bulbs use 25 to 30 percent less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs. No light bulbs are banned. No one will be forced to use one type of light bulb over another type.

Michelle Schaefer of Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports states:

"Rather, they set benchmarks that are technology-neutral, and manufacturers have already developed more efficient incandescent bulbs that are available and on the market today."

The light produced is identical to that cast by older bulbs, yet they are nearly 30 percent more efficient. Another study done by The Natural Resources Defense Council states “Americans' energy costs would be reduced by an average of seven percent, or about $85 per household per year, and the country would save more than $12.5 billion annually by 2020, when the new standards are fully implemented."

The U.S. has standards for fuel economy, more energy efficient refrigerators and with the new innovations in lighting I do not understand the fight in Washington D.C. to overturn this 2007 Energy Act.

With the infrastructure crumbling across America coupled with so many unemployed or under employed people struggling to make ends meet you would think those we sent to represent us in the other Washington would be working on bigger things than fighting over a light bulb that saves energy.

Lee Tischer

Cathlamet