GOP lawmakers call light bulb mandate a dim idea

WASHINGTON — Sen. Mike Enzi has a dim view of a federal law requiring light bulbs to be more efficient.

The Wyoming Republican is pushing a bill to repeal the 2007 law and give consumers the choice to buy any light bulbs they want.

Twenty-six senators — all Republicans — support Enzi’s bill, but many Democrats and consumer groups say the plan is not so bright. They call it a step backward and compare it trading in a fuel-efficient hybrid car for a gas-guzzling SUV.

Sen. Jeff Bingaman, a New Mexico Democrat, said the 2007 law does not ban traditional incandescent light bulbs, as some GOP critics claim. Instead it requires new bulbs to use 25 to 30 percent less energy beginning in 2012. He says the new bulbs last longer, use less energy and save money.