The energy efficiency standard may have been enshrined in to American Federal law but opposition to it, mainly Republican, is still plentiful. Delegate Bob Marshall will this month debate a Bill in the House Commerce Sub-Committee which seeks to allow the manufacture and sale of incandescent light bulbs in the State of Virginia. Marshall is not alone in his actions; seven other States have similar legislation pending and the State of Texas has already passed a law which enables the sale of any incandescent light bulb made within the State.
Marshall has vehemently argued that compact fluorescent lamps pose a danger to public health should they break due to the amount of mercury they contain. He has also suggested the switch to energy saving light bulbs could result in ‘poorer quality illumination.’
The outcome of the aforementioned State legislation is of great interest not only because of the effect on lighting but because it embodies the wider issue of the relationship between State and Federal Government, an issue which looks set to be a key battle ground in the forthcoming Presidential elections.





