New Light Bulb Rules Withstand Republican Opposition

New, stricter light bulb efficiency rules will start going into effect Jan. 1, despite principled opposition from conservatives.

Republicans have ripped the new standards as a typical example of wasteful government regulation, The Hill reports.

Indeed, House Republicans were able to pass a provision to deny money for enforcing the new standards in a year-end energy bill. But the Energy Department rules will still begin Jan. 1.

Conservatives label the new rules a “light bulb ban.” That’s because the new standards will severely curb consumers’ choices, pushing out traditional incandescent bulbs in favor of more expensive, but more energy-efficient, LED (light emitting diode) and CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs.