Repeal of light bulb law pushed by GOP

WASHINGTON, March 10 (UPI) -- Republican lawmakers say they want to repeal a 2007 U.S. law phasing out traditional incandescent light bulbs in favor of alternative energy-saving technology.

Bills introduced in both the Senate and the House would repeal the law that had bipartisan support when it was passed and signed into law by President George W. Bush, USA Today reported Thursday.

Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., introduced a bill last week that calls for a study into whether new bulbs pose a health risk. "The government has no business telling an individual what kind of light bulb to buy," she said in a statement.

The bills have drawn a strong response from environmental groups who strongly support the law that requires manufacturers to produce bulbs that use 25 percent to 30 percent less energy than standard incandescents.

"This is not some sort of nanny-state policy," Jim Presswood of the Natural Resources Defense Council said. "It harnesses market forces to drive innovation."

Lawmakers behind the repeal effort say it is a matter of principle.

"From the health insurance you're allowed to have, to the car you can drive, to the light bulbs you can buy, Washington is making too many decisions that are better left to you and your family," Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, said in a statement.