Lighting Science Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Haworth issued the following statement regarding the movement to pass the Better Use of Light Bulbs Act, H.R. 2417:
“Energy efficiency is the most powerful and cost-effective tool for achieving a sustainable future. Improvements in energy efficiency can reduce the need for investment in energy infrastructure, cut fuel costs, increase competitiveness, improve consumer welfare, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
“Lighting is the low-hanging fruit in reducing energy consumption: it accounts for 19% of the world’s energy use – and in the United States, 22%; public and commercial buildings represent 60% of the power used for lighting; up to 80% of offices are lit by outdated and inefficient systems; and lighting accounts for 15% of household electricity use. There are 4.4 billion traditional light sockets in the United States alone offering a rapid and practical path for billions of dollars in energy savings through the installation of more efficient lighting.”
“Lighting Science Group and other companies are producing lighting products today that deliver on the promise of ultra-efficient and long lasting LED technology and we are saving consumers, businesses and governments significant amounts of money.”
“Last month, Lighting Science Group celebrated a monumental U.S. technological achievement—becoming the first United States company to manufacture 2 million LED bulbs in less than a year. These 2 million bulbs will save Americans approximately $34 million in electricity cost or over 280 million kilowatt hours over the course of a year, which equals the: annual greenhouse gas emissions from over 38,000 passenger vehicles or the CO2 emissions from the electricity use of over 24,000 homes for one year.”
“Lighting Science Group is a shining example of how American businesses can innovate and compete while creating jobs here in the U.S. A year ago, the company had 100 employees here in Florida, now we have 350.”
“It is unfortunate some in Congress want to roll back energy efficiency standards signed into law by President George W. Bush that are designed to increase the efficiency of light bulbs by at least 25%. Doing so will inevitably increase energy bills, stifle innovation that is creating U.S. jobs and increase air pollution that harms human health and the environment. Congress should reject efforts to repeal these standards.”
More information about Lighting Science Group is available at www.lsgc.com.