This is so heavily forwarded I can't tell where it started, but it seems appropriate, and for once we have time to actually write the letters.

- Ned

In June of this year, the Department of Energy (DOE) will make a decision on efficiency standards for light bulbs, a major decision which could save 50 billion kilowatt hours of electricity per year by 2020, and save consumers $70 billion over 30 years. In addition, it could eliminate more than 800 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent annual emissions of 172 coal-fired power plants. Unfortunately, the rule proposed by the previous administration falls far short and leaves significant energy and cost savings on the table.

Your opportunity to reduce global warming emissions and save consumers billions of dollars is NOW. Please write a letter to the DOE asking them to demonstrate that they are serious about climate change. Urge them to adopt the more stringent standards for the fluorescent tube and incandescent reflector lamp rulemaking to gain the maximum benefits for consumers.

President Obama has committed to making the US the most energy efficient country in the world and has appointed a scientist and energy efficiency advocate to lead the Department of Energy. If ever there were a time for consumers to voice their opinions and have them heard, that time is now. Please edit the attached letter to reflect your concerns and send to the Department of Energy. Thank you. ..... Charlie

SAMPLE LETTER:

February xx, 2009

Honorable Steven Chu

Secretary
U.S. Department of Energy
1000 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20585-0121

Re: Fluorescent Tube and Incandescent Lamps Rulemaking

Docket #: EE-2006-STD- 0131

Dear Secretary Chu,

I am writing to urge you to strengthen the lighting efficiency standards proposed by the previous administration.

These new standards, due to be completed in June, will cover fluorescent tube lamps, including the four foot long light bulbs found in millions of office light fixtures, and incandescent reflector lamps, the very common cone-shaped light bulbs used in “recessed can” light fixtures and track lighting. With more than 500 million fluorescent tube lamps and 265 million incandescent reflector lamps sold annually in the U.S., new standards for these products have the potential to deliver more energy and cost savings than any other ever established by the Department of Energy.

Based on the Department of Energy’s analysis, strong standards for these lamps could save about 50 billion kilowatt hours per year by 2020, enough to meet the annual electricity needs of 4.4 million typical American homes. Over thirty years, strong standards could net consumers and businesses nearly $70 billion in savings and fight global warming by eliminating 800 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. However, the previous administration’s proposal sacrifices as much as half of these savings. Even more savings are lost because the reflector lamp proposal includes a huge loophole which leaves out about 40% of all sales.

During the presidential campaign last year, President Obama promised to work to “make America the most energy efficient country in the world.” As president, he has committed to meet or beat all deadlines for new appliance and lighting standards, citing their importance for saving consumers money, spurring innovation and saving energy. By making these new lighting standards as strong as possible and closing the loophole in the reflector lamp standard, you can take a huge first step to meeting the president’s commitments.

Sincerely,

__,_._,___

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