The Senate is scheduled Thursday to debate an energy efficiency bill that includes measures to improve building codes and promote more energy efficiency in the federal government.
While some Republicans are seeking an amendment to the bill that would force a debate on delaying the implementation of health care reform, some less controversial amendments include this one from Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.).
Coburn’s proposed amendment (via Politico) would amend the bill by changing a line that calls for “providing information to employees of the Federal agency on the importance of turning off the lights” at the end of the day to “requiring employees” to turn off the lights before they go home.
There are some safety issues here that need to be taken into consideration. Additionally, how about directives from the heads of agencies being used instead of passing a bill that must become a law? Government offices are all over. Not all are in the position to turn out the lights when the workers leave. Some people work in to the night. Should we have late workers walking through dark corridors?
This proposed law seems like a simple answer for a complex problem. It seems that agency heads should be given a directive for an energy assessment and where possible possible, direct employees to shut off lights. Once again, the Senate is guilty of over-reaching.
And what is the punishment if an employee does not turn off the lights? Is this more unneeded regulation?
They should be turning the lights off or the lights should be on timers. But a law? Where is common sense?
Agreed, Pat.
I’m still waiting for them to repeal the incandescent bulb ban.
I HATE the new bulbs with a passion and they last no longer than traditional bulbs.
Actually, they last a whole lot longer than incandescent bulbs. You must have bought a cheap batch or something.
That is something that is measurable. I don’t like paying 3x more for the new ones.
I can still buy incandescent lightbulbs. The ban must not be in northern VA
And they become hazardous waste when disposed of–brilliant!
Anyway, maybe when the government finally decides to pass a budget and prioritize its spending, we could….
Oh, never mind.
The lights in my building are motion sensitive – our folks are always throwing things in the air to turn them back on. One very petite woman has zero results when she moves about or flaps her arms. I anticipate finding her on the floor in the morning after a late evening….but we’ve won an efficiency award.
I’d rather eliminate baggies and styrofoam.