McMillin Passes "Right to Light" Bill in the House



Rep. Tom McMillin

The “Right to Light” bill, House Bill 4815, was approved by the House last week. McMillin introduced this bill for two reasons; to protect the freedom to choose our own light bulbs, and to provide the opportunity for job growth in Michigan. This legislation allows incandescent light bulbs to be manufactured and sold in Michigan without Federal interference (because the interstate commerce clause wouldn't apply).

A federal law passed in 2007 will soon ban the usage of the normal incandescent light bulbs and require the use of other bulbs like the compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs (the curly-cue ones). The federal ban eliminating the use of regular light bulbs is set to be phased in from 2012 to 2014 - with the 100 watt light bulb banned starting January 1 of next year. The cost of the new, mandated bulbs will require consumers to buy the more costly CFL bulbs, at $3 or $4 per bulb.

The Federal government should not be dictating what kind of light bulbs we use in our homes. If the state Senate passes this bill and the governor signs it, we'll at least have a chance of keeping our choices, including the good old incandescent light bulb. If we can protect our freedom and create jobs in the process, it will be a double-win for Michigan.