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Energy Legislation Advances in Congress

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives approved an energy bill that would boost the use of renewable energy, set new energy-efficiency standards for appliances, lighting and buildings, and promote production of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, among other provisions. The Senate passed its version of energy legislation in June.

Hot Topic: Federal Renewable Portfolio Standard

The energy bill passed by the House includes a provision to impose a 15-percent federal renewable portfolio standard (RPS). Under a federal RPS mandate, electric utilities would be required to meet a certain percentage of their electricity sales each year with electricity produced from a limited list of renewable resources or through the purchase of renewable credits from other renewable generators or the Department of Energy.  The Senate energy bill passed in June does not contain an RPS provision.

Many electric companies remain concerned that a federal RPS mandate would raise electricity prices for consumers; upset ongoing renewable energy programs in the states; create winners and losers among states, electricity generators and electricity suppliers; and impose new burdens on electric reliability. These companies maintain that a federal RPS mandate is not a solution to achieving energy independence, nor is it a cost-effective means of reducing greenhouse gases. 

The RPS issue will be a central focus when the House and Senate meet in conference to resolve the differences between their bills.

• Access a U.S. map showing the states with existing RPS plans.
• View maps prepared by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory showing:
  U.S. wind resources
  U.S. solar resources
  U.S. geothermal resources
  U.S. biomass resources

Compact Fluorescents: What You Should Know

Get Energy Active has received a number of e-mails about compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Here’s some information to help answer your questions and address your concerns.

Do CFLs contain mercury?
Yes. Mercury is an essential ingredient in CFLs, allowing them to be efficient light sources. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury—about 4 to 5 milligrams (mg)—that is sealed within the bulb’s glass tubing. The amount of mercury in a CFL is approximately equivalent to the tip of a ballpoint pen. By comparison, older home thermometers contain 500 mg of mercury and older home thermostats contain up to 3,000 mg. While there is currently no substitute for mercury in CFLs, manufacturers have reduced the amount of mercury in fluorescent lighting products over the past several years.

How do I dispose of a CFL?
It is important to dispose of your CFLs properly upon burnout or breakage. Recycling programs are beginning across the country. However, if recycling is not available in your area, place the CFL in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it the same way you would batteries, oil-based paint, and motor oil at your local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Site. If your HHW does not accept CFLs, simply seal the CFL in a plastic bag and place it with your regular trash.

While CFL recycling programs are not yet available in all areas, you may be able to find one near you. Visit www.Earth911.org, or call 1-800-CLEAN-UP. On the Web site, enter your zip code to find local disposal options.  You can also check with your local government or local waste management agency for recycling options in your area.

If a CFL breaks in your home, open nearby windows to increase ventilation and sweep up the broken fragments—do not use your hands or a vacuum cleaner. Place all fragments in a sealed plastic bag and follow the disposal instructions above.

Why should I use CFLs in the first place?
The EPA recommends the use of CFLs for the many benefits they offer, including reduced energy use and cost savings.  CFLs use two-thirds less energy than incandescent light bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. Using CFLs also helps the environment by saving energy and reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and other air pollutants.

Get Involved

Want to get involved in the conversation about electricity? Check out the Get Energy Active Web site’s newest feature—a Discussion Board! Visit the Discussion Board now to talk about the electricity issues that interest you. Or read postings from others who are getting energy active!

Discussion board topics include global climate change, energy efficiency, the electricity generation mix, and more. Simply register with a valid e-mail address, and you’ll be able to reply to postings, or start your own discussion thread. And there’s no need to register to read what others are saying about these important topics. Simply visit our new Discussion Board to get started.

Looking for other ways to get involved? Check out the Get Involved section of the Web site to tell a friend how to Get Energy Active, or post a Get Energy Active button to your Web site. Get energy smart and get energy active today!