Business | General | DoE | Nov 14, 2019

Maine Sues Department of Energy Over Light Bulbs

Maine is one of 16 states now suing the US administration over light bulbs. They're challenging the Department of Energy's new rule rolling back efficiency standards.

The coalition of 16 attorneys general is led by New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Attorney General Xavier Becerra.

Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and the City of New York have all signed on to the suit.

"The US Administration’s not-so-bright idea to rollback light bulb energy efficiency standards is an obvious attempt to line the pockets of energy executives while simultaneously increasing pollution and raising energy bills for consumers," said Attorney General James.

When the Trump administration overturned the Obama-era requirements they had not yet taken effect so the Department of Energy (DOE) argues it's not weakening the standards because the regulations weren't in effect.

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See this letter recently signed by 14 Senators that reiterates Congress’ intent and their outrage over DOE’s failure to follow the law.

New Energy Study: https://www.ase.org/news/new-report-potential-energy-efficiency-programs-deliver-more-savings-properly-valuing-lighting 

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