SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) — California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced April 18 that he has joined the California Energy Commission and six attorneys general in filing a motion to intervene in a lawsuit related to energy saving light bulb regulations.
“If industry special interests are unwilling to accept commonsense energy efficiency rules, California stands ready to protect businesses and consumers,” Becerra said. “These simple light bulb rules have an outsized impact. Consumers save billions of dollars on their electric bills and we eliminate millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions.”
The regulations broaden the definition of a category of lamp in determining energy standards. Under the regulations, incandescent light bulbs are adherent to stringent energy standards. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is challenging the regulations, which were enacted by the U.S. Department of Energy.
The coalition’s motion was filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Joining California were the attorneys general of Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia.
"This action demonstrates California's continued commitment to a world of cleaner energy," said Energy Commission Chairman Robert B. Weisenmiller. "Energy efficiency standards are the first step to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The reduction of wasteful energy use saves consumers money and benefits the environment while strengthening the economy.”