Rep. Caswell offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 254.

            A resolution to urge the United States President, Congress, and Environmental Protection Agency to study and fund compact fluorescent lamp recycling and disposal programs to prevent mercury pollution.

            Whereas, In December, 2007, the United States President and Congress enacted H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, to reduce the country's energy consumption. Under the law, the use of energy-draining incandescent light bulbs will be phased out beginning in 2012. Incandescent light bulbs, which are the standard in homes throughout the country, require relatively large amounts of electricity to produce light, generate a substantial amount of heat that wastes energy, and require frequent replacement; and

            Whereas, Energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are the likely replacement for incandescent bulbs. CFLs produce light using one quarter of the energy of an incandescent bulb, while wasting less energy through heat loss. CFLs also last about 5 to 15 times longer than incandescent bulbs. As CFL use increases, the country will save energy and avoid emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric power plants; and

            Whereas, The energy savings of CFLs are indisputable. But, CFLs are not environmentally benign. Mercury is an essential component of CFLs and the reason the bulb is an efficient light source. Each CFL contains about 5 milligrams of mercury sealed in the glass tube. The mercury in individual CFLs does not pose a significant health risk; and

            Whereas, However, CFLs that are not recycled or properly disposed of will accumulate in landfills throughout the country. Landfills provide optimal conditions for the mercury in mercury-containing products to leech out and potentially contaminate soil and water. Mercury in water bodies poses a health risk to humans and wildlife; and

            Whereas, Clearly, The country must reduce its energy consumption. Replacing energy-wasting incandescent bulbs with CFLs is prudent. However, the government must devote adequate resources to develop effective CFL recycling options and disposal methods to prevent the mercury in CFLs from polluting the nation's soil and water; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the United States President, Congress, and Environmental Protection Agency to study and fund compact fluorescent lamp recycling and disposal programs to prevent mercury pollution; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the members of the Michigan congressional delegation, and the Office of the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.