BRIGHT Act

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 442) to amend title 40, United States Code, to require the Administrator of General Services to procure the most lifecycle cost effective and energy efficient lighting products and to issue guidance on the efficiency, effectiveness, and economy of those products, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 442.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 442, the BRIGHT Act. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee marked up the companion bill, H.R. 7636, introduced by Representative Titus, earlier this summer.

This legislation encourages the General Services Administration to use the most up-to-date and efficient lighting for all routine maintenance, alterations, and construction and gives GSA the flexibility to choose the most efficient option for each installation.

Additionally, this bill asks that GSA provide guidance to Federal agencies and State, local, and Tribal entities on how cost-effective and energy-efficient lighting systems can help achieve broader efficiency goals.

While the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 did include guidelines for energy-efficient light bulb utilization, GSA managers are not incentivized to choose the most energy and cost-efficient options in procurements.

By directing GSA to acquire and use the most cost-and energy- efficient lighting systems practicable over the life cycles of the systems, this legislation aims to maximize resource conservation and use of taxpayer dollars in all GSA lighting procurements.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus).

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, S. 442, the BRIGHT Act, ensures the General Services Administration, GSA, updates building lighting systems with the most life cycle cost-effective and energy-efficient options, so long as the change does not interfere with productivity and is a cost-effective retrofit.

It also requires GSA to issue guidance to other Federal agencies on deploying these lighting systems and make the information available to State, local, and Tribal government entities.

Updating outdated lighting systems with the most cost-effective and energy-efficient options will lessen the Federal Government's energy bill, saving taxpayers money. Efficient lighting systems tend to be lower-cost solutions with higher return on investment. This is commonsense legislation that ensures that lighting updates are made only if a retrofit is cost-effective.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of the legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, the BRIGHT Act will implement only cost- effective retrofits that will save taxpayers money and lower the Federal Government's energy bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, based on the bipartisan backing in the House and the Senate, I think it is appropriate to say we can call this bill a bright idea. It will make public buildings more energy efficient and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent as judiciously as possible.

Simply put, the BRIGHT Act directs the GSA to procure the most life cycle cost-effective and energy-efficient lighting in public buildings to the extent practicable.

Recognizing that each installation is unique, and that technology is ever changing, this bill doesn't endorse, nor does it prohibit any specific technology, but rather, guides the GSA to purchase and pursue the most efficient option which will save millions when fully implemented.

For example, simply replacing compact fluorescent downlight lamps and linear fluorescent lamps with LEDs could save taxpayers up to $15.6 million every year.

I am proud to sponsor the House companion to this House Resolution that is led by Senators Peters and Johnson. It promotes taxpayer savings at all levels of government and is good for the planet.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.