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Doug Krizner: Let there be light — just so long as it’s not coming from a traditional light bulb. This week, the EPA begins a nationwide tour to promote the benefits of energy-efficient bulbs. And Congress may make dim the days of the traditional bulb. Here’s Sam Eaton from the Marketplace Sustainability Desk.

Sam Eaton: Congress is expected to vote on its broad energy package this month. And the bill will likely include a provision that could change lighting as we know it.

The aim is to phase out energy-sucking incandescent bulbs in favor of more efficient models. Compact fluorescents, for example, use 75 percent less energy. And instead of an outright ban on traditional bulbs, environmental groups and manufactures are pushing a more market-friendly solution.

Lowell Ungar is with the Alliance to Save Energy:

Lowell Ungar: We want to set a performance standard that will save electricity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and then let the manufacturers compete on how they can best meet it.

Ungar says not only would that save consumers billions of dollars in energy costs, it would also spur a new wave of lighting innovation. Everything from energy efficient makeovers of the old incandescent bulbs to super-efficient LED’s.

In Los Angeles, I’m Sam Eaton for Marketplace.