How many politicians does it take to change a light bulb? One,
if he’s the president of the United States. Fresh off a
legislative victory on Capitol Hill, where the House passed
legislation intended to address global warming and transform the
way the nation produces and uses energy, President Obama
announced Monday that he is setting new standards for
fluorescent and incandescent lighting as part of a series of
steps to promote energy efficiency across the country. “I know
light bulbs may not seem sexy,’’ Mr. Obama said during a brief
appearance at the White House. “But this simple action holds
enormous promise, because 7 percent of all the energy consumed
in America is used to light our homes and our businesses.’’ Mr.
Obama has made energy efficiency a centerpiece of his domestic
policy agenda, with the goal of increasing gas mileage for cars
and decreasing the emission of greenhouse gases that scientists
say are warming the planet. He hailed the House bill, which
passed narrowly and must still gain approva