SC House debates keeping incandescent bulbs

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina legislators wanting to keep traditional incandescent lights available to consumers are arguing over the side benefits of the bulbs — warmth and cooking power.

The Incandescent Light Bulb Freedom Act came up for debate Wednesday for the first time in the House. It would allow state manufacturers to continue making the bulbs after federal energy efficiency laws phase them out in favor of lower wattage models.

Critics say the incandescent bulbs waste energy and generate too much heat.

But Republican state Rep. Mike Pitts of Laurens said that heat can be used for other things such as keep doghouses warm in the winter and baking small cakes in Easy-Bake Ovens.

The South Carolina law would allow the manufacture and sale of the bulbs inside the state only.

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