Senator Thomas offered the following concurrent resolution:

            Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 23.

            A concurrent resolution to urge that, beginning immediately, all light bulb replacements in state-owned buildings be compact fluorescent light bulbs.

            Whereas, Dramatic increases in energy prices and the state's economic situation have increased the importance of reducing energy costs incurred by state government. The government of the state of Michigan consumes a vast amount of energy, particularly in the operation of state buildings. According to the Michigan Department of Management and Budget, annual utility bills for the executive branch of government alone account for over $100 million. State building lighting represents a significant chunk of state government energy consumption; and

            Whereas, Energy-efficient lighting provides both environmental and fiscal benefits. Compact fluorescent light bulbs preserve precious energy resources, reduce the risks of global warming, and save money. Compact fluorescent light bulbs typically use only a quarter of the energy that an incandescent would and put out only a fraction of the heat that incandescent bulbs put out. Additionally, a compact fluorescent light bulb lasts about 5 to 15 times longer than a standard incandescent bulb. The less electricity a building consumes for lighting and cooling, the less power that must be generated by coal- and natural gas-fired plants that produce carbon dioxide, one of the main gases blamed for global warming. Additionally, using less energy saves money on electricity bills; and

            Whereas, Executive Directive 2005-4 directs state agencies to evaluate the feasibility of converting to more energy-efficient lighting systems, including goals for making cost-effective lighting efficiency improvements that reduce electricity costs and maintain illumination quality; and

            Whereas, Australia, the Canadian province of Ontario, and many American states have established policies to reduce or prohibit the use of incandescent light bulbs. The Governor of Massachusetts has ordered state agencies to replace incandescent light bulbs with fluorescents to save electricity and cut power-plant emissions blamed for global warming. The Massachusetts Governor's Office estimates that changing 1,000 bulbs in the Massachusetts State House will save $15,000 a year in electricity usage and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 56 tons. Incandescent light bulbs have served humanity well; however, it is time to eliminate the use of these inefficient light bulbs; and

            Whereas, Surely, it is wise for the state of Michigan to do all it can to protect the environment, conserve energy, and save money. Replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs is fiscally and environmentally wise; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we urge that, beginning immediately, all light bulb replacements in state-owned buildings be compact fluorescent light bulbs; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor of the state of Michigan, the State Building Authority, and the director of the Department of Management and Budget.