House Revolt: Don't Take My Lights!

Bravo to the architect of the Capitol for slashing energy costs with new efficient equipment, making the air better by planting 175 trees, and going green in new car and truck purchases. But, say staffers, let's not make it hard to read. That's what some in the Ford House Office Building say as Capitol electricians are going office to office replacing old incandescent bulbs with fluorescents. One Hill aide says electricians are also removing two of four fluorescent bulbs in ceiling fixtures, then offering efficient desk lamps. That's prompted some to post signs on their doors reading: "Please don't take my lights." The architect's office says that's not likely, though there is a strong effort to cut energy consumption. "We are not taking every other bulb out to save money," says a spokeswoman, turning the spotlight on what may be just a bad rumor.