WASHINGTON — How many lawmakers does it take to change a light bulb?
An effort under way to illuminate the U.S. Capitol dome with more energy-efficient lighting is looking for the answer.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., wants to make Congress a shining example of environmental responsibility. But Republicans say the $1 million-plus price tag is too costly.
Jeff Ventura, a spokesman for the House chief administrative officer, said the lighting project has"far less to do with saving money in the short term on our energy bill . . . but has everything to do with setting a bold energy-saving example for the rest of the country."
But doing so isn't as simple as changing the bulbs. A lighting consultant was hired, at a cost of $671,900, to come up with system that would not only save energy but also celebrate the Capitol's "unique identity" and "enliven the visual experience" of all those who view it, according to the House posting for a consultant.
The dome's exterior now is lighted by 38 1,000-watt metal halide lamps installed 20 years ago.They will be replaced by 128 lighting fixtures. But with the new bulbs ranging from 35 watts to 210 watts - and with advancements in technology - the project's designer expects the lighting to use 70 percent less energy.
The top of the dome first was illuminated during the 19th century with gas lamps, according to the Architect of the Capitol's office. Electric lighting arrived in time for Woodrow Wilson's second inauguration in 1917. The Capitol was lighted every night during World War I to "inspire the patriotic sentiments of visitors and troops passing through the city," but the dome wasblacked out during World War II.
The lights were also turned off briefly during the 1973 energy crisis.
Replacing the dome's lighting system is the centerpiece of Pelosi's Green the Capitol initiative - which has introduced biodegradable utensils and compostable containers in the House cafeterias. The menus in the House members' dining room are printed on recycled paper.
House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, complained that it would take 50 years to generate enough energy savings to recoup the costs.
Front Section, Pages 12 on 08/23/2009