Let there be (incandescent) light!

You wish you lived in Texas. It’s okay to admit it.

The measure, sent to Gov. Rick Perry for consideration, lets any incandescent light bulb manufactured in Texas – and sold in that state – avoid the authority of the federal government or the repeal of the 2007 energy independence act that starts phasing out some incandescent light bulbs next year.

“Let there be light,” state Rep. George Lavender, R-Texarkana, wrote on Facebook after the bill passed. “It will allow the continued manufacture and sale of incandescent light bulbs in Texas, even after the federal ban goes into effect. … It’s a good day for Texas.”

The Natural Resources Defense Council, a New York-based environmental group, is calling on Perry to veto the bill.

“The Texas legislation is designed to showcase the state’s independence,” said Bob Keefe, senior press secretary with the council. “But what it really shows off is how some politicians in the Lone Star State will do anything to score political points – even if it means echoing misinformation and wasting time and money passing legislation that can’t practically be implemented and isn’t in the best interest of constituents.”

Perry has until Sunday to veto bills, sign them into law or let them become law without his signature.

Gov. Perry didn’t veto this one. So we can keep on using non-hazardous light bulbs that are actually bright enough to read by.