There Will Still Be Light in Texas

As the country descends into murky florescent darkness, it will still be light in Texas (h/t Say Anything):

State lawmakers have passed a bill that allows Texans to skirt federal efforts to promote more efficient light bulbs, which ultimately pushes the swirled, compact fluorescent bulbs over the 100-watt incandescent bulbs many grew up with.

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.”

This takes Texas-manufactured bulbs out from under the authority of the Commerce Clause...as long as they're only sold in Texas. I wonder if lightbulb stores will suddenly appear near the Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico borders?