Our work on light bulbs wasn't an arbitrary mandate. We didn't just pick a standard out of the air, or look for a catchy sounding standard like 25 by 2025 not based in science or feasibility. Instead, we worked with both industry and environmental groups to come up with a standard that made sense and was doable.

In this quote, Fred Upton emphasizes that the work on developing standards for light bulbs was not a random decision or a marketing ploy, but a carefully thought-out process based on science and feasibility. Upton highlights the importance of working with both industry and environmental groups to create a standard that was not only practical but also aligned with the needs of both the market and the environment. His statement stresses that the goal was to find a balance between innovation and sustainability.

Upton's comment criticizes the idea of creating standards that are merely catchy or arbitrary, such as the slogan-like goals of "25 by 2025," which may sound appealing but lack a solid foundation in science. Instead, Upton advocates for standards that are grounded in real-world considerations and backed by thorough collaboration between stakeholders. This approach ensures that the standards set are both achievable and meaningful.

The origin of this quote stems from Upton's role in policy-making and his work in shaping standards related to energy efficiency. As a member of Congress, Upton was involved in legislation related to energy conservation and the regulation of products like light bulbs. His experience in working with both government and private sectors allowed him to advocate for practical, well-researched standards that could drive meaningful change.

Ultimately, Upton’s message underscores the importance of creating policies that are not only ambitious but also rooted in science and collaboration. It highlights that successful environmental and industry standards should be both visionary and achievable, ensuring that the solutions implemented are sustainable and effective in the long term.