some unintended consequences. higher prices for consumers and some say the loss of jobs in the u.s. republican congresswoman joe barden says the law leaves consumers with too few options. >> al gore doesn't need to worry about how much his light bulbs cost, but the average american family, especially fixed income families, low income families, that does make a difference. >> reporter: he has introduced a measure to strip the new light bulb inefficiency standard from the law. >> this is going to be the first light bulb which is going to be phased out. >> reporter: meanwhile, hardware stores and manufacturers across the country are already preparing for the end of the thomas edison light bulb and what that means for business. >> it might be a little more investment but the amount of electricity that you're going to be saving more than pays for the light bulb. >> and how long it lasts? >> and how long it lasts. >> reporter: according to an industry group, sales of