Posted on 06/01/2011 11:47:04 AM PDT by Conservative Coulter Fan
If one enjoys having a well-lit home at a reasonable price, one best run to the nearest hardware store and stock up on traditional incandescent light bulbs as if they were going out of style. Because due a 2007 decision by President George W. Bush, the common incandescent light bulb will be officially so last year in 2012. What is the government approved substitute? A light bulb producing over 100 watts (the equivalent of a typical incandescent light bulb) which meets the new energy efficient standards proposed in Section 301 of the “Energy and Security Act of 2007.” The government has not simply turned trend-setter, but into the light bulb police.
A popular alternative to America’s current staple are “compact fluorescent lights,” CFLs; however, these bulbs pose more health risks than a pair of towering stilettos. CFLs are composed of toxic mercury vapors, leading to possible mercury poisoning if broken. The EPA has published extensive directions on how to clean up a mercury spill from broken CFLs. The bulbs also have strong “radiation-emitting electromagnetic fields” and produce “dirty electricity”, which can increase ones risk of cancer fivefold. CFLs have been linked to “severe neurological damage”, leading to migraines and epileptic fits. The lifespan of these bulbs, once heralded as extraordinarily long lasting, have been exaggerated by over 30%.
The organic fad has gone from food, to clothes, and now to light bulbs; Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) won’t poison you like CFLs, but could bankrupt you. OLEDs are tough to produce, because unless the oxygen-sensitive chemicals used are sealed just so, they will spoil, leading to higher production costs.
The Light Emitting Diode (LEDs) is the best knockoff of the traditional light bulb so far. The strongest LED to date will hit stores later this year, from Royal Phillips Electronics NV. It produces the same amount of light as a 75 watt incandescent bulb would, and clocks in between $40 to $45. Families who struggle to pay $0.93 for a pack of four 100 watt incandescent bulbs may be out of luck when the new law takes effect next year.
America was built on a foundation of limited government, individualism, and a free market. Healthy competition has always ensured that the best product won out, so why, as Senator DeMint points out, is Washington “picking winners and losers in the marketplace and micromanaging how Americans live their lives”? Both the BULB Act by Senators DeMint and Enzi and Rep. Bachmann’s Light Bulb Freedom of Choice Act would repeal the 2007 ban, but have been referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power, with no word since.
Has America recanted her free market ideology? If the government continues on its increasingly nanny-like path, stiletto heels could be the next to go, because they could be construed as inefficient to walk in and pose a possible safety risk. Then the government will turn into the fashion police.
A decision by George Bush??? Well he did sign the bill passed by Congress but its hardly all his idea.
Gee, that's great, energy efficient.Ever read the 3 PAGE EPA tutorial on how to clean up a broken bulb and the precautions one must take before doing so?
3 pages.
“Organic Light Emitting Diodes”
A jar full of lighting bugs?
So now we're back to mercury in every household.
Sometimes it is indeed Bush’s fault. He was terrible.
I don’t like the government dictating what light bulb to use. On the other hand, in the 15 years since I switched to all CFLs, I figure I have saved at lease $2,000. Except for the slight delay in reaching full illumination, the light level has always been fine for my needs. I have given all my incandescent bulbs to a friend who is convinced that he is sensitive to the electromagnetic issues pertaining to CFLs. So my personal advice is save money if you can and find the light level OK, but use incandescents if they are better for you, and lobby Congress for freedom of choice.
Has America recanted her free market ideology?
Where the he11 has the writer been?
Last year it was ammo stock up...this year its incandescent bulbs.
I’m looking at preserving buckets of lard for the future next... :]
what gets me is that most people are completely unaware about the light bulb ban, AND equally unaware of the proper CFL disposal. So this is a toxic mess waiting to happen.
Let’s not forget that it is called the “ENERGY INDEPENDENCE and SECURITY ACT OF 2007”.
Independence. Hmmm.
Some years ago I began telling friends and acquaintances that, if they find a product they like they should by a lot of it. If they really like it, they should buy a life-time supply.
Just another example of our out of control Federal government, passing unconstitutional laws. The feds have no authority to control what type of light bulbs are produced in this country or the type of bulb consumers chose to use.
“The bulbs also have strong “radiation-emitting electromagnetic fields” and produce “dirty electricity”, which can increase ones risk of cancer fivefold.”
The above is unsubstantiated Junk Science - right up there with Global warming.
“CFLs have been linked to “severe neurological damage”, leading to migraines and epileptic fits.”
This isn’t due to the technology itself, but rather the flicker that older lights had. Same effect as a blinking red light. Most of the population won’t care about this.
I have switched too. Not because they are ‘greener’ but because they are so much cooler and last 10 times longer. The 6 canister lights in our kitchen used 150 watt flood lights which made it miserably hot in the summer. Now I use a 200 watt equivalent CFL and the heat is insignificant. I could care lees how much money it saves, I just hate changing light bulbs.
I actually try to do that. Last year I found a pair of Adidas I really like. Bought two pair - one is on the top shelf of the closet waiting for the other pair to wear out. A few weeks ago I bought some socks at Walmart that turned out to be not only cheap but the most comfortable socks I've ever had. Bought 25 pairs.
Mainly I just hate shopping, so this means I have to do less of it.
Already done. I bought cases and cases of each wattage many months ago.
A decision by George Bush??? Well he did sign the bill passed by Congress but its hardly all his idea.
W did not whip out his veto pen until he was 7/8 of the way through his double term...another reason to be upset with him.
As opposed to what? He was a heck of a lot better than the bozo before or after him.
I’ve tried CFLs. Another turd from the Liberals. Dim, takes 5 minutes to warm-up, full of mercury when they break, cost three times the cost of incandescents. I will be buying my bulbs in bulk by mail from Mexico, Canada, or China, thank you.
Oh, and let’s not forget that CFLs do not fit into existing light bases and appliances without looking like cheap props from “Commander Cody of the Space Patrol!”
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