Come Jan.1, 2012, we will no longer be able to purchase (legally) 100 Watt Incandescent light bulbs. However, what will we replace those with?
Yes, we can get 100W (effective output) CFL's. But they cost more, and, have to be handled as hazardous material when they burn out or break (there is a bit of mercury inside them). Not only that, 10 states and numerous local jurisdictions prohibit the disposal of CFL's. Yes, sometimes they can be recycled, but not in all areas. Additionally, sometimes those 100 watt corkscrew light bulbs don't fit into the same fixtures as incandescents.
Then there are the latest, L.E.D light bulbs. They are cool and put out some great light. However, the replacement for the 10 Watt incandescent will cost above $50. How many of us are going to spring for $50 light bulbs when we can hoard incandescents? And in 2014, we will no longer be able to purchase incandescent bulbs of 40W or higher. Of course, those bulbs only cost around $30.
But don't worry, GE, one of the major manucturers (who by the way manufactures these bulbs in China as are most CFL's) will be able to add that $50 a bulb to its $billions of profits that it pays no Federal taxes on. And remember, those American plants that made bulbs were shut down. But Jeffrey is one of the presidents good friends.
Who can we blame on this. Why liberals of course and the knee jerk reaction to global warming hyperbole. But wait, wasn't the legislation written/sponsored by a republican, Upton? And isn't he now a committee chair that will impact energy more. And, of course, Bush signed it into law.
It is just further proof that poorly thought out legislation, no matter how well intentioned, can damage more than it helps. Just like corn ethanol, which has resulted in higher food costs as well as costs directly to taxpayers, and, of course, higher fuel costs, these overly expensive light bulbs are a dramatic illustration of why we cannot legislate technology breakthroughs that are economically viable. (Of course, the history of the Soviet Union should stand as an example, but, unfortunately, people refuse to learn from history).
So, we will just continue to go down a road that, while intended to improve our lives, will actually make them less tolerable. Wonder what the next thing to go will be?
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