Posted on 12/26/2013 4:33:05 AM PST by IbJensen
If your New Year’s resolution is to change your light bulbs, don’t worry—the federal government’s here to help.
Beginning January 1, 2014, the federal government will ban the use of 60-watt and 40-watt incandescent light bulbs. The light bulb has become a symbol in the fight for consumer freedom and against unnecessary governmental interference into the lives of the American people.
2007, Congress passed and President George W. Bush signed into law an energy bill that placed stringent efficiency requirements on ordinary incandescent bulbs in an attempt to have them completely eliminated by 2014. The law phased out 100-watt and 75-watt incandescent bulbs last year.
Proponents of government-imposed efficiency standards and regulations will say, “So what? There are still plenty of lighting options on the shelves at Home Depot; we’re saving families money; and we’re reducing harmful climate change emissions.”
The “so what” is that the federal government is taking decisions out of the hands of families and businesses, destroying jobs, and restricting consumer choice in the market. We all have a wide variety of preferences regarding light bulbs. It is not the role of the federal government to override those preferences with what it believes is in our best interest.
Families understand how energy costs impact their lives and make decisions accordingly. Energy efficiency has improved dramatically over the past six decades—long before any national energy efficiency mandates.
If families and firms are not buying the most energy-efficient appliance or technology, it is not that they are acting irrationally; they simply have budget constraints or other preferences such as comfort, convenience, and product quality. A family may know that buying an energy-efficient product will save them money in the long term, but they have to prioritize their short-term expenses. Those families operating from paycheck to paycheck may want to opt for a cheaper light bulb and more food instead of a more expensive light bulb and less food.
Some may read this and think: Chill out—it’s just a light bulb. But it’s not just a light bulb. Take a look at the Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program. Basically anything that uses electricity or water in your home or business is subject to an efficiency regulation.
When the market drives energy efficiency, it saves consumers money. The more the federal government takes away decisions that are better left to businesses and families, the worse off we’re going to be.
Has anyone else noticed that these pieces of crap last but a short time. Further, their illumination leaves much to be desired and they’re costly too. Like our Christmas ornaments they are made in Godless China.
Then his bully pulpit was hidden from him.
No.. It was Fred Upton (Rino) that created the bill if memory serves me right.
I expect every single congressional office, every single room in the wh, and every single room in all federal buildings to comply.
If its good enough for us Plebes, its good enough for gubmint.
I bought 60 bulbs last week...a few year’s supply, but nowhere near a lifetime. My biggest problem is I have ‘can lights’ in my house. These suckers are expensive...I splurged for a dozen. Oh...the base of the CFL does get hot, which is particularly a problem for can lights...screw the political class, and give me back my light bulbs.
umm they are 13 bucks according to HD’s site.
Congress, like cockroaches, do their best work in the dark.
That’s just how I think this thing will end up because it is just another unpopular “Prohibition” and should be repealed before somebody gets hurt!
What kills me is that even with electing more TEA party people, we cannot get this repealed. And if we can’t do this, why should we expect us to be able to do anything?!?
Do you know if they work well in enclosed track lighting fixtures? I have heard they build up heat, especially in a downward facing attitude.
I can see it now; the libs I argue with regularly will ask why I would be against anything that will stimulate the economy. It will be a boon to the lampshade industry. They are so predictable.
Yes, what to get for all the can style lights??
Some guy has gotten arouond the law at least for now. He has a bulb called Newcandescent that can still be bought legally.
Show Al Gore's mansions and ask how much energy went into the construction.
It's not just the stuff that comes out of the wall and flows into wires. It takes energy to build the stuff that goes into swimming pools like Gore has... and all the cars he owns. (Show picture of car factory, building materials factory, mining operations to make steal and car parts... etc)
The reason liberal elites want us to sit in the dark is so they can fly around the world in jets, with gold jewelry dripping from their girlfriends and boyfriends bodies... while feeling superior. (show pictures of gold mines and mining operations)
The more energy the middle class does without, the more luxurious liberal elite excess feels to them.
That's what liberal elites live for... feeling superior - while having it all... And while liberal elites are wasting more energy than most of us will use in a lifetime, they leave off the Christmas lights for an hour to feel morally superior...or drive a Prius...Hello Larry David - I'm talking about you...
And we've fallen for their bullsh*t...
Well, so far, I tried to use them in a kitchen light fixture and the etched glass shield wouldn’t fit. And I have a small collection of accent lamps, one that was made for me, where they shade has that thingy inside that’s made to slide over the bulb..so no luck there, not with cfl’s anyway. So far, I’ve been able to use bulbs that I stocked up on before..and they haven’t banned the 25 or lower ones...yet.
Does anyone use these things with a dimmer switch? I remember early on that they weren’t meant for that kind of use..hopefully, that is no longer the case. Al Gore and GE can flat out step off as far as I’m concerned..
Thanks!!!
The problem is the majority is still dem or RINO. Requires more TEA party elected.
Same here. With my purchases over the last two years, and at my age (64), I figure I have a lifetime supply of incandescent bulbs.
They advertise themselves as the opposition to Big GuvCo statists while fund raising and campaigning, yet they ARE BIG GuvCo statists once in office.
The big alphabet agencies and their legions of unelected bureaucrats who write the regulations that tie and bind US, restrict and ban the things we enjoy while monitoring everything we say and do, are as much the Republicans' creation as they are the demonrats' fault.
Whether kinder, gentler or in your face, both tell us to keep those donations and votes comin' in exchange for our constitutional republic. Oh, and here...have some free stuff...that's really your American birthright. Now, gimme those illegal light bulbs!
Where there's a will, there's always a way.
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