House GOP Delays Light Bulb Ban Until October
- Posted on December 17, 2011 at 7:27am by
Madeleine Morgenstern
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House Republicans reached a deal to postpone until October enforcement of energy standards that many fear will be the end of 100-watt bulbs and fill stores with more expensive curlicue fluorescents.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans in Congress are flipping the dimmer switch on a law that sets new energy-savings standards for light bulbs.
They’ve reached a deal to delay until October enforcement of standards that some fear will bring about the end of old-style 100-watt bulbs. GOP lawmakers say they‘re trying to head off more government interference in people’s lives.
(Related: Fed Light Bulb Ban Forces ‘Easy Bake Oven’ Redesign!)
But environmentalists and the light bulb industry say the move is not too bright.
Language postponing enforcement of the light bulb law – it was set to take effect Jan. 1 – was included in a massive spending bill that funds the government through September. The House passed the measure on Friday, with approval expected Saturday in the Senate.
Rep. Fred Upton, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said the light bulb delay shows Congress is listening to the American people.
“We heard the message loud and clear,” said Upton, R-Mich. “Americans don’t want government standards determining how they light their homes.”
Upton said he was not opposed to the more efficient – and expensive- curlicue fluorescents that have become increasingly familiar in recent years. But he said government should not penalize those who prefer traditional, incandescent bulbs.
“New lighting options are great news for the public, but the lesson is that markets and consumer demand are the best drivers of innovation and new choices,” Upton said.
Sen. Jeff Bingaman, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said the move would have little practical consequence, since it does not affect a 2007 law that requires manufacturers to produce or import more efficient bulbs. The five largest light bulb manufacturers have already switched to making and selling the more efficient bulbs, Bingaman said, so the enforcement delay only serves to confuse the public.
“Blocking funds to enforce minimum standards works against our nation getting the full benefits of energy efficiency,” said Bingaman, D-N.M., a key sponsor of the 2007 law, which was signed by President George W. Bush.
A group representing light bulb manufacturers spoke out against the delay, which applies only to 100-watt bulbs. Tighter standards for 75-watt bulbs take effect in 2013, and lower wattage bulbs must be more efficient by 2014.
“American manufacturers have invested millions of dollars in energy-efficient light bulbs,” said Joseph Higbee, a spokesman for the National Electric Manufacturers Association, which represents 95 percent U.S. light bulb makers.
Delaying enforcement of the standards “undermines those investments and creates regulatory uncertainty and consumer confusion,” he said, adding that a lack of federal enforcement “allows bad actors to sell noncompliant products” to consumers who may be unable to tell the difference between an energy-efficient bulb and one that isn’t.
The new law blocks the Energy Department from enforcing efficiency standards, but it does not prevent states from enforcing their own standards.
Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, called the light-bulb provision “an early Christmas present for all Americans” and said it strikes a blow against expensive fluorescents that he said are not as reliable as the old-style incandescents that have changed little since Thomas Edison’s day.
“This means Americans can continue to flip the switch on an affordable and reliable product, instead of turning to one that costs five times more and may not live up to manufacturers’ promises,” said Barton, a former House Energy chairman who opposed the 2007 law and has worked to overturn it ever since.
Jim Presswood, federal energy policy director for the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental group, called the GOP-backed delay dimwitted.
“It’s just a completely ridiculous move by Congress,” Presswood said. “It undermines the ability of the Energy Department to enforce standards that are going to give consumers tremendous savings as well as reduce pollution.”
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Comments (206)
Casca
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:57amI‘ve stocked up on the regular ’old style’ bulbs. Enough to last me my lifetime. I must have 400 each type, 100 watt, 75, 60, etc. I won’t use these stupid new bulbs. I did try a 60 watt one, the thing did NOT provide the same amount of brightness or type of light as the older style regular bulb.
Report Post »Eliasim
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 9:09amGood thing, because apparently the government thinks that people can afford $10 plus light-bulbs, all while the real true unemployment is going up, and inflation is beginning to affect people all while their mortgage payments are getting harder and harder to make. The light-bulb ban will amount to much more foreclosures.
Report Post »Eliasim
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 9:13amNot only that, but when the ban goes into affect (which is legal extortion), then they will double and triple the price of the lights.
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 9:20amTime to break up some of these New, Safe, Mercury containing dimbulbs, and send them to every legislator that vote FOR this ban. To their homes, where their wives and children live. Any spillage will have to be reported to the EPA and Hazmat teams will have to be dispatched to Their homes. Maybe to their official offices also, so their staffers can advise them as they did regarding banning the older technology. If these new bulbs are safe then there will be no problem. Right?
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 9:48amThe only reason this law is being delayed : campaign issue/topic for the election.
Me personally, I have through MY OWN CHOICE have experimented with these bulbs since the late 70′s. I have re-lamped my house; initially with cfl’s and now 50% of the house has Edison style LED’s.
Report Post »I have told my adult children that if we are to die, get in the house and grab all of the LED’s …the life expectancy is 20-30 yrs.
bhohater
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 10:04amScrew the new ones, and I mean out. New is not always better. They work okay in some places, like basements, closets, and outside lights, but to read, shave, or cut your toenails you need the old ones.
Report Post »braindamage
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 10:20amHay you to can conserve juice make sure that you buy some dimmer switches before the gov forces us to high light syndrome
Report Post »truecolorpatriot
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 11:09amThat’s Right!!! Keep the old bulbs. You can have (2) 60 watt bulbs and the 100 watt is still much brighter. I don’t want to be controlled by the government on what I use for light bulbs. Life is simple and my pay check only goes so far. When I‘m in a room I want it to be as bright as possible and if I’m not, I and my family shut the light off. How simple and profound it that. Tell the liberals they can keep there socialist dim lighting. It’s like there life. dim
Report Post »P.S. I only buy 100 watt light bulbs. And adjust my fixtures accordingly.
Polwatcher
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 11:51amLeave it to the EPA to outlaw safe bulbs that have been made in the USA and have been in use for over 100 years while forcing us to use bulbs that contain poisonous mercury requiring hazmat treatment if one breaks in the home. These new bulbs will certainly pollute our environment with mercury at disposal sites and in the homes.
I think this is a result of Chinese lobbying so they could put our american bulb mfrs. out of business and poison us at the same time.
Report Post »barnsy
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 12:12pmThe energy saving fluorescents remind me of Washington politicians…they are both dim bulbs.
Report Post »Bluebonnet
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 12:41pmWhen the spiral things first came out and we thought we were saving energy, I bought a few for the bathroom lighting. Those darn things keep burning out faster than a regular bulb. Then I worry about dropping one and causing a worse environmental problem in my house, they are very toxic.
Report Post »Hmmm? I did the same about stocking up on regular bulbs because when these spiral things burn out completely, I will never buy another one. Too scarry for me. Who are we trying to save? The planet or ourselves?
Ruler4You
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 12:46pmDelayed until October? They just want to use the same ammunition against Americans time and again! Either STOP it or let it go. But I want my government to end the game of poke the tiger just for the political mileage they can get from it.
Report Post »oeaoho
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 1:09pmLOL, I have stocked up also CASCA. I am into art, and the old light bulbs are the only bulb that I can use to show the true color blending for my work.
Report Post »smackdown33
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 1:16pmGovernment is over stepping its bounds and coming closer to losing legitimacy.
Report Post »ErinLindsey
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 4:02pmWhen they signed this stupid bill into law taking away our Edison (incandescent) light bulbs, they didnt take people with low vision and certain medical conditions into account. A lot of people with low vision, or people with MS and fibro and lupus have some problems with the light emitted by the CFLs. It can cause pain for some.
My personal experience, I have MS, and had vision problems with my MS. CFLs cause me pain in my optic nerve when I’m in a flare. Which is extremely painful. Plus, the light is horrible. I have problems seeing in fluorescent light. It’s too dim to my eyes sometimes, or too bright and harsh other times.
I wish the government would stop trying to save us from ourselves. It’s painful and expensive.
Report Post »thetreyman
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 4:56pmwhile they are at it they can stop regulating washing machines, shower heads, toilets, carpet, tvs, computers, radios, and on, and on, and on.
Report Post »proudinfidel54
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 4:59pmRemember when the new bulbs came out, the argument was that we would save money because they lasted so long, well I been having the same 70 watt incondecent bulb in my bathroom for over 3 years (and it stays on constently. but in my livingroom I have changed the new bulb 4 times in the same 3 years.
Report Post »thetreyman
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 5:30pmcfls dont last when you turn them on and off a lot. the incandescent bulbs will last longer if you leave them on but consume more energy. they seem to pop the same way though, always when you turn them on. at least thats what i have noticed. dont know much about the leds but from what other people say they work fairly well. i may buy a couple and try them out.
Report Post »JMorcan
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 7:22pmI bought one of the new bulbs last year. It cost three times as much, was about half as bright, and lasted 1/3 as long. Never again.
Report Post »chfields62
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 7:45pmI stock up every trip to Lowes or Home depot, I buy them by the case. F&^% the damn government, keep your dumba%$ out of my life……………….
Report Post »Salamander
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 7:59pmYou wouldn’t believe the number of people that pack their household goods in a container, leave the bulbs in the lamps and remove the shades. The lamps jounce around and smack against the side ot the container. Things fall and the lamps fall over. No problem–except–that the bulbs are, invariably, those expensive CFL’s! They end up with mercury dust scattered amongst their household items, their bureaus, their clothes, their bedding and blankets, their cleaning tools, their vacuum, their brooms, their sofas, chairs, kitchen table, etc! Yum, Yum! This is a ticking time-bomb of a disaster for these people! And, who do they have to thank? A STUPID, MIS-INFORMED Congress, Senate, Executive, Judiciary (why do they not point out the error of letting government make market decisions). Did you ever wonder why we have ‘separation of church and state’ (which is grossly misinterpreted by many), but NOT separation of business and state, commerce and state (not the ‘regulation’ but the commerce itself), banking and state, your business and my business and state (child protective ‘services’–what a joke–they need to make ‘quota’, just like RADAR hungry police in some areas (regulation of traffic and compliance with the law, for the public safety, is fine, making money for the local township is not!)? Let‘s get the government out of the ’CFL-promoting business’! Thank you GOP, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!
Report Post »jespasinthru
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 9:45pmOeaoho, I know exactly what you mean. If you don’t have bright, ambient sunlight to paint by, then regular 100-watt bulbs are the next best thing.
Report Post »TXPilot
Posted on December 18, 2011 at 2:13amSure, the idiots in Washington are throwing everyone a bone by delaying the light bulb ban. But don’t get your hopes up, because by the time they are finished, you won’t be able to afford the electricity to light your beloved bulb.
Report Post »WeDontNeedNoSteeninBadges06
Posted on December 18, 2011 at 2:29am“Rep. Fred Upton, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said the light bulb delay shows Congress is listening to the American people.”
Yet another ONE TRILLION DOLLAR SPENDING BILL shows Congress is NOT listening to the American people!
Report Post »Jomil48
Posted on December 18, 2011 at 7:01amI have stocked up as well, your not going to tell me what kind of light bulb I can use. G E can shove that light bulb up their hinder parts.
Report Post »Stuck_in_CA
Posted on December 18, 2011 at 8:37amThe GOP is gonna save the light bulb! I am soooo relieved!
Report Post »They’re still addicted to spending, witness the latest pos/crap sandwich they just passed.
atrain
Posted on December 19, 2011 at 10:22amRegarding the idea about smashing up the mercury filled bulbs and sending them to Congress. I love the irony of a person being charged with eco-terrorism using a “green” product. Only the government can create such irrational policies.
Report Post »teamarcheson
Posted on December 19, 2011 at 6:00pmThanks Congress, no after all the light bulb manufacturers have dismantled their manufacturing equipment and shipped it to China you change the law. We will dismantle you and ship you somewhere too. Congress and Obama have destroyed our nation and our future. There is no fixing it now.
Report Post »Overmanwarrior
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:56amI’m surprised they had the courage to make that much of a decision. Wow, they’re going to wait till October to take away something they have no right to object to. What a bunch of absent minded fools.
http://overmanwarrior.wordpress.com/2011/12/17/who-is-roger-tallblocke-meet-the-future-of-america/#comment-21320
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 9:57amOhio resident??
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 10:36amI have these new bulbs in my resaurant kitchen and restrooms, im telling you, they burnout just as often if not more than the standard bulbs….. Cut the federal Govt. By 75% and watch us boom !!!
Report Post »teamarcheson
Posted on December 19, 2011 at 6:02pmThe GOP does not really want to delay it, they are just doing it so they can say they did something. Have they introduced one repeal of Obama care yet? NO!
Report Post »let us prey
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:45amWow, light bulbs are going to fix the country. These clowns forgot the real problems. Maybe they should start with corrupt gov workers, failing education dept, border closure [immigration], economy, corrupt criminal justice dept, the list goes on. Losers.
Report Post »Miami
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:51amI’d be happy if those government works turn off the light when they left the office…
It‘s like they don’t pay the bill……..Oh wait, they don’t
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 9:07amWhat do you expect Republicans to do with a Democrat majority Senate and a commie in the White House? All they CAN do is nibble around the edges! If Republicans get the Senate, the White House and keep the House and nothing changes…then it’s time to raise holy hell!
Report Post »Miami
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:43amLED…,.,.,.,.,.,.,….LEDLEDLED…,..LEDLED
LED.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,LED.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.LED.,.,.,LRD
LED.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,LEDLED.,.,.,.,.,.,.LED.,.,.,LED
LED.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,LED.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.LED.,.,.,LED
LEDLEDLED.,.,.,.LEDLEDLED.,.,.,.LEDLED
Any color you want as bright as you want and half the power bill of fluorescents, last three times as long without the danger of mercury. They will pay for themselves in the first year…!
Report Post »Miami
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:48amIt/s not about saving the world…. (that is beyond us) but saving your pocket book
Report Post »MTNative
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 9:00amRemember Cost!. LED lights are very expensive, but very efficient. The question comes, at what point does the LED bulb cost less than a conventional due to savings on power bill. Standard LED Bulb is about $40 and this is about what you would save if the 75 watter were on 24/7 for a year. But who leaves an bulb on 24/7? I understand that LED Bulbs should never go out, but they will eventually. Also people in warmer climates lose nothing because the loss due to an incandescent bulb helps heat their home.
Report Post »Miami
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 9:18amYes and your power bill will drop like a rock, like I said they will pay for themselves and once they do the savings are yours. Or yoou can keep feeding the power company more so when your money is worth less and the bills go through the sky.
Report Post »Miami
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 9:23amOh and they last about ten years or more ( 30,000 hrs )
Report Post »Miami
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 9:34amOkay lets say you save $10 per month per bulb for ten years that about 1,200.00 per bulb
Are the expensive, I thenk not
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 10:02amMIAMI,
your cost savings are EXTREMELY conservative, yet are still impressive to those who may be unfamiliar with LED’s……..
Report Post »Miami
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 10:04amScarletRose
No my dear it is the point. Government is fighting a battle that has shifted with advancement of technology. While those moron are stuck on yesterday the world will and has moved on. That’s the whole point of free market ideals
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 10:07amMTNATIVE
I have a led clock that is over twenty years old. This clock has the original red LED’s. Of the 25 or so LED elements in the clock,ONE has ‘burned ’ out; this clock has been dropped many times and still works. A very big reason that i have been sold on LED’s.
Report Post »AxelPhantom
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 11:11amGerman Engineers have determined that these bulbs emit gasses that cause cancer and should not be used in areas that are not well ventilated (hope your house is not well weatherized) and should absolutely never be used in lamps that are close to the head like reading or desk lamps as they will cause headaches (as a result of the gasses).
Additionally they recommend that the lights not be left on for long periods of time (more than an hour) as the exposure to the gasses over a lifetime can significantly contribute to the chance of cancer, especially those who are predisposed by family history.
Report Post »Miami
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 9:29pmI don’t know where you get your opinions but some one has been lying to you. LEDs do not give off any gas of any kind. If anything you are speaking of the fluorescent’s I am speaking or writing about LEDs.
Report Post »Therightsofbilly
Posted on December 18, 2011 at 2:00amAnd when every ones power bill drops like a rock, and the power companies lose all that revenue, What do you think will be the likely outcome?
Report Post »Miami
Posted on December 18, 2011 at 2:57amSo you are for price fixing?
You seem to believe the population is going to remain static? It cost them to produce power, thus the rate of profit remains static or ask the Californians who have experienced rolling black outs because the power companies could not keep up with demand.
By your reasoning the cheaper things become the more expensive they are…anyway do you really believe everyone will do this over night? Just look at how few have prepared for what’s to come
Report Post »Therightsofbilly
Posted on December 18, 2011 at 10:44am@MIAMI
First, I apologize for my comment being snarky. It was not meant to be that way.
No, I am not for price fixing.
I just can’t help but to notice that over time, as people use less & less of something, the cost tends to go up to cover those losses. Especially when the government is involved.
As the power bills go down, so does the tax revenue from those bills.
Report Post »JamesR
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:35amAny politician voting for these bulbs should be voted out of office and pronto. The world going to hell, the USA included and we still worry about a dammed bulb that is useless! Politicians better wake up one of these days and prove the have a pair.
Report Post »Darla_K
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 9:25amNext the government will be telling us what time we have to go too bed to save on electricity. This congress is pathetic for the most part and needs to be dealt with come election time. Please, I am urging everyone, it is time to vote these loons out and get some real true Americans in there that can get the job done without the drama that they are putting in our lives.
Report Post »jespasinthru
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 9:54pmWhen the new bulbs burn out, the average consumer will just toss them in the trash. Can you imagine how many millions of metric tons of mercury that will add to our landfills and groundwater? What educated fool decided that we could “save the planet” by poisoning ourselves?
Report Post »lgccac
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:32amGeneral Electric is set to make a lot of money over this scam.
Report Post »Cranky
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:30amAbout 3 years ago I read an article in a magazine talking about how efficient these bulbs are and how they were such a wonderful innovation that would cut our electrical usage. So, being open minded about it, and obviously very naive, I stopped by Lowes and bough an arm load of them. Very expensive, but hey, they‘ll last so long and save so much electricity they’ll be great!! NOT These stupid things last an avg of 6 months, and unless you keep all your receipts, you’re out of luck. Maybe if they were made in the USA instead of ! CHINA !?? they would last as long as my old bulbs. I’ve got bulbs in my house that are 10 years old and work every day. MADE IN THE USA.
Report Post »I love this video, so applicable.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvl961uDoEg
demint.disciple
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 9:40amExcellent video, thanks for posting ..
Report Post »Liberalism Is A Mental Disorder
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 10:20amThat is a great video. Thanks for sharing. Rand Paul is awesome.
Report Post »Phluffy666
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:28amThis is why I use LED technology.
Report Post »Miami
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:54amThey cut my bill by 35 to 40%, I swear by them
Report Post »ScarletRose
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 9:54amThis is why I refuse to buy G.E. Products! PERIOD.
Report Post »FaithfulFriend
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 11:44pmOver the past 2 years we’ve replaced every bulb in our home with LED lights and not one of them carries the name GE. Refuse to use the crappy florescent bulbs. The key to LED bulbs is to skip the 5 watt versions and go for 20-30 watt LED bulbs which put out way more light than any 60 or 100 watt traditional bulb ever could – but they are expensive yet should last 30 years… we‘ll have to see about that but so far haven’t had any of them go out this early on. Don‘t look for the higher watt LED’s on the shelf as they have to be ordered.
Report Post »basskids
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:28amTheir are so many facets to this story that make me want to scream, I think I need duct tape for my head, as Glenn puts it. First, quit telling me what I have to buy and the business man what he has to make or not make. Second, quit confusing and creating uncertainty in the market place. No wonder things are at a standstill. Both consumers and business are trying to navigate an ever changing mine field. I am encouraged that there has been enough pressure applied to get them to reconsider what was a stupid idea in the first place. Let us decide. I use both types in my home. Examples: Back porch light (which often gets left on) is a CFL, general light in my home regular bulbs, chicken coop has a CFL, Laundry room CFL, anywhere where lots of reading gets done gets a regular bulb. I don‘t purchase CFL’s out of some repressed guilt for my “ungreen” habits, I buy them to put in places that get tons of use because I want to save money, period. We just need to keep up the pressure on these guys for everything they screw up and boot their cans out if they don’t listen. We must be relentless. The left certainly is not sleeping that’s for sure.
Report Post »stifroc
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:34amthis whole thing wants to make me puke.
Ten years ago in an effort to “go green” the Govt. told manufacturers to create an energy efficient light bulb and they would subsidize the effort. They did. The CONSUMERS said “nah… i don’t like em”, and then the GOVERNMENT said “I don‘t care if you don’t like em, you’re gonna buy em!”
Our forefathers went to WAR against England for less than what we put up with.
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:23amI may have to flush my toilet 5 times to get all the little Obama look alikes down the drain, but you will NEVER get my pile of Incandescents! I draw my line in the sand so I can see it!
Report Post »BONETRAUMA
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:31amthe obama participation awards….you flush them?
Report Post »PatientNoMore
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:32amNext they will ban those!
Report Post »jetmech568
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:16amTime to buy oil lamps I do not like those cfc bulbs
Report Post »Sicboy
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:10amTypical republicans, All the headlines I’ve read said Light bulb ban is over. But, as usual. repubs only delay the ban. repubs should become an off-shoot of the worthless dem’s. We need a strong Conservative party who will stop business as usual in DC.
Report Post »Rocky_biskit
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:31am“New lighting options are great news for the public, but the lesson is that markets and consumer demand are the best drivers of innovation and new choices,” Upton said.
If he believes the above statement to be true, then why not repeal the law completely and allow consumers to decide if the cfc bulb will have any place in the market?
Report Post »My belief is they know that many people hoarded the old ones and he is now hoping that we will forget. The delay will only give me more time to stock up on my already growing supply!!
SheriS
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:09amFinally someone engaged their brain!!!!! Those curly que light bulbs are dangerous, can be a hazard to your health and will not be used in my house! The whole idea was just plain stupid! I’ve been stocking up on the “good old days” light bulbs! They are considerably cheaper, work better and not a danger to your health! I’m beginning to believe this was a government way of riding the country of sane people thru mercury poison!
Report Post »whitehat5
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:09amA duplicitous move once again!
There are no more “American Manifacturers” of light bulbs. The last lightbulb factory in america was in Winchester VA. it shut down last year. Virtually all CFC are manufactured overseas (china)
The lie should read “large mult-national firms that have invested heavily in overseas manufacturing of CFCs decry the move.” GE and other have profitted handsomely from this law, one more example of capitalcronyism, at the expense of the middle class. not to mention making us put mercury filled products in our homes, the same mercury the EPA is trying to use to shut down power plants!
Even more duplicitous, Fred Upton chaired the committee that wrote and enacted this law, which destroyed an american industry and sent tens of thousands of jobs oversea, and probably allowed these multinationals very nice tax rightoffs!
Now they want to delay it! Lip service from the elite who want to control our every decision. the harm is already done, whole sale change of how DC is run is the only solution
Report Post »auntmoxie.com
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:07amThat Congress thinks it has any right to tell the marketplace what to buy and sell is the problem; not the bulbs.
Besides, don’t those interrogation-room-ambiance-creating curlicue bulbs leak mercury when disposed of? (Not that this changes the principle of the matter….)
Report Post »toomuchgovt
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:07amSo they “listen to America” when it comes to a light bulb. But not when it comes to STOP Spending, Stop trampling on the U.S. Constitution and Stop the tyranny? Gee thanks.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:03amDamn… I wanted a Civil War over Light Bulbs!
Report Post »MOLLYPITCHER
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:09amI still don’t use these pieces of crap. If they’ve banned mercury in thermometers, why is it not banned in light bulbs? Which are just as likely to break and put a dangerous chemical into the air.
Report Post »Quiata
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 7:59amThis is an excellent example of anxious government do-gooders trying to accomplish what free market forces and personal choice would eventually do anyway. Big government = big WASTE of time and resources.
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:21amSince there are no incandescent bulb manufacturers left it was a Government regulation that KILLED industry. Some companies jumped to the more expensive bulb manufacturing r closed their doors. In the mean time the consumer got it in the shorts. Way to go Congress!! Now you are late to the party and will destrot some new businesses too! Great job you commie @astards!
I am glad i have enogh incandescent bulbs to last until Jesus returns. At least I will be able to see and don’t have to worry about mercury poisoning. Come to my house to get them and i will give you a little lead with my light bulbs.
Report Post »nostromo
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 7:57amAnything that undermines the energy dept. is ok with me. Americans cant flush a toilet without the governement interferring and now we cannot light our houses without government interference. Why do we supposedly free people put up with this? Liberals supposedlly believe in choice so howabout putting all the alternatives out there and let people make choices.
Report Post »whitehat5
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 7:56amAnother example of how over regulation by the federal government screws up the free market and the duplicity of big government and big business
“american manufacturers” of light bulbs no longer exist. virtually all cfcs are made over seas (china mainly). the last incandesent manufactring facility was in Winchester VA ad shut down last year. GE and other big businesses have invested heavily, overseas, in cfc manufacturing.
The line should read “Large multinational businesses have invested heavily overseas and that haveshut down all american production facilities…”
Additional duplicity, Fred Upton chaired the commitee banning incandesents!
So we have a law that destroyed an american industry, sent tens of thousands of jobs overseas, put billions of sales in to large multinationals (GE) and probably allow those same big businesses huge tax right offs…. and years later they realize their mistake! incredible
Report Post »Haroldm1
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 7:52amIMHO Government has no business making laws that concern lighbulbs. They should be working on producing a balanced budget without raising taxes, reducing waste in spending, making sure that our borders are secure, and above all, making sure that our constitutional rights are not comprimised
Report Post »The1stDave
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:12amIt is so much easier to subpena baseball players and ban light bulbs than to do the actual job they were sent there to do.
Remember a balenced budget never bought a single vote.
Report Post »HKS
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 7:50amIt’s a good thing that a tree huger thought of this bulb, a capitalist would have never been able to profit from such a dangerous package of scrap materials that you can’t throw away and your made to use. If you haven’t figured it out yet, they only last longer if you don’t turn them on and off a lot.
Report Post »Darla_K
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:39amI so do agree with you. The government needs to stay out of the light bulb business. We did not hire them for this job. I just wanted to add, wasn’t it Bush who sign this? And Pelosi who started it? I know this doesn’t make any difference, just am curious.
Report Post »Moozmom
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 7:46amI am overwhelmed with gratitude, truly. I have stockpiled old fashioned bulbs in case Congress did not wake up in time. Someone must have set the alarm clock, guys.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 7:50amBelive it or not, my parents gifted me and all my kin with lightbulbs in quantity as a protest against the ongoing insanity of the Fed’s and this ban.
Report Post »countryfirst
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:26amI also have years of light bulbs stocked up in my garage.
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:28amI was at an auction of a drug store that was going out of business. They had over 2500 incandescent bulbs there. It was cold and rainy that day. No one showed up to the auction. I bought them all at the minimum bid of 5.00….hahahahaha Screw you congress!! I sold about half of them on Ebay for 3.50 each.hahahaha
Report Post »Yea, I lauged until I paid the IRS it’s share….but at least I can see.
greyling
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 7:45amWhile I’m really glad to see this, it is also a good example of how business gets screwed when govt steps in to regulate what we consume. First they had to stop making the “old” bulbs and retool to make the new bulbs, now they are being told that there isn’t a market for the new bulbs. If the govt had just stayed out of the way, those who wanted the new bulbs could have bought them, those of us who wanted the old ones could have bought them, and the manufacturers would only have themselves to blame if they misread public demand.
Report Post »Copper Catfish
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 7:44amSo, this is worse than I thought. They sold us out for the DELAY of a ban on traditional light bulbs, another case of “Kick the Can.” They need to go!
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 8:16amI agree. Re-elect NO ONE to Congress next year. NOT ONE. Clean sweep with only REAL AMERICANS elected to serve.
Watch the “greedy guts” all resign so they can keep all their perks rather than run for re-election where they will surely be defeated and lose it all.
REAL AMERICANS, get ready to serve. And, I do mean, SERVE one or two terms only, period. All salaries are used to reduce national debt.
As a matter of fact, all Congress people (?) resigning have to turn in at least 3 million a piece to help reduce our debt or go to prison and have your personal property taken and sold to pay off our national debt…..just like the drug dealers/users you really are.
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