Technology

Update: House Fails to Overturn Light Bulb Ban

Update: House Fails to Overturn Light Bulb BanWASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans on Tuesday failed to stop the enactment of new energy-saving standards for light bulbs they portrayed as yet another example of big government interfering in people’s lives.

The GOP bill to overturn the standards set to go into effect next year fell short of the two-thirds majority needed for passage. The vote was 233-193. (Click here to see how your representative voted)

For many Republicans, those newfangled curly fluorescent light bulbs were the last straw, pushed by an overreaching government that’s forcing people to buy health insurance, prodding them to get more fuel-efficient cars and sticking its nose into too many places.

Their legislation would have kept the marketplace clear for the cheap, energy-wasting bulbs that have changed little since Thomas Edison invented them in 1879.

For most Democrats, it’s an exasperating debate that, just like the old incandescent bulbs being crowded out of the market, produces more heat than light.

The standards in question do not specifically ban the old bulbs but require a higher level of efficiency than the classics can produce, essentially nudging them off store shelves over the next few years. Four of Edison’s descendants said the great inventor would be mortified to see politicians trying to get the nation to hang on to an outdated technology when better bulbs are available.

The standards have not been particularly contentious before now. They were crafted in 2007 with Republican participation and signed into law by President George W. Bush. People seem to like the new choices and the energy savings they bring, polling finds.

But now they have become a symbol of a much larger divide in Washington over the size and reach of government itself. The new bulbs suggest to some conservatives that big government is running amok.

“Now the government wants to tell consumers what type of light bulb they use to read, cook, watch television or light their garage,” said Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas.

“I’m not opposed to the squiggly tailed CFLs,” said Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, a driving force behind the effort to save the old incandescents and the sponsor of the bill to overturn the standards. But making the old bulbs go away “seems to me to be overkill by the federal government.”

Republicans said people who now buy a bulb for 30 or 40 cents shouldn’t be forced to pay $6 for a fluorescent bulb or more for LED (light-emitting diode) lighting.

“If you are Al Gore and want to spend $10 for a light bulb, more power to you,” Barton said. He exaggerated the cost of most energy-efficient bulbs and neglected to mention that they last years longer than old incandescent bulbs, which convert about 90 percent of the energy they consume as electricity into heat, and only 10 percent into light.

Republican presidential contender Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota complained earlier this year that, under President Barack Obama, “we bought a bureaucracy that now tells us which light bulbs to buy.”

The Obama administration, which opposes Barton’s bill, says the lighting standards that are being phased in will save nearly $6 billion in 2015 alone. The Energy Department says upgrading 15 inefficient incandescent bulbs in a home could save a homeowner $50 a year. Lighting accounts for about 10 percent of home electricity use.

The White House says the standards drive U.S. innovation, create manufacturing jobs and reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

Incandescent bulbs are not disappearing. Today’s energy-savings choices include incandescent lighting that is more efficient, and more expensive to purchase, than the old standbys.

Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., held up a new Sylvania incandescent that meets the efficiency standards and costs $1.69. “You don’t have to buy one of those funny-looking new light bulbs,” he said.

Under existing rules, new bulbs will have to be 25 to 30 percent more efficient than traditional incandescent models. As of Jan. 1, 2012, inefficient 100-watt bulbs will no longer be available at most stores. Also on the way out are traditional 75-watt bulbs in 2013 and 40-watt and 60-watt versions in 2014.

The National Resources Defense Council said that when the law is fully implemented in 2020, energy costs will be reduced by 7 percent or about $85 a household every year. It said the more efficient bulbs will eliminate the need for 33 large power plants.

The advocacy group presented statements from Edison’s kin in support of the new standards. “Edison would certainly have recognized that the wave of the future – profits – is to make it better, cheaper and, yes, cleaner and more efficient,” said Barry Edison Sloane, a great-grandson.

Said Robert Wheeler, a great-nephew: “The technology changes. Embrace it.”

Comments (411)

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  • Coralchristie
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:07am

    I’m furious that this ban on the good old light bulb was not overturned. These losers in Congress need to be real. So the Socialist Republic of America continues.

    Report Post »  
    • jhaydeng
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:21am

      It’s the freaking Mercury that I am concerned with!!!! They have done away with the Mercury type thermostats due to the danger of Mercury, but yet we “ALL” have to use these MERCURY filled bulbs to save the Earth! Who get’s the bill when kids start showing up with birth defects from these sucky bulbs? The system is broken and I pray that God corrects our world!!

      Report Post »  
    • GIDEON612
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:25am

      I did not not stock up on bulbs because I thought for that this would be overturned. This is ridiculous.

      Report Post » GIDEON612  
    • Sound The Trumpet In Zion
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:26am

      I agree fully and they should let us know exactly who voted against it and they can find out that we know how to vote against them as well.

      Report Post » Sound The Trumpet In Zion  
    • old white guy
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:27am

      same old crap. this congress is as the other congress and those before it. when you elect liars they will bite you every time.

      Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:33am

      Those who did vote to overturn the ban need to be encouraged to keep up the effort and fight for what the people of America know is right, and what they want in the restoration of the nation. They make the stand and keep up the good fight – those I can support. Those who voted against it should be on record and able to be voted against in the next elections.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • jhaydeng
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:39am

      Go to “Open Congress” and see how many so called “Republicans” voted “Nay”! More RINO’s in the house!

      Report Post »  
    • piper60
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:42am

      Big Brother, or should I say Big Sis has won yet another battle.

      Report Post » piper60  
    • OUTRIDER WRITER
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:43am

      @Jahaydang
      Couldn’t agree more. Waste Management won’t take the curly lightbulbs when placed in the trash (if they see them….). So now what? When will our officials place disposal bins in scores of convenient places so these bulbs don’t find their way into a landfill via being hidden in a dogpoop baggie or kitchen garbage trash bag by the 99% of us who are going to do just that to get rid of them?

      Report Post »  
    • proudpatriot77
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:48am

      Why is it everytime something that is cheap and works has to be destroyed by our Socialist/Marxist government?

      Report Post »  
    • sWampy
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:08am

      The sad thing is if you count in the extra energy used to make the led/compact florescent bulbs, you have to burn the bulb close over 20,000 hours to break even. 99% of all light bulbs aren’t burned that long before they blow.

      Report Post »  
    • Stuck_in_CA
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:11am

      If they don’t attach this to some other bill, we should raise a ruckus with the GOP leadership, for sure. Since it was brought up under the Suspension Rules, it needed 2/3s majority vote, instead of a simple majority.
      The public wants the ban done away with… Period!

      Report Post » Stuck_in_CA  
    • Anarcho Capitalist
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:15am

      Name Voted
      Rep. Charles Bass [R, NH-2] Nay
      Rep. Brian Bilbray [R, CA-50] Nay
      Rep. Scott Garrett [R, NJ-5] Nay
      Rep. Morgan Griffith [R, VA-9] Nay
      Rep. Richard Hanna [R, NY-24] Nay
      Rep. Tim Huelskamp [R, KS-1] Nay
      Rep. Tom Reed [R, NY-29] Nay
      Rep. Dave Reichert [R, WA-8] Nay
      Rep. Scott Rigell [R, VA-2] Nay
      Rep. Glenn Thompson [R, PA-5] Nay

      Report Post » Anarcho Capitalist  
    • one years food ration like glenn says
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:18am

      Thats funny, The repubs have the majority in the house.. Hmm wonder which ones voted against this bill .. ??? I’ll have to google it.. I bet you will be surprised of the names that are on that list..

      Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • Bluefish49
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:21am

      They can have my standard 60 watt when they pry it from my cold dead hand….oh and Lowes in Greensboro NC still has them in stock….just bought a $100 worth.

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:26am

      Where can I find a breakdown of who voted for and against?

      Report Post »  
    • one years food ration like glenn says
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:33am

      The vote fell mostly along party lines, but five Democrats voted in favor of the bill and 10 Republicans voted against the bill. One Republican voted “present.”
      Bass (NH). Bilbray. Huelskamp. Hanna. Griffith (VA). Reed. Reichert. Rigell. Thompson (PA). Bishop (UT).. These are the moron republicans that voted “ nay”.. OUT OF OFFICE I SAY !!!!

      Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:36am

      List of Reps. who voted:
      http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll563.xml

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • Jim in Houston
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:36am

      I don‘t want to wait five minutes before the damned thing gets bright enough to see and I sure as hell don’t want to have to call for a HAZMAT team if I break one!

      Report Post »  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:37am

      Hey Repubs just defund the enforcement of the bill

      Unless you want it to go thru.

      just like the Food safety Bill and Patriot act extension

      What have we gotten from the Last election ?????

      what will we get from the Next one ???

      Go ahead and vote against Ron Paul then wonder in 2013 why nothing has changed.

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:40am

      Thanks for the list Anarcho Capitalist’s

      that shows how they are always just a few votes short
      yet the Bills keep on passing
      Just like the Audit the Fed Bills
      many who supported it voted against it when it really mattered.

      all Hail ZION our Holy Masters

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • JRook
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:40am

      Ten Republicans joined 183 Democrats opposing the measure. And we will see the price of efficient incandescent bulbs and other efficient bulbs come down as a result of higher demand and economies of scale.

      Report Post »  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:45am

      Yummy Mercury for my good health
      I would hate to be in an earthquake zone with a house full
      of Mercury filled bulbs.
      A damning new study conducted by German scientists has found that so-called energy saving light bulbs contain poisonous carcinogens that could cause cancer and should be “kept as far away as possible from the human environment,” but Americans will be forced to replace their traditional light bulbs with toxic CFLs ahead of a government ban set to take effect at the start of next year.
      but there are too many Slaves now so we don’t care.
      http://www.prisonplanet.com/damning-new-study-eco-bulbs-cause-cancer.html

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • FormerLib
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:53am

      What? Republicans caved to the left on more big government nanny state regulation? Get outta here! Why, everyone knows, Republicans stand for individual rights, self reliance, freedom and liberty, small and less intrusive government, and common sense. Yeah, right.

      Report Post »  
    • Anarcho Capitalist
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:55am

      yep. they always have just enough swing votes from congress creatures less likely to get in hot water for it. Its as if its been planed! :0 Government will always grow. It is a cancer.

      Report Post » Anarcho Capitalist  
    • mikelivi
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:10am

      funny thing is I have enough regular light bulbs that I’ll never have to buy one. I used to run a restaurant and when it was sold the new owners tore it down to build a yacht club, anyway all the stock that was there they told me to take. So I have cases of light bulbs, garbage bags etc. Im 41 and Ill never have to buy a light bulb as long as I live! F you Odumbo hahhaahahahahahahahaahah!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • 408 CheyTac
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:13am

      The worst part is trying to get rid of the dead CFLs. The myth of them lasting long is just that, a myth. When run base-up they don’t last 6 months. My rural pickup trash man won’t take them, and the “drop-off” for them is 30 miles away. That’s not happening.

      So, just like Ni-cd batteries, they get put in a plastic bag, and hidden in the bin.

      People are going to throw them out when they are bad, and just like tires, and batteries, when people have to make some extra cost/time investment in getting rid of them, they just dump them somewhere else. The “gubernment” can’t seem to grasp that reality, even though anywhere in any forest you find dumped tires-a result of the gov’ts $5. charge to dispose of them. Same effect will hit these damn things.

      Report Post »  
    • IMPEACHBHO
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:20am

      They need to post easy to access 1. Name, 2 Party, 3. How voted – on EVERY bill voted on, along with the complete text of the bill.

      Report Post » IMPEACHBHO  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:21am

      The American people and businesses should just sell them anyway and ignore the UnCONSTITUTIONAL BAN . It’s getting time to stop looking to Wahington for a damn thing they have gamed the system to the where it is becoming an enemy of the people. If this ban would be in the peoples hands it would lose by a 3 or 4 to 1 margin. What did the great men of the late 1700′s say NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION. Time to fire all of CONGRESSMAN THAT VOTED FOR THIS BAN ON LIGHT BULBS.

      Report Post »  
    • khurley77
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:37am

      Thank you AnarchoCapitalist for saving me the trouble of looking up the names
      of the Repubs in “NAY” only. Time to take a trip to Lowes to buy more light bulbs

      Report Post » khurley77  
    • JRook
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:45am

      @FormerLib Perhaps it has something to do with the companies that will make a tad bit more profits off the new bulbs. You know the ones that own both sides of the isle. And you don‘t think these votes aren’t managed behind the scenes. Don’t need to win by 50, as 10 will be fine. Keep the campaign money flowing for everyone. No doubt we have the best congress money can buy. And if think the Tea folks are better forget it, they too will learn the way of the lobbyist and reelection $$$.

      Report Post »  
    • AynRandLives
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:47am

      On Mark Levin‘s show yesterday he explained that Boehner forced it’s failure to pass. He could have moved the bill through committee before going to the floor. If they went through committee first it would NOT have required 2/3 majority but simple majority. The REAL question…WHY would Boehner want this to FAIL?????

      AynRandLives  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:53am

      On Mark Levin‘s show yesterday he explained that Boehner forced it’s failure to pass. He could have moved the bill through committee before going to the floor. If they went through committee first it would NOT have required 2/3 majority but simple majority. The REAL question…WHY would Boehner want this to FAIL?????

      Why ??? Because both sides are funded by the same Bankers
      who want to reduce population by %80

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 11:01am

      Edison is rolling over in his grave.
      Jefferson is rolling over in his grave.
      Adams is rolling over in his grave.

      I’m not OPPOSED to the squiggly-tailed bulbs either…
      I’m opposed to our GOVT POKING ITS NOSE in our business!

      GET THE HELL OUT ! !
      (of OUR business, of OUR Oval Office, of OUR Congress, of OUR Senate)

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • Rabble In Arms
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 11:04am

      Wait for the black market on light bulbs.

      Report Post » Rabble In Arms  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 11:19am

      When the poison mercury bulbs were pushed on us, I wanted to try them. Bought 10 to put in my two bathroom vanity lights over sinks (5ea). I’ve had to replace 3 burned out within a few months, Now I see one more burned out after about 3 years. You can have these stupid bulbs back and I’ll stock up on things I can use without poisoning us if one slips out of hand and breaks. Happens! Texas says they will start producing light bulbs, so I’ll go buy them there if necessary. These bulbs will be fazed out over several years depending on wattage.

      Report Post »  
    • the hawk
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 11:48am

      BLAZE PLEASE GIVE US a LIST OF REPS THAT VOTED aginst this bill so we can work our ohones and maybe grt this back on the floor !

      Report Post »  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 12:07pm

      Are the American people sooo ignorant that they do not realize just how much the EPA has cost us as taxpayers? Do they realize that for all the good that the EPA has done (and I believe that it did EARLY ON)…but do they realize the families that have been decimated by EPA regulations regarding pollution to the point that hundreds of ranchers were removed from their ranches because pollution had run down streams crossing their lands and they were tagged with such horrific “clean up” mandates, that they could not afford to perform? They were forced to “forfeit” their land to the government, who with tax payer money cleaned it up and took it over? THEN…we are given light bulbs filled with MERCURY and told that it is okay? ARE WE OUT OF OUR MINDS? ARE WE IGNORANT? YEP…I BELIEVE WE ARE…AND…we get the government that WE DESERVE for putting up with it!

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • jzs
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 12:15pm

      The operative phrase from the lead in: “The standards have not been particularly contentious before now. They were crafted in 2007 with Republican participation and signed into law by President George W. Bush. People seem to like the new choices and the energy savings they bring, polling finds.”

      Exactly, when Bush did it, everybody was fine with it. Now that Obama is in office, it‘s suddenly infringing on your freedom and Al Gore’s fault. You know, even though Bush passed it.

      That is politics today.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • encinom
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 12:18pm

      Tbagger failure, the debt ceiling the GOP has run up the white flag, this BS light bulb bill went down in smoke, how is the Tea Party going?

      Report Post »  
    • bestartist
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 2:07pm

      Well, now it’s time to begin hoarding cases of old bulbs.
      The new mercury laden overpriced bulbs emit a light that is cold and dead and really distorts color.
      Over a drawing board the light they emit is akin to what I picture to be an old Soviet apartment block stairwell……really, Really, REALLY BAD for painting, the work reproduced for art created under this light is unsatisfactory, I am really unhappy with this……

      Report Post » bestartist  
    • smokie
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 2:19pm

      Oh please, they have to try again! I don’t want to fund the company that makes the screwtape bulbs. As a graphic artist, I want the old fashioned safe bulbs. The new bulbs spoil the color of the house, and are dangerous. The new bulbs are dim, and make it harder to work. There is nothing good with the screwtape bulbs. And- they are very ugly, besides.

      Report Post »  
    • Ortho
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 2:19pm

      Republicans Voting ‘Nay’
      Name Voted
      Rep. Charles Bass [R, NH-2] Nay
      Rep. Brian Bilbray [R, CA-50] Nay
      Rep. Scott Garrett [R, NJ-5] Nay
      Rep. Morgan Griffith [R, VA-9] Nay
      Rep. Richard Hanna [R, NY-24] Nay
      Rep. Tim Huelskamp [R, KS-1] Nay
      Rep. Tom Reed [R, NY-29] Nay
      Rep. Dave Reichert [R, WA-8] Nay
      Rep. Scott Rigell [R, VA-2] Nay
      Rep. Glenn Thompson [R, PA-5] Nay

      Report Post » Ortho  
    • tarbush
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 2:56pm

      Shouldn’t the free market kill old technology? If they made floresents cheaper then the old bulbs would go away on their own. Ipods are probably more energy efficient than cd players but we didn’t make a law banning Walkmans.

      Report Post »  
    • Papalima28
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 3:30pm

      All I ever see in the comments are complaints without action. Instead of telling every reader about how much you think our leadership is socialist/communist, begin informing readers of something proactive. Most, probably, don’t care for your personal comments, but seek something you’ve tried and gotten results from. Whining about bad politicians doesn’t remove them from office…action does! Give ideas and not your complaints. Begin with self analysis and correct your own errors, then move forward with productive ideas.

      Report Post » Papalima28  
    • spirit of freedom
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 4:42pm

      we to find out how each and every one of these morons voted and take note for the next election. there is no more time left to play with these losers!

      Report Post » spirit of freedom  
    • JRook
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 5:28pm

      @AzDebi You really don’t get it do you. The wealthy and big corporations push for regulations to promote barriers to entry and eliminate the smaller players. Who bought up those ranches…in many cases the large corporate farms/ranches. Right point, wrong cause. Most of the bureaucrats have revolving doors with the large government agencies like the FDA and EPA and large corporations. Also, take note of the influence of insurance companies that want to limit claims paid for corporate clients.

      Report Post »  
    • avenger
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 5:41pm

      I am still waiting for an American Augusto Pinochet to clean up the mess in washington.Hey military are you listening…

      Report Post »  
    • lefty1939
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 6:43pm

      Agree with you.. How about we send all our mercury filled light bulbs to the characters who voted to keep this stupid law on the books.

      Report Post »  
    • jjoy
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:55pm

      We gave the rinos a super-majority in the “house” in the 2010 election… Since then, they have done nothing but ignore the wishes of the voters…

      Report Post » jjoy  
    • one years food ration like glenn says
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:33pm

      I’m buying cases upon cases and then selling them on the black market… It‘s the new prohibition to me and I’m going to be a Godfather..

      Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 11:03am

      NEW studies just came out showing mercury bulbs are EVEN MORE DANGEROUS than previously believed!

      The mercury vapor lingers for TEN HOURS!

      The tube bulbs have mercury in the white powder dust that gets on everything when they break.

      ANYBODY who claims this is ANYTHING other than a BIG MONEY / BIG BULB money grab (redistribution of wealth TO THE WEALTHY – TO THE BIG campaign DONORS) is, at best, disingenuous, and, at worst, a bald-faced LIAR!

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • RationalConservative
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 12:33pm

      For those of you who missed it – the click here link tells you how your representative voted. My voted no (no surprise, he’s a elitist democrat) I plan to mail him all my burned out CFLs so that he can dispose of them for me.

      Report Post »  
    • BlueStrat
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 1:41pm

      Get ready, people!

      They’ll be patrolling neighborhoods with IR vision devices at night, checking homes right through the walls to spot incandescent lights in operation and handing out fines and possible jail time. Moving into or out of a rent/lease home or buying/selling a home? Remember to have your CFLs in for the inspections or face fines and possible jail time!

      Report Post »  
    • SimpleTruths
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 4:59pm

      SMITHCLAR3NC3

      Just because you don‘t agree with a piece of legislation doesn’t make it unconstitutional. Similarly, just because a piece of legislation is passed into law doesn’t mean it IS constitutional. That why we have a Supreme Court.

      Report Post » SimpleTruths  
    • Viet Vet
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 6:37pm

      TARBUSH, leftists are totalitarians, they don’t believe in the free-market, or self-determination/self-government. Both scare the hell out of them.

      Report Post »  
    • Viet Vet
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 6:38pm

      They like dictating!!

      Report Post »  
    • Tankertony
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 8:12pm

      I’ve got about a 7-8 year stock of REAL light bulbs. I wouldn’t about this one just yet. I will eventually be overturned. But we‘ll have to wait until Sarah’s first term, when we will also have both houses of congress.
      BTW, this was the dumbest thing W ever signed, and further proof of his progressive streak…

      Report Post » Tankertony  
    • ecurbyy
      Posted on July 15, 2011 at 8:46am

      I live in Wisconsin and could not find Gov. Walker on the vote list. But, my wife decided to do her thing and replace our bulbs with the new squiggly kind and I agreed just to avoid the debate, since we differ on our views about saving the planet. But guess what! After i changed the bulbs, my am radio lost all reception. That’s right folks. CFL bulbs jam am radio signals. Like Paul Harvey said “Now, you know, the rest of the story.

      Report Post » ecurbyy  
  • Heavenz
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:05am

    The one thing i dont think anyone has spoken about is that these bulbs are hazardous to your health. They contain mercury that the reason for the headaches and can cause cancer. And to boot if they were to break your home is a hazardous waste site for over a week until the gaseous mercury dissipates from the air in your home.

    Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:12am

      And they interfere with AM radio. We had one in our ceiling fan in the kitchen (out of 4 possible lights, the other 3 were incadescent). We had horrible reception on AM, until that bulb blew out. It didn’t last longer than the incadescents. And heaven forbid, don’t put one in a garage light in winter. They take forever to come on fully when they’re cold. And don’t store them outside in the winter, bring them in and put in a lamp. I almost burnt my house down, not thinking the porcelin would bet condensation on it. I always stored my regular bulbs outside.

      Report Post »  
    • Seasoldier
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:20am

      This is correct. The new bulbs are officially declared hazardous waste if they break and your not supposed to dispose of them with normal trash or even recycling, just read the warnings on the packaging for the bulbs. In addition, they don’t provide as much light as the incandescent bulbs, so you need to use more of them, if you want to illuminate a room at the same level as currently done with incandescent bulbs. The market place was already forcing light bulb manufacturers to develop more efficient bulbs. This is just another example of government intrusion into an area the people should reserve to themselves, and, as usual, it makes no sense. In this case it is also based upon the unreasonable fear of anthropomorphic global warming, a phantom issue created to promote other Socialist Culture of Death policies and scams.

      Report Post »  
    • turkey13
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:51am

      Did you people really dream that this would be overturned! The president promised the pesident od Mexico and the head of China that he would spread the wealth and provide jobs for their countrys. obama also gave billios to the solar panel companys and 85% are produce in China.

      Report Post »  
    • bccrane
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:01am

      @Loriann12
      There is more than just that, we have chickens and the water dispenser is placed on a brick with a 40W light bulb inside under the dispenser to keep it from freezing in the winter, when the incandensant bulb burnt out the only bulb I had to replace it was a 60W cfl and the water froze up, this is when I noticed that I was using more firewood through the winter to keep the house warm and realized that in an effort to be more “green” and replaced the heat producing incandensant with cfl‘s I was in turn cutting more firewood to heat my home and I wasn’t saving anything just paying more for bulbs and besides that the cfl’s have a failure rate comparable to the standard bulb.

      Report Post »  
    • jb.kibs
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:42am

      yes, they emmit huge RF, that is violation of the FCC. i want justice.

      Report Post »  
    • booger71
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:48am

      I will continue to dispose of them like I have will florescent bulbs, bust them up and put in the trash.

      Report Post » booger71  
    • bccrane
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 11:33am

      @ JB Kibs
      Why do you think the fed made everyone switch to digital TV from analog? It was to keep people from finding out about the RF emissions from the cfl’s that would be messing up your TV reception. And yes there are rules and regulations for RF emissions but it seems it doesn‘t apply to attempts of saving the planet don’t you know.

      Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 11:40am

      @turkey13 Seriously wake up. Its not Obama or Congress that move jobs to China or Mexico its the corporations/wealthy who seek to make outrageous profits by exploiting cheap labor and avoiding reasonable environmental laws. Every notice when a product is moved to China and Mexico and the manufacturing costs go down %50, the retail price doesn’t. The same corporations/wealthy that fund lobbyists who help them buy those in Washington. Wall St. gave the same amount of money to both parties in ‘08…… there is message there. In the next phase, China and Mexico factories will no longer make products for what are becoming shell companies, but rather offer the products directly. Watch what happens to the blue chips on Wall Street and stocks in general when that becomes the norm. And just like Japan, when the workers in China and Mexico begin to demand a living wage, the Chinese factory owners will invest in the some African company. Again, like the Japanese did in S. Korea.

      Report Post »  
    • ecurbyy
      Posted on July 15, 2011 at 8:52am

      Up here in Wisconsin they decided to use these ridiculous bulbs in the traffic signals, but they didn’t heat up enough to melt the snow and ice from the lights. You couldn’t tell if they were green or red, so we had some wrecks and a lot of frustration. Also they do jam up the am radio signals. And they’re very dangerous. I’m so sick of this crap! I swear sometimes that “for the first time in my adult life I’m ashamed of my country”

      Report Post » ecurbyy  
  • Chuck T
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:04am

    “The White House says the standards drive U.S. innovation, create manufacturing jobs and reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.” – Uh, I was under the impression that most, if not all, the new lights are coming from Mexico or China, so we’re not really helping the US economy. And with the busiiness-hostile environment here, there isn’t much likelihood of any startups. Besides, CFLs are health hazards, due to mercury content and electronic emissions that have been deemed potentially hazardous if used near one’s brain – as in, reading lamps.

    Report Post »  
  • tobywil2
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:02am

    Don’t you get it yet? The whole “Global Warming Scam” is simply an emotional argument to allow the tyrants to reward their political cronies with your hard earned money. http://commonsense21c.com/

    Report Post » tobywil2  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:01am

    Just like the light bulb, they are not going to repeal Obamacare. So its up to us to rebel against this government because they have shown time after time that they could care less about what we want. So when we get frustrated enough we will take back our government then and only then will we get them to do what we need them to do.

    Report Post »  
    • LVNPATRIOT
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:14am

      Wake up America, you are still asleep. “They”, Republicans and Democrats, will not defund Obama Care because “they” want it. The un-employment rate is where it’s at because “they” want it there. The deficit is where it’s at because “they” want it like that. “They” will not let us drill for oil here in the U.S., “They will not create jobs and ”they” will not let you buy or use the lightbulb you choose to. GET IT AMERICA!!!! We have been lied to again. When is enough, enough?

      Report Post »  
    • let us prey
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:14am

      @heavyduty
      I think you are right. Ex: A guy like Romney would be the guy who would tweak healthcare not repeal it. Like 99% of the politicians out there we need to start over. They no longer serve the public, when will we take it back?

      Report Post » let us prey  
    • FormerLib
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:57am

      Exactly. So-called “conservative Republicans” in congress are every bit as much careerists as any Democrats are and are just as concerned with re-election as their primary purpose in life. We will never change anything until we enact term limits and prohibit lobbying from former members of congress. Congress was never supposed to be a career choice.

      Report Post »  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:14am

      @LVNPATRIOT right on brother keep up the good fight
      we need everyone to wake up before it’s too late.

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
  • mary12153
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:59am

    Gee, couldn’t some radical Islamist group intererupt business by just breaking a couple of these things in a mall or large box store?

    Report Post »  
  • Meyvn
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:59am

    To hell with it. I’ll just use fire.

    Report Post » Meyvn  
    • TennesseeConservative
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:06am

      Lets just fire congress, and the senate, and the president, impeach the supreme court, eliminate the 9th circuit judges. That will be a good start.

      Report Post » TennesseeConservative  
    • booger71
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:50am

      TennesseeConservative

      The South is rising again!!

      Report Post » booger71  
    • adouglass1
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 4:05pm

      @ Meyvn

      Havent you heard fire has been outlawed!! The next on the list is air

      Report Post » adouglass1  
  • jedi.kep
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:57am

    I know quite a few small farmers and those guys use old school light bulbs in their chicken coops for the HEAT. Let the consumer decide and get the heck out of my light switches.

    Report Post » jedi.kep  
  • 2gether
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:56am

    And one other thing; since when did MERCURY become benign? As far as I know it took decades to try and clear the water ways of mercury. Are they going to designate a no living zone somewhere on this planet? Or are they gpoing to fire a rocket into space with all the mercury waste?

    Report Post »  
  • SamIamTwo
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:56am

    Government simply sucks, regardless of party…so party on DC.

    Hoard and sell in the black market. I see Asians buying the old bulbs by the cart load and know they will be on Ebay some day…do the same but make the prices fair…competition is a good thang.

    Report Post » SamIamTwo  
  • Khedewia
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:56am

    We replaced all our lightbulbs in the house with this supposedly energy-efficient lightbulb. We thought it would save money on our electric bill. We didn’t notice a difference. These bulbs are supposed to last long than the traditional ones. They don’t. They appear to last just as long as the traditional bulbs and they cost more!

    Report Post »  
    • Sherryann
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:23am

      Not only do they cost more, the actual light given off from these newer bulbs seems to be dimmer. If you‘re older and print doesn’t seem to be a s clear as it once was, these bulbs will not help. The brighter 100W bulbs give off a better light to read with, etc.

      Report Post »  
    • Khedewia
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:53am

      You are right, Sherryann! That’s the other thing I forgot to mention. The bulbs are not as bright. They take a while to “warm up” and then they don’t give off as much light. I hate them. What happens if one of the bulbs break on the floor?

      Report Post »  
  • 2gether
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:54am

    I started using these light bulbs for the reasons they give; I would save money in the long run and use less electricity. I found out that the more I conserve in energy, the more the electric company, water company, gas comapany, and phone company increased costs to obtain their product. Their prices are based on their profit margins and benes for their employees therefore we will pay the same price no matter what. And GE will continue to sell and produce this product in China and Lord knows where else. They do not lose, we do.

    Report Post »  
  • varnell99
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:52am

    First where are candles made. If I and thousands of other have ton pay $10 per bulb then I guess we will go by candle light. O wait, they give off more heat, less light and start fires. So the government will stop us from using them also.

    It is time the government got out of lives, but that is not going to happen if we keep electing the same people over and over into power. Cause once there they do not want to give back any of the power “temporarily” alotted to them. As someone once said, “If they want office that bad, then we should look at them harder before letting them have it.”

    Report Post »  
    • Bluefish49
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:57am

      Can’t write right now…on my way to Lowes.

      Report Post »  
    • tobywil2
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:59am

      THE CANCUN CLIMATE CHANGE SUMMIT
      Cancun Climate Change Summit speaker Ian Roberts stated that there is a direct correlation between carbon emissions and expanding waistlines. Of course, he considers this more justification to reduce the consumption of fossil fuel. For once, the man is right, at least about the fact that the use of fossil fuel has a direct correlation to prosperity and productivity.

      Seldom do the wannabe tyrants admit that their objective is to reduce prosperity and starve the population into submission. The man should be applauded for his honesty if not the validity of his argument.

      At last the wannabe tyrants admit that control of the individual using hunger and poverty is the objective of the global warming initiatives.

      http://commonsense21c.com/

      Report Post » tobywil2  
    • FormerLib
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:02am

      ****BLUEFISH49
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:57am
      Can’t write right now…on my way to Lowes.***

      Good luck finding incandescent bulbs there. The one in my town had them a few months ago but phased them out as part of a storewide “Green Initiative” mandate from corporate headquarters, or so I was told. I got my incandescents from bulbs.com, and there are a few other sites as well. Average price per bulb online is about 85 cents. .

      Report Post »  
    • lisa2994
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 3:04pm

      You are so right!! And there is the whole problem! The same people do get elected and are not held accountable over and over!

      Report Post » lisa2994  
  • ezekial39
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:52am

    Also, when did poison become OK to have hanging around the house -able break and release any moment? I like my standard bulbs any day, they give off more light too!

    Report Post »  
    • tobywil2
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:54am

      The proposals to combat “GLOBAL WARMING” have more potential to destroy our freedom and prosperity than any issue since WORLD WAR II. The cost of energy is increased by all these proposals. Energy is contained in all the products used to sustain our lives.

      These proposals will be devastating to the poor, where the cost of survival consumes all their income.

      Do you realize that these proposals are to combat an issue that has not even been proven to exist?
      AND YOU LAUGH AT DON QUIXOTE?

      THESE PROPOSALS WILL ONLY ENHANCE THE POWER OF THE “PEERS.” “CAP AND TRADE WILL DESTROY YOUR WEALTH AND FREEDOM!!

      BRACE YOURSELF, THOMAS PAINE, REJOICE YOU “PEERS” THE TYRANNY OF
      KING GEORGE III IS BEING RESTORED BUT UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT!
      http://commonsense21c.com/CLIMATE.html

      Report Post » tobywil2  
  • constitutionaldirective
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:52am

    doesn’t bode well for repealing Obamacare now does it?
    We need to make it clear that the establishment GOP is JUST as dangerous as the leftists..
    It’s Progressivism folks from BOTH PARTIES!!

    libertyforkeeps.com

    Report Post » constitutionaldirective  
  • An AmericanMom
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:50am

    I must say for a group of people (Democrats) to say they care so much for the middle class they sure do have a funny way way to show it…..light blubs that cost 40 cents or 6 dollars…..seems pretty simple to me which to pick. But the Democrats like keeping their party in the dark, So I’m not shocked!
    A- holes………………………………. every single one of them!

    Report Post » An AmericanMom  
    • SMALL GOVT
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:29am

      the new light bulbs cost 3.40 not 6.00, and they last 10x longer because they use less energy.

      This law was passed by Bush and the republicans…no wonder is did not get overturned in a republican controlled house.

      You guys are so blind with partisanship that you would blame democrats for everything, even when this law was crafted by bush and the right

      Report Post »  
    • Bullcop34
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:21am

      @smallgovt…..40 cents bversus 3.40 per bulb….and you are ok with that. change your screen name to BIGGOVT because that is waht you are aligning yourself with. You speak of everyone being partisan yet decry Bush and the republicans for passing this….troll, go away

      Report Post » Bullcop34  
  • ezekial39
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:50am

    When people are huddled around their new light bulbs this winter, Big Brother can keep them warm…

    Also those fancy traffic signals freeze over nicely due to no-heat…

    Report Post »  
  • Living In NYC
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:47am

    Gee..we have winter up here…its not like San Fran! Now I can pay more for gas to heat my home, plus I get the benefit of having toxic mercury next to my bedside!

    Thanks Washington for eco-flush toilets..two flushes instead of one and dim piggy tail light bulbs! Now I will now have to two lamps going to get the same light..huge savings! Let’s not forget these piggy tail bulbs are slow light outside in the winter (if at all). I tried them last winter and they did not light up fully in cold weather!

    Thanks alot!

    Report Post » Living In NYC  
    • anothermetalhead
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:01am

      Yep, totally agree! I also like how they said that it helps jobs..(not here). Also they said that this would lower the power consumption and cause 33 power plants to not be needed. Whats going to happen when most have electric cars, and have to plug them in? So much for saving energy.

      Report Post »  
  • Bookster
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:47am

    For some, fluorescent lights cause headaches. Also, no matter how good the color rendition is supposed to be, it is nowhere as close to natural light as incandescent. For my job I require lighting that accurately reflects colors. I have yet to find a fluorescent bulb let alone a CFL bulb that can even come close to a regular old 60W 25 cent incandescent light bulb. Halogen does a good job but they are much whiter, MUCH hotter, more expensive and they are still incandescent so the Algore factor is gone.

    Government, get out of my life! What’s next, are you going to regulate what type of underwear I have to buy?

    Report Post »  
    • An AmericanMom
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:55am

      Sir the Government big wigs will have to get back to you on that……but my guess would be yes…..
      Underwear will have to be redistributed to the less fortunate ones…..you have to go camando….

      Report Post » An AmericanMom  
  • Spikey_Dude
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:46am

    There’s some “Wealth-Redistribution” in this! Take a look at SpaceX…Nasa, going private? To South-African Business?

    Nothing is a surprise with this guy..

    Report Post »  
  • jeff.cooper
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:46am

    Another example of government interference in the marketplace, a place where it has no business being.

    Report Post » jeff.cooper  
  • TulsaYeeHaw
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:44am

    Bush should be ashamed of himself for signing that bill, all in the name of being bipartisan amd getting along. Or he actually believed this crap.

    Report Post »  
    • AmeriCat
      Posted on July 15, 2011 at 4:12am

      Bush, a Progressive Establishment GOP, believes in all this!
      Jeb Bush is just the same…RINO Establishment GOP.

      Report Post »  
  • MerlinV12
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:42am

    Just to add another bullet point to the list of faults that CFL lightbulbs have – radio interference. I cannot use one within ten feet of the AM radio on which I listen to Glenn and Rush.

    Also, (and it needs an electrical engineer to weigh in), what about power factor. Edison bulbs are a pure resistive load, CFL bulbs, having a tiny transformer in them by neccesity, are inductive. This has to make the power transmission system less efficient. By how much ?

    Report Post »  
    • tfiggs
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:52am

      All the better reason to have them!!!

      Report Post »  
    • cstinem
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:54am

      Ahhh HA! I just knew there was something else in this light bulb thing, it makes it harder for people to listen to talk radio!! Those Democrats!!

      But seriously this is another reason we (constitutional conservatives) have to get MORE people in office to stop this kind of abuse by our own government. Put both light bulbs out there and let people decide for themselves which ones they want and let the market rule…. Oh wait that would be capitalism and that is a bad thing, right liberals???

      Report Post »  
  • Bluefish49
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:38am

    Has anyone read the disposal instruction for these things or what you should do if you by chance drop one and it breaks….unbelievable. Does this administration actually think that I‘m going to put my spent pigtail in a special container that will go to a special landfill they are smoking mushroom’s. In the trash can they go.

    Report Post »  
  • hempstead1944
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:37am

    You must be kidding……they really failed to overturn this stupid law? In that case, get ready for ObamaCare……..

    Report Post »  
    • NOBALONEY
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:49am

      They didn’t have 2/3 required.

      Report Post » NOBALONEY  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:50am

      How lame is our federal government?

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • GRAMPA-D-NH
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:06am

      I wonder how many RINOs voted against the overturn. If nothing else they’ve been fully exposed.

      Report Post » GRAMPA-D-NH  
    • copatriots
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 8:44am

      Awesome point and wordplay, Grampa!!! Light tends to expose the dark. It is ridiculous and telling that We the People have allowed lawmakers to regulate light bulbs.

      Report Post »  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:01am

      “He exaggerated the cost of most energy-efficient bulbs and neglected to mention that they last years longer than old incandescent bulbs, which convert about 90 percent of the energy they consume as electricity into heat, and only 10 percent into light.”
      —————————————————————————————————–
      Whose comment was this? Blaze writer or someone else? It doesn’t say, but this statement is false. It‘s been my experience that the CFLs don’t last any longer than incandescent, but cost 4 times as much. They also contain mercury, which places the environment in more danger, because people are NOT going to go through any special EPA mandated procedures to discard them. They will just drop them into the trash can and be done with it.
      This is just another Green-liberal law of unintended consequences.
      ——————————————————————————————————–
      Blaze, is there a link to who voted for it and who didn’t?

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
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