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Activists Seek Repeal of Ban On Incandescent Bulbs

Posted by Soulskill on from the wouldn't-want-to-accidentally-get-something-done dept.

Hugh Pickens writes writes "Daniel Sayani reports in New American that Senator Mike Enzi plans to introduce legislation to reverse the ban on incandescent light bulbs which is scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2014. 'CFLs are more expensive, many contain mercury which can be harmful even in the smallest amounts, and most are manufactured overseas in places like China,' says Enzi. 'If left alone, the best bulb will win its rightful standing in the marketplace. Government doesn't need to be in the business of telling people what light bulb they have to use.' Faced with a phaseout, some consumers are stockpiling incandescent bulbs, although a poll by USA Today indicates most Americans support the US law that begins phasing out traditional light bulbs next year. Despite some consumer grumbling, they're satisfied with more efficient alternatives. 71% of US adults say they have replaced standard light bulbs in their home over the past few years with compact fluorescent lamps or LEDs and 84% say they are 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' with CFLs and LEDs."

2 of 1,049 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Good! by SiChemist · · Score: 5, Informative

    Except the Fed does NOT dictate the type of bulb you use. Congress passed a bipartisan law to require that bulbs be more efficient. Any incandescent bulbs that meet the new efficiency guidelines are fine. G.E. promised a more efficient incandescent bulb but decided against it.

    --
    God is imaginary
  2. Re:Light output is terrible for CFLs and LEDs by dr2chase · · Score: 4, Informative

    Is this monochromatic? (hint: I used a diffraction grating to help you get the correct answer)
    http://gallery.me.com/dr2chase#100277/LEDSpectrum
    These are three different Luxeon Rebel LEDs, driven at 350mA, I believe the color temperatures are 3000K, 4000K, and 5000K. Still not as cheap as I would like, but coming down (cheaper than before) and the light is creeping up. Another good choice is Cree; I have 9 last-gen Cree neutral-whites (4000K, I think) in my kitchen under the cabinets, and they look good there, too. As long as I am blogwhoring (since I just went and took these pictures to give a proper reply for you, I think I am entitled), here:
    http://dr2chase.wordpress.com/2011/02/20/undercabinet-lights-basement-kitchen/ (used for the picture above, mixed spectrum)
    http://dr2chase.wordpress.com/2008/10/19/more-undercabinet-lights/ (all neutral white, an earlier effort)
    Note that these are "do not look at LED with remaining eye" grade lights.