Dim bulbs

[marmar]

from Grist:




In dimwitted move, GOP set to repeal lightbulb standard that saves billions

by Stephen Lacey
8 Jul 2011 3:09 PM


Cross-posted from Climate Progress.

In a move that could be called anything but conservative, Republican lawmakers are set to bring a bill to the House floor next week that will repeal state and municipal rights to set efficiency standards for lightbulbs. The bill would unravel a piece of federal legislation that was strongly supported by lightbulb manufacturers and has spurred innovation in the lighting industry.

The bill, sponsored by Texas Republican Joe Barton, would strip away any "federal, state or local requirement or standard regarding energy efficient lighting" that uses lightbulbs containing mercury. In other words, all compact fluorescent bulbs.

Remember, in May, Barton denied there was any "medical negative" from mercury emitted from coal power plants. Now he fancies himself a protector of the public from a vastly smaller source of potential mercury poisoning. The reality: There is an extremely small amount of mercury in CFL bulbs. Even after more than eight hours of exposure, mercury levels are equal to eating a six ounce can of tuna,

But that's not what this is really about. ............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.grist.org/energy-efficiency/2011-07-08-in-dimwitted-move-gop-set-to-repeal-lightbulb-standard-that-save

[polichick]

1. The GOP is a party of FEARFUL IDIOTS.

[krispos42]

2. Yeah, no surprise there. None at all

Wasn't this a campaign plank?

[Coyote_Bandit]

3. Ummmm......

I've got nothing against this.

I've started stockpiling old style light bulbs. I do not want to have to replace fixtures. That's expensive. I'm unemployed.

I recently made an effort to replace some traditional bulbs with more energy efficient alternatives. There are at least four fixtures in my home for which I was unable to find energy efficient alternatives.

And I haven't even mentioned the fact that LED lights were $20+ each at the local big box store.

I've nothing against reducing energy consumption - but I'm affirmatively opposed to government regulations and laws that benefit corporations at the expense of consumers.

[Zax2me]

4. good. I hate those new fucked up bulbs

They cost a lot more, the light they put off sucks, and you can't just toss them in the trash when they quit working - a lot quicker than claimed.