Incandescent Light Bulbs to Start Being Phased Out in 2012

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the U.S. government's decision to phase out incandescent light bulbs starting in 2012, a law signed by President Bush. Participants express concerns about government overreach in mandating consumer choices based on energy efficiency, arguing that while incandescent bulbs are deemed inefficient, they are not inherently dangerous. The conversation also touches on the aesthetics of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and their practical issues, such as performance in cold weather. Ultimately, the debate highlights the tension between energy conservation policies and individual consumer rights.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of energy efficiency standards and regulations
  • Familiarity with incandescent and compact fluorescent light bulb technologies
  • Knowledge of government policy-making processes regarding consumer products
  • Awareness of environmental impacts related to energy consumption
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 on lighting technologies
  • Explore advancements in LED lighting as an alternative to CFLs and incandescent bulbs
  • Investigate the environmental benefits and drawbacks of different light bulb technologies
  • Learn about consumer rights in relation to government regulations on products
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for policymakers, environmental advocates, lighting industry professionals, and consumers interested in understanding the implications of energy efficiency regulations on personal choice and market dynamics.

  • #271
I have read (although I have no proof at the moment) that the environmentalists were not the only ones that wanted to kill the conventional incandescent, but the big lightbulb companies such as GE and Phillips. Apparently, they lobbied heaivly for increasing the lightbulb standards so that they could make more profit, as the conventional incandescents are so cheap, that the profit margins on them are very slim.

What gets me are the folks (and the companies and manufacturing groups) criticizing the delay in eforcement, claiming it is "taking away" more efficient bulbs from consumers and that the American people want the more efficient bulbs...!? If that's the case, then why are the new regulations needed at all? If there is truly demand and desire for the more costly, but (supposedly) more efficient bulbs, then no regulations would be needed at all, people would just buy them.
 
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  • #273
CAC1001 said:
I have read (although I have no proof at the moment) that the environmentalists were not the only ones that wanted to kill the conventional incandescent, but the big lightbulb companies such as GE and Phillips. Apparently, they lobbied heaivly for increasing the lightbulb standards so that they could make more profit, as the conventional incandescents are so cheap, that the profit margins on them are very slim.

What gets me are the folks (and the companies and manufacturing groups) criticizing the delay in eforcement, claiming it is "taking away" more efficient bulbs from consumers and that the American people want the more efficient bulbs...!? If that's the case, then why are the new regulations needed at all? If there is truly demand and desire for the more costly, but (supposedly) more efficient bulbs, then no regulations would be needed at all, people would just buy them.
Banning cheap incandescent bulbs doesn't make much sense, imo, unless one factors in the interests of the giant manufacturers. Then it makes sense, imo.

The (much) cheaper bulbs marked for banning last quite long enough in my experience, and I think they're better for the eyes than flourescents. So, my reaction to the government action (ie., requiring me to buy more expensive flourescent bulbs), which seems predicated on decreasing competition and increasing profits for the big manufacturers, is to stockpile the cheaper incandescent bulbs while I can.
 
  • #274
G.E. has already closed down operations here and moved their CFL production to China.

http://articles.businessinsider.com/2009-08-28/green_sheet/30003252_1_compact-fluorescent-bulbs-mercury-plant
 
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  • #275
edward said:
G.E. has already closed down operations here and moved their CFL production to China.

http://articles.businessinsider.com/2009-08-28/green_sheet/30003252_1_compact-fluorescent-bulbs-mercury-plant
That's good for GE, but bad for America, imho.
 
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