Hey guys, can we talk about lightbulbs for a sec? I have some questions. [View All]

[beachmom]

So, the Republicans are salivating at the prospect of a majority in the House. And one of their issues that they want to address in the Energy Committee is the situation with lightbulbs. Kate Sheppard has the story:

http://motherjones.com/blue-marble/2010/09/gop-defending-your-right-life-liberty-and-inefficient-lighting

Almost as if on cue, Republicans today signaled the kind of leadership they plan to display on energy matters if they take back the House in November. Following a push from conservative pundits, Rep. Joe Barton (R-Tex.) introduced legislation to preserve your freedom of choice—when it comes to light bulbs at least.

Barton, who could potentially reprise his role as chair of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee next year if the GOP wins the House, unveiled the "Better Use of Light Bulbs Act" on Friday. Michael Burgess (R-Tex.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) are cosponsoring the measure, which would repeal the phase-out of incandescent bulbs set to begin next year. The phase-out to more energy-efficient lighting was included in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

In theory, I am with John Kerry and the Democrats on this and think it's ridiculous that something that would be so simple to reduce carbon emissions would be blocked. In practice, though, I might be with the Republicans. In short, I HATE those new lightbulbs. They are just crap. Lousy for reading, AND many of them burn out WAY earlier than what was advertised. I haven't found ones that can do the three way so that you can make them bright. This sane story in the National Review highlights other problems:


http://www.nationalreview.com/agenda/245874/incandescent-bulb-divide-reihan-salam

Kate Sheppard basically concedes his point!!!!

But, maybe I am buying the wrong ones. I'm just saying this 2012 phase out has me very worried. Like we're going backwards in terms of lighting our homes. I just was wondering what everyone else's experience with the energy efficient lightbulbs has been. Because at this point, I might need to stockpile the old kinds if they are going to be phased out I am so unhappy with the new ones.