Not the Brightest Bulb in the Room

Stupid is as stupid does, right?

Did you know that Congress recently passed a bill banning the incandescent light bulb in 2014? Yow, that’s pretty radical. The goal is to force everyone to start using CFL bulbs. New York State passed such a bill over the summer.

The ridiculous thing about these bills– the federal government and New York State’s– is that there are serious problems with CFL bulbs. Of course, the new laws do not address these problems; the new laws are “feel good” laws with no intention of making anything better. So, once again the government is making problems, and we all know how they will aim to fix these problems: with more problems!

For one, it is illegal to dispose of mercury through the municipal trash system in New York State. Those CFL bulbs? Loaded with mercury– 6 to 8 milligrams of the toxic stuff. So… how are we supposed to dispose of these things when they expire? (Let alone afford to dispose of them).

As far as the fed’s stupid and overbearing bill, other countries are advising that people evacuate a room if a CFL bulb breaks. The mercury content is that bad. You have to use rubber gloves and not breathe in the stuff.

But like ethanol, government is determined to make a bigger problem out of a smaller problem. Ah, but I suddenly see the light! Visions of higher taxes and higher revenue for the government develop in my sight!

Update: I’m doing a little research into LED lighting for my New York Renovator blog. I am very impressed with what I am learning (see here and here). Now, why isn’t LED being pushed to replace incandescent?!

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