With Light Bulb Positives Come Inherent Dangers
Americans always have taken pride in their individualism and independence but more and more their decision-making options are being removed, often in the name of protection, by Congress.
One of the latest examples is a provision in the energy bill passed last year that will phase out traditional light bulbs, forcing consumers to buy compact fluorescent bulbs in the name of saving energy.
In a few years, unless Congress changes its mind, traditional bulbs will be outlawed. Some suggest this could lead to a large black market in "Soft White" light bulbs.
There is evidence that the fluorescent bulbs are better in many ways. They last longer, use less electricity and throw off less heat. Consumers will reportedly save about $30 over the life of each bulb.
Not everything about the fluorescent bulbs is positive, however. For starters, they are much more expensive than traditional bulbs, and have other significant drawbacks.
For example, they contain mercury. In some states, it is illegal to throw the bulbs in the trash - they must be taken to a hazardous waste facility.
If one is accidentally broken, there are real problems. The Environmental Protection Agency has published recommendations for handling that type of mishap, with the first recommended reaction being to turn off the heating or air conditioning, clear the room and air it out for at least 15 minutes.
After than, "Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag" the EPA advises. Then it is recommended duct tape be used to pick up any remaining shards of glass.
If you elect to use a vacuum, "Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister), and put the bag or vacuum debris in a sealed plastic bag" once you are finished. And "the next several times you vacuum, shut off the central forced-heating/air conditioning system and open a window prior to vacuuming."
In states that require the bulbs be dealt with as a hazardous waste, people also need to get a directive on their handling requirements.
People still might figure the new bulbs are superior in enough ways to decide on their own they are best for their use. But that still should be an individual choice.
If the new bulbs are "superior in every measurable way," commented the Mankato (Minnesota) Free Press in an editorial, why did Congress need to make traditional bulbs illegal?
A movement is developing in opposition to the congressional action.
Rep. Michelle Bachmann, R-Minn., introduced the "Light Bulb Freedom of Choice Act" last month. That measure would repeal the ban on incandescents, leaving Americans free to choose their source of illumination, said Ed Feulner, president of The Heritage Foundation.
"Americans are smart enough to decide for themselves which products they'd prefer to use," Feulner said. "It's only inferior or unnecessary products (think ethanol) that require congressional intervention to survive. Useful or innovative products (iPods, cell phones) thrive on their own."
Actually, the market already is working without the help of Congress.
Steve Rosenstock of the Edison Electric Institute said compact fluorescent lights now make up more than 20 percent of bulbs sold in the United States. That is up from just 1 percent in 2001.
This is at least the second time Congress has tried to protect Americans from wastefulness. Lawmakers several years ago outlawed toilets that use more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush. But there is a big question of whether any water has been saved.
The low-flow toilets don't work efficiently and often require several flushes, and people with older models tend to hang on to them as long as possible.
Congress needs to stop trying to regulate everything and trust people to be smart decision-makers in the open market. It has always been the American way.
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