The Bulb Police

[Piggybank Cop]

Move in Calif. to ban traditional light bulbs
Compact fluorescents would rule in bid to save energy, cut warming gases
MSNBC News Services
Updated: 2:35 p.m. ET Jan 31, 2007
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - How many people does it take to change a light bulb? In California, the answer could be a majority of the Legislature as part of the state's groundbreaking initiatives to reduce energy use and greenhouse gases blamed for global warming.

The "How Many Legislators Does it Take to Change a Light Bulb Act" would ban incandescent light bulbs by 2012 in favor of energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Assemblyman Lloyd Levine plans to introduce the bill this week, saying the spiral light sources are so efficient that consumers should be forced to use them. The compact bulbs use one-fourth the electricity spent in an equivalent incandescent, and that also means fewer carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants.

“Incandescent light bulbs were first developed almost 125 years ago, and since that time they have undergone no major modifications,” Levine, a Democrat from Los Angeles, said in a news release. "Meanwhile, they remain incredibly inefficient, converting only about 5 percent of the energy they receive into light."

If passed, the bill would be another pioneering environmental effort in California, the most populous state. It became the first state to mandate cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, targeting a 25 percent reduction in emissions by 2020.

CFLs by the numbers
Compact fluorescent light bulbs were introduced in 1980. By 2005, about 100 million CFLs were sold in the United States, or about 5 percent of the 2-billion-light bulb market, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

That number could more than double this year. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. alone wants to sell 100 million CFLs at its stores by the end of 2007, the world's biggest retailer said in November.


While it will not give opinion on the possible California law, the EPA recommends CFLs.

"They save money and energy," EPA spokeswoman Enesta Jones said. "They are more convenient than other alternatives and come in different sizes and shapes to fit almost any fixture."

Also, CFLs generate 70 percent less heat than incandescent lights, Jones said.

About a fifth of the average U.S. home's electricity costs pays for lighting, which means even if CFLs initially cost more than conventional light bulbs, consumers will save, Jones said.

A 20-watt CFL gives as much light as a 75-watt conventional bulb, and lasts 13 times longer, according to the Rocky Mountain Institute, a nonprofit group studying energy issues.

Utility subsidizes cost
Southern California Edison, one of the state's biggest utilities, runs a program that cuts the cost of a CFL by $1 to $2.50. In the past year, SCE has helped consumers buy 6 million CFLs, it said.

California Energy Commission member Arthur Rosenfeld said an average home in California will save $40 to $50 per year if CFLs replace all incandescent bulbs.

"This is clearly an idea whose time has come," he said.

Last year, the Legislature passed a Levine bill that requires large supermarkets to recycle plastic bags. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed that bill but has not taken a position on the light bulb proposal.

[Ducky]

With legislation like that, if I blew a lightbulb I'd have to wait till payday to replace it.

[BigDawg]

While the bulbs are really good, here is another example of some Democrat or Liberal trying to shove their touchy fealy ideas down our throats. Why dont they just tax the hell out of the companies that make the other bulbs, and give tax breaks for the good bulbs. Let the people make their own damn decision.

[Willowdared]

I don't think it should be law....but I have been a big fan of compact fluorescent bulbs for a long time!

I signed on to a program thru my Gas & Electric company several years ago, and got my first bulb for free...it lasted 5 years, and it was my bedroom light, so it was on every single day!

Not only will you see a drop in your bill, you will feel the difference in those hot summer months, because they do not give off as much heat as incandescent bulbs.

[E-man]

They are truly worth the money. I can buy a 4 pack at Home Depot for like 6-7 bucks. But they immediately save you money. First month u can see a 5 dollar or more reduction plus you can keep more lights on more often and not have to worry about shutting them all the time.
BUT its not a legislation thing. FREAKIN UNBELIEVEABLE for the lawmakers to even come up with this BRIGHT idea

[10-42Adam]

We've been using them in my house for quite a while now...we love 'em!

[Willowdared]

If you're lucky enough to have an Ikea, they carry some that look like regular bulbs, if you have an old fashioned lampshade that clips on the bulb.

[BEB]

Warm up the cannon, got another politician to fire.

I have one set of screw in fluorescents in the kitchen that get used daily and are still going strong after ten years. They cost a bit back then, but I'm sure they've paid for themselves now.

UNFORTUNATELY, I've had nothing but trouble with the new breed of cheap ones. GE, Phillips - they're dying faster than incandescents. Last ones I bought were a 9 pack of GE and so far 6 are dead in less than a year. Anyone else had any problems lately or am I getting lemons?

[Watchman]

Gee...I didnt think that it was the job of the local government to tell you what you could use for lighing in your own home.

Am I missing something? Is that what the legislatures in California do now? Have they nothing better to do?