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Dogman
13th July 2011, 08:23 AM
Fight is symbol of larger divide in Washington

http://cmsimg.tennessean.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=DN&Date=20110713&Category=NEWS08&ArtNo=307130110&Ref=AR&MaxW=300&Border=0

Many Republicans see the new standards favoring more energy-efficient light bulbs, left, as an example of big government intrusiveness. / Justin Sullivan / File / Getty Images


WASHINGTON — House Republicans on Tuesday failed to stop the enactment of new energy-saving standards for light bulbs they portrayed as yet another example of big government interfering in people’s lives.


The GOP bill to overturn the standards set to go into effect next year fell short of the two-thirds majority needed for passage. The vote was 233-193.
For many Republicans, those newfangled curly fluorescent light bulbs were the last straw, pushed by an overreaching government that’s forcing people to buy health insurance, prodding them to get more fuel-efficientcars (http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110713/NEWS08/307130110/GOP-fails-turn-off-light-bulb-standards?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%20N ation%20&%20World%7Cp#) and sticking its nose into too many places.


Their legislation would have kept the marketplace clear for the cheap, energy-wasting bulbs that have changed little since Thomas Edison invented them in 1879.


For most Democrats, it’s an exasperating debate that, just like the old incandescent bulbs being crowded out of the market, produces more heat than light.


The standards in question do not specifically ban the old bulbs but require a higher level of efficiency than the classics can produce, essentially nudging them off store shelves over the next few years.


The standards have not been particularly contentious before now. They were crafted in 2007 with Republican participation and signed into law by President George W. Bush. People seem to like the new choices and the energy savings they bring, polling finds.


But now they have become a symbol of a much larger divide in Washington over the size and reach of government itself. The new bulbs suggest to some conservatives that big government is running amok.


“Now the government wants to tell consumers what type of light bulb they use to read, cook, watch television or light their garage,” said Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas.


Tennessee Rep. Marsha Blackburn, a Republican from Brentwood who has pressed to undo the law, said through an aide that she intends to come back with another effort.


It could include keeping money out of the appropriations bill that would fund enforcement of the law or bringing the bill back, but this time going through the committee system.


That would only require a simple majority of the House, rather than two-thirds the bill needed Tuesday.


She called the law “a Big Washington big idea that backfired.”
Republicans said people who now buy a bulb for 30 or 40 cents shouldn’t be forced to pay $6 for a fluorescent bulb or more for LED lighting.
The energy-efficient (http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110713/NEWS08/307130110/GOP-fails-turn-off-light-bulb-standards?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%20N ation%20&%20World%7Cp#) bulbs last years longer than old incandescent bulbs, which convert about 90 percent of the energy they consume as electricity into heat, and only 10 percent into light.


The Obama administration, which opposes Barton’s bill, says the lighting standards that are being phased in will save nearly $6 billion in 2015 alone. The Energy Department says upgrading 15 inefficient incandescent bulbs in a home could save a homeowner $50 a year. Lighting accounts (http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110713/NEWS08/307130110/GOP-fails-turn-off-light-bulb-standards?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%20N ation%20&%20World%7Cp#) for about 10 percent of home electricity use.


Incandescent bulbs are not disappearing. Today’s energy-saving choices include incandescent lighting that is moreefficient (http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110713/NEWS08/307130110/GOP-fails-turn-off-light-bulb-standards?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%20N ation%20&%20World%7Cp#), and more expensive to buy, than the old standbys.


Under existing rules, new bulbs will have to be 25 percent to 30 percent more efficient than traditional incandescent models. As of Jan. 1, 2012, inefficient 100-watt bulbs will no longer be available at most stores. Also on the way out are traditional 75-watt bulbs in 2013 and 40-watt and 60-watt versions in 2014.


The National Resources Defense Council said that when the law is fully implemented in 2020, energy costs will be cut by 7 percent, or about $85 a household, every year. It said the more efficient bulbs will eliminate the need for 33 large power plants.


http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110713/NEWS08/307130110/GOP-fails-turn-off-light-bulb-standards?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News%20Nation% 20&%20World|p (http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110713/NEWS08/307130110/GOP-fails-turn-off-light-bulb-standards?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%20N ation%20&%20World%7Cp)

There will be a time to stock up on the old style. The new ones sure do not like being cold.

SLV^GLD
13th July 2011, 09:28 AM
I have a few hundred of each type of incandescent currently in use at my house. I don't care which way this thing blows, TBH.

Ash_Williams
13th July 2011, 09:43 AM
As of Jan. 1, 2012, inefficient 100-watt bulbs will no longer be available at most stores. Also on the way out are traditional 75-watt bulbs in 2013 and 40-watt and 60-watt versions in 2014.

This is stupid because the 100 watt bulbs are the most efficient out of that group. A single 100 watt bulb can put out more light than two 60 watt bulbs.

keehah
13th July 2011, 10:19 AM
I've read several mainstream articles that portort to talk about the problems of this decree, and they miss the biggest problems.

For example, the lights only last longer when they are not turned on and off often (leave the lights on then?!? ;) ). And the biggest health issue is not the colour or UV radiaition (usually also not mentioned) or cost or clean-up hazard, its what these articles neven mention: the electromagnetic radiation being emmited and its impact on the human body.

And up here near and above the 49th, wasting heat is less of an issue yet anything over a 60 Watt bulb was banned here the beginning of the year. Its mid July and at 10 in the morning I have an electric space heater running in the room my main heat is electric as is common in this province that just banned these efficient portable space heaters. I would submit that come fall, an average Canadian could actually be saving electric power by having 100 watt space heaters (that also provide light) heaters running right near him only at the times he is in the room, rather than cool light and heating his house with electric base heaters for the same degree of comfort.

While I'm on the topic, I just found out this week I'm getting a smart meter this year.

'Its only like (being exposed to) radiation equivilent to a half hour on a cell phone' the flyer with my bill says.

Only. I use a cell phone for a mintue about once every two months. 10-15 minutes a year? My building has three meters. Now I'm getting 90 minutes a year more.

Joe King
13th July 2011, 10:47 AM
They're not actually banning incadescent bulbs, but rather just saying they have to be more efficient.

What you will end up with are 70 watt incadescent bulbs that output light equilivant of a current 100 watt bulb.

Personally, I think the bulb manufacturers themselves started the "light bulb ban" rumor in order sell as many of the current bulbs as possible, or to make sure existing stocks of them were sold before the switch to the new ones was made.

keehah
13th July 2011, 11:00 AM
They're not actually banning incadescent bulbs..

In my area of North America under a Bilderberg Premier Joe King, incadescent bulbs over 60 watts are already banned.

Down1
13th July 2011, 11:10 AM
Dogman you could have saved some space in the title by just putting GOP fails.

Let us all keep in mind King George II signed this terrible bill into law.


The standards have not been particularly contentious before now. They were crafted in 2007 with Republican participation and signed into law by President George W. Bush. People seem to like the new choices and the energy savings they bring, polling finds.
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110713/NEWS08/307130110/GOP-fails-turn-off-light-bulb-standards?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News%20Nation% 20&%20World|p

Dogman
13th July 2011, 11:15 AM
Dogman you could have saved some space in the title by just putting GOP fails.

Let us all keep in mind King George II signed this terrible bill into law.


http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110713/NEWS08/307130110/GOP-fails-turn-off-light-bulb-standards?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News%20Nation% 20&%20World|p

Yea, you are right, I do tend to get wordy. Grin!

Joe King
13th July 2011, 11:19 AM
In my area of North America under a Bilderberg Premier Joe King, incadescent bulbs over 60 watts are already banned.
You have my sympathy.
I was referring to in the USA.

ximmy
13th July 2011, 11:46 AM
Shut this bulb down now!!!!

Worlds longest lasting incandescent bulb...
http://images-mediawiki-sites.thefullwiki.org/04/2/5/6/92189161116564836.jpg

Facts

Age: 110 years and counting (as of June 2011)

Installed: First installed at the fire department hose cart house on L Street in 1901. Shortly after it moved to the main firehouse on Second. In 1903 it was moved to the new Station 1 on First and McLeod, and survived the renovation of the Firehouse in 1937, when it was off for about a week. During it's first 75 years it was connected directly to the 110 Volt city power, (subject to the power outages) , and not to the back-up generator for fear of a power surge. In 1976 it was moved with a full police and fire truck escort, under the watch of Captain Kirby Slate, to its present site in 1976 at Fire Station 6, 4550 East Ave., Livermore, California. It was then hooked to a seperate power source at 120V according to Frank Maul, Retired City Electrician, with no interuptions since.

Proof of Longevity: From local newspaper records; also GE engineers researched it. Was donated to the Fire Department in 1901 by Dennis Bernal who owned the Livermore Power and Light Co.

Vital Statistics: The improved incandescent lamp, invented by Adolphe A. Chaillet, was made by the Shelby Electric Company. It is a handblown bulb with carbon filament. Wattage- Began at 60 watts, currently shines at 4 watts. Left burning continuously in firehouse as a nightlight over the fire trucks. For some research test results on another Shelby bulb at Annapolis follow this link.

http://www.centennialbulb.org/facts.htm

Dogman
13th July 2011, 11:56 AM
Shut this bulb down now!!!!

Worlds longest lasting incandescent bulb...
http://images-mediawiki-sites.thefullwiki.org/04/2/5/6/92189161116564836.jpg

Facts

Age: 110 years and counting (as of June 2011)

Installed: First installed at the fire department hose cart house on L Street in 1901. Shortly after it moved to the main firehouse on Second. In 1903 it was moved to the new Station 1 on First and McLeod, and survived the renovation of the Firehouse in 1937, when it was off for about a week. During it's first 75 years it was connected directly to the 110 Volt city power, (subject to the power outages) , and not to the back-up generator for fear of a power surge. In 1976 it was moved with a full police and fire truck escort, under the watch of Captain Kirby Slate, to its present site in 1976 at Fire Station 6, 4550 East Ave., Livermore, California. It was then hooked to a seperate power source at 120V according to Frank Maul, Retired City Electrician, with no interuptions since.

Proof of Longevity: From local newspaper records; also GE engineers researched it. Was donated to the Fire Department in 1901 by Dennis Bernal who owned the Livermore Power and Light Co.

Vital Statistics: The improved incandescent lamp, invented by Adolphe A. Chaillet, was made by the Shelby Electric Company. It is a handblown bulb with carbon filament. Wattage- Began at 60 watts, currently shines at 4 watts. Left burning continuously in firehouse as a nightlight over the fire trucks. For some research test results on another Shelby bulb at Annapolis follow this link.

http://www.centennialbulb.org/facts.htm

Have seen this one.

Second longest-lasting light bulb

The second longest-lasting light bulb is in Fort Worth, Texas (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Worth,_Texas). The bulb, known as the Eternal Light, was credited as being the longest-lasting bulb in the 1970 edition of the The Guinness Book of World Records (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinness_World_Records), two years before the discovery of the Livermore bulb.[1] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longest-lasting_light_bulbs#cite_note-centennialbulb.org-0) It was originally at the Byers Opera House, and was supposedly installed by a stage-hand, Barry Burke, on September 21, 1908, above the backstage door. The theater was demolished in 1977 and the bulb was transported to a museum located in the Livestock Exchange Building. Since its installation in the museum, it has only been turned off once — by accident — before being put on its own, unswitched, circuit.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longest-lasting_light_bulbs#Second_longest-lasting_light_bulb

LastResort
13th July 2011, 12:42 PM
They can take their mercury laced headache inducing energy saving light bulbs and shove them up their asses. Glad I'm stocked with 100w cheapo bulbs.