Opposition Builds To New Light Bulb Rules

An Evolux LED bulb

Today's vote in the House of Representatives on overturning a law that bans incandescent light bulbs is an issue that is part ideological and part pocketbook. How ordinary consumers come down on the issue likely has to do with either their politics or their household budget.

The law, passed in 2007 and signed by President George W. Bush, doesn't outlaw incandescent light bulbs per se, it simply sets energy use standards for them that they can't possible meet. The new standards are set to take effect January 1, and the first incandescent casualty will be the 100 watt bulb.

Other bulbs will be phased out over time, ending with the 40 watt bulb in 2014. Smaller bulbs and specialty lights are exempt from the rules.

Energy hogs

Eventually, consumers will no longer be able to purchase the old fashioned light bulbs that have changed little since Edison invented them. The reason is, they use too much electricity.

They will be replaced in the marketplace by compact florescent bulbs and light emitting diodes, which have been around for years as energy-saving alternatives. They use much less energy to operate.

Besides the obvious difference in the old and new light bulbs, there is a big difference in price. Incandescent bulbs are cheap, as little as 25 cents each. The newer bulbs can cost $3 or more.

Not surprisingly, light bulb manufacturers are just fine with the new regulations. They stand to make much more profit on each of the new bulbs that are sold.

Symbol of 'big government'

Some consumers are not happy about the added cost, however. On top of that, the new light bulb law has become an issue for conservative political groups, who say the government shouldn't be telling consumers what kind of light bulbs they have to use.

Environmental groups, which tend to be liberal, support the new law because they say it will conserve energy resources.

It's unlikely, however, that anything will prevent the new light bulb energy standards from going into effect in January. Even House approval of the repeal faces tough sledding in the Democrat-controlled Senate. It is also highly unlikely President Obama would sign a repeal.

Californians, meanwhile, have already learned to live with the new light bulbs. The state has already outlawed 100 watt incandescent light bulbs.

Other countries have already taken steps to mandate more efficient light bulbs. Brazil and Venezuela began phasing them out in 2005 and the European Union began the process in 2009.