June 20, 2011

Republicans Flicker On Light Bulb Ban Repeal

By Geoffrey P. Hunt
The Republican House is flinching on passing the simplest and most symbolic piece of legislation this term: repeal of the incandescent light bulb phase out.  Amidst great fanfare and promises to restore limited government, the new majority is proving it isn't much different than the old majority. The incandescent phase out required under the so-called Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 starts with banning regular 100 watt light bulbs on Jan 1, 2012. 75 watters will be banned a year later.  60 watters  fade in 2014.  Some of us still cling to a quaint notion that federal legislation ought to pass constitutional muster while fixing a problem serious enough to fix and do so while providing more benefits than the costs to implement.  The light bulb ban fails to achieve all three: 1) it is unconstitutional (see my previous screed on this aspect); 2) is a solution without a problem; and 3) bears costs far in excess of any benefits. The light bulb ban...(Read Full Article)