Writing in USA Today, Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) discusses the push, via government, to rid the world of incandescent light bulbs and impose the use of CFLs.
So why force them on the American people?
Industry experts say new and improved energy efficient bulbs are in development — lights that cost less, produce more tolerable light and contain less mercury. That’s great! Consumers should be able to buy them if they choose to, but the government shouldn’t manipulate the market by eliminating the competition.
Even the AFL-CIO complained about the move to CFLs, making the valid point that there are many ways to save electricity without shifting to the mercury-filled compact florescent bulb, which is primarily made in China.
Should we conserve energy when we can? Of course. That doesn’t require a government mandate.
