Don’t let Congress decree light bulb use

Late last year, Congress reached a deal to delay until October the enforcement of standards that were to bring about the end of the old-style 100-watt Edison bulb, which had been set to expire on Jan. 1.

Why is the reversal of the Edison light bulb ban important to the American people? Just because Europe is already well along the way of mandating the use of CFL to slash carbon emissions in favor of the energy-saving bulbs, despite complaints from European museum directors and other cultural leaders who see the light cast as harsh and flickery, is there any reason why this nation should follow suit?

Unlike in Europe where government control is the norm, this nation operates under the free market capitalist system where success and failure of a product or service is decided by those who use the product. If enough Americans in time switch to CFLs, the Edison bulb will be phased out without government interference. Until such a time the American people should have the freedom to select which light bulb is best for them.

Consider these downsides to CFLs usage: CFLs contain a tiny bit of mercury, which is highly toxic; by law, CFL blubs must be recycled or taken to a hazardous waste disposal site; most CFLs don’t work on dimmer switches and might actually damage this kind of switch; sensitivities and flickering can make the use of CFLs unwise and a health hazard for a small percentage of the population.

The American people don’t want government standards determining how they light their homes as another feel-good measure legislated to prove that this nation is doing its part to please Mother Earth, all in the name of the hoax that is man-made global warming.

Keep the pressure on your elected U.S. congressmen and senators to dismiss any notion of reinstating the ban of the Edison light bulb when October rolls around.

Nancy J. Thorner

Lake Bluff