u235

More time (and energy) wasting antics on the part of the "new" Republicans...

Republicans in control of the House moved toward a vote late Monday on legislation that would seek to overturn light bulb energy-efficiency standards and keep the marketplace clear for the cheap, energy-wasting bulbs that have changed little since Thomas Edison invented them in 1879.

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. (AP)

The old incandescent bulbs are highly inefficient, wasting the majority of their power through heat and not illumination. It makes common sense, something the Tea Party marketeers want you to believe they have more of than any other politicians, that demanding more energy efficient bulbs would be a benefit especially since the cost of energy these days is so high. Further, you'd think the party which is all about business would realize that by upping the energy standard they encourage companies to invest in the necessary technology and manufacturing.

But no, pandering to the lowest intelligence seems to be the motive. "Stupid enough for even the peasants to understand" seems to be their motto. Putting the lies and misinformation aside, (new bulbs don't cost $10 apiece and they last considerably longer than their classic counterparts), the science has proven which path is the better long term investment for our country.

The National Resources Defense Council said that when the law is fully implemented in 2020, energy costs will be reduced 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.

The advocacy group presented statements from Edison's kin in support of the new standards. "Edison would certainly have recognized that the wave of the future - profits - is to make it better, cheaper and, yes, cleaner and more efficient," said Barry Edison Sloane, a great-grandson.

Said Robert Wheeler, a great-nephew: "The technology changes. Embrace it."