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RE: Trump Administration Reverses Energy-Efficiency Standards For Lightbulbs : NPR
I don't get it. If LEDs consume less energy, and last longer, while offering the same light, why would any consumer still buy incandescent bulbs? So therefor, what's the point in passing legislation trying to control something that the market would take care of anyway, much more efficiently than any regulation could? On the other hand, if Trump rolls back the law, and suddenly the old incandescent light bulbs reappear on the shelves, who says anyone is gonna buy them? I don't see why anyone would... However, if some fool wants to spend money on something that'll cost more and break sooner... why shouldn't he have the right to do so?
I would hope that people would be aware enough to see the cost/benefit of LEDs over the incandescent but a look around the country makes me a bit suspect. I really would like to see the incandescent engineered like the one in the Livermore Fire Station that has been going for 100+ years. If the bulbs were built like that then who cares.
The disposable culture that has evolved is needing to be dismantled and this legislation was just one tiny step towards reducing the waste. Though there is the circuitry in the LEDs that is not nearly as environmentally safe as the few materials used to make incandescent.
Hmmm... I have heard about that incandescent bulb at the Livermore Fire Station, but I've always had my doubts about that. Especially at a time (like the last decade) when it seemed like incandescents were going to be history, it would have been the perfect opportunity to make and sell a bunch of them before the competition (LEDs) took over the market.
Thanks for pointing out the less environmentally friendly manufacturing of LEDs! It's the same story as with photovoltaic panels. Better is not always better.
Fair enough. But, do you drive a Kia or a Toyota and why? No one wants that upfront cost regardless if they think it'll last longer or be cheaper in the long run.
Hehehe, I ride a Kona Hahana, but I call her my Red Fox. ;-) Of course there are people out there who do drive Kias and Toyotas, and even Nissan Leafs and Teslas. Still others prefer to keep fixing their 30+ year old diesels, if it hasn't been made impossible by recent legislation. And I'm sure each and every one has their reason for doing so. I also believe that in order to be effective, ecology and economy must go hand in hand. Otherwise we will keep abusing ourselves and each other for short term benefits.
I have a friend who suffered a traumatic brain injury, and any light that isn't incandescent really bothers her, to the point of causing migraine. For her home, finding some old incandescants was such a blessing.
Rare circumstances, I know, but for those affected, it's literally a gamechanger.
Nice! Thanks for pointing out this exceptional case. I'm sure your friend will appreciate the fact that new incandescents will be available.