Like it or not, the representative is essentially correct on all of his points. This is indeed not within any federal jurisdiction – this is instead a states rights issue and should be legislated only at the state and local levels. The federal government has not and should not have the authority to legislate on matters concerning light bulbs. In fact, it is a very reasonable choice to NOT use compact fluorescent bulbs for the very reasons stated by Mr. Poe. They are NOT a solution due to the mercury content in particular, and they’re honestly dangerous to have in a household, whether you want to admit to it or not. No amount of mercury is a “safe” amount.
We’ve got a real NON-solution on our hands when people think that purchasing light bulbs, or a Prius, or yes – even solar panels will get us out of any environmental mess. It is bad enough that the average citizen gets blamed for the consumption, waste, and pillage of global corporations (and is blamed by those same corporations, no less). We are instead told that we must not actually change our consumption habits (that corporations require of us and encourage), but we must simply consume new and different products. Instead of fixing our old problems with our old tools, we rush to new tools and likewise new problems. We never actually solve anything.
In other words, consumption got us into this mess and surely consumption will get us right back out.
Barf indeed. Try listening to the actual speech next time, and maybe hop off of the lightbulb bandwagon at the next stop.
The constitution also says nothing about being able to regular car safety standards. Or the national airspace system. I guess we should should just stop car safety systems and fire all the air traffic controllers permanently!
Actually, the man makes some valid points. Use of CFL’s should not be legislated or mandated. The mercury issue has been something that I have been concerned over for a long time. Don’t get me wrong, CFL’s are a good technology for reducing electrical consumption, but lets face it, there are two types of people out there; those who care and those that don’t.
The don’t care people are lazy and they are the ones who will throw out the CFLS improperly, break them and generally make a mess, then blame everyone else. The do care people will be careful and follow directions for their own good.
The whole made in china thing is a little silly, everything is made in china.
Very nicely said. Let’s require the better technology than CFL’s before everyone embraces them. For now, I’ll start stockpiling my incondecent bulbs!
The congressman is right on. Our congress is far out of touch from the needs of this country and its people. We desparately need a comprehensive energy policy to gain independence from the OPEC Cartel and to lower energy cost. Instead we get mandated Mercury-filled light bulbs.
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Robert Gingery