Reprieve of the Incandescent Light Bulb Ban is Welcome

COMMENTARY | One of the good things tucked into the omnibus spending bill is a provision that spares the incandescent light bulb which otherwise would have been banned in the United States thanks to a Bush era law, according to the Washington Times.

The provision does not strike down the law entirely. It merely offers a temporary reprieve by prohibiting the Obama administration from spending any money to enforce the ban.

The incandescent light bulb ban has been a stench in the nostrils of many people, particularly conservatives and libertarians, for a variety of reasons. Concerns have been raised about the environmental hazard presented by florescent bulbs, which contain mercury. Cost and the quality of lighting are also sticking points.

The main point offered by opponents of the ban of incandescent light bulbs is the principle of freedom of choice. If florescent bulbs and LED bulbs are good alternatives, the government does not need to ban the regular light bulb to force people to buy them.

Supporters of the ban maintain that alternatives to incandescent light bulbs use less energy, hence produce less pollution, especially green house gasses, and hence are more environmentally sound. They also argue that the cost savings of alternative light bulbs in reduced electricity will offset the increase cost of the bulbs in the long run.

Thus far attempts of an outright repeal of the ban have been blocked by Senate Democrats. In any event, President Obama would likely veto such a ban were it ever to reach his desk.

The ban on incandescent light bulbs is another example of the rise of the nanny state. The government has often taken the position that the people are not bright enough to make decisions that in its judgment are for the common good. Thus it passes laws like the ban on incandescent light bulbs that take that choice away from the people. The message is that we are children but that the Great Father in Washington knows better and will therefore impose loving guidance. This tendency has been apparent in governments of both parties.

Therefore, the question arises: Will there even be a government elected in America that will just leave people alone? Next year's election may provide a clue.

Source: Congress overturns incandescent light bulb ban, Stephen Dinan, Washington Times, Dec 16, 2011