Mar 27, 2008 9:43 am US/Central
In The Know: Bachmann Pro Choice On Light Bulbs
(WCCO)
Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann has introduced a law to stop the nationwide phase-out of conventional light bulbs by 2012. Bachmann said to require energy-efficient bulbs is to allow Big Brother access to your living room lamps. Don Shelby says the Congresswoman doesn't want the government telling her, or anybody else, what kind of light bulbs to use.
The Congresswoman has introduced a bill called the "Light Bulb Freedom of Choice Act." The conservative, first-term Republican wants all this business about government regulation just to stop.
If this light bulb thing isn't nipped in the bud, what's next? Federal air and water quality regulations?
She says the new bulbs have mercury in them. She's right -- a little, and recycling is the answer. In fact, Xcel will reimburse you if you recycle.
What the Congresswoman fails to mention is that the bulbs last four times as long, and use one-fourth the energy of the old kind of bulbs. The less electricity used, the lower the amount of mercury spewed up a smokestack of a coal-fired power plant and the fewer fish will be killed by mercury.
But she may be right about the creeping influence of government. Before you know it, somebody is going to make a law that we put on our seat belts.
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