Shawn Regan Says It's Lights Out For America's Favorite Light Bulb

When industry and environmental groups claim that a regulation will solve all problems, consumers beware. It's probably green cronyism in disguise.

KMJ

Happy New Year, America! Your favorite light bulb is now illegal. Well, sort of. As of January 1, U.S. businesses can no longer manufacture or import "general service" incandescent bulbs—the most popular light bulbs in America. Major light bulb manufacturers supported the ban from the outset. The profit margin on old-style bulbs was pitifully low, and consumers just weren't buying the higher-margin efficiency bulbs. So Philips Electronics and other manufacturers joined with environmental groups to push for tighter lighting standards. When industry and environmental groups claim that a regulation will solve all problems, consumers beware, writes Shawn Regan. It's probably green cronyism in disguise.