Government Conspiracy Theory
Aw, the simple light bulb. Hardly a candidate for a government conspiracy you think. But, you could be wrong.
Last week the Environmental Protection Agency issued a statement that they have the power to, and would begin attaching the paychecks of folks who violate EPA Regulations. And, they said they do not have to go to court to do this.
Enter the Government Approved Compact Florescent Light Bulb. Caution: Contains Mercury.
Our government tells us that these give off just as much light as a “regular” incandescent bulb while using up to 70% less energy. The package I have in front of me tells me that it gives off the same amount of light as a 60 watt bulb while consuming only 14 watts.
Pardon me, I had to turn on an old fashioned incandescent bulb to read the package because the 14 watt “CFL” bulb does not provide enough light for me to read the labeling.
The package tells me these will last up to 7 years. My own experience is more like 7 months. When they do “go out” you now are faced with disposal in an “Environmental Protection Agency Approved” obstacle course. For some fun reading you might want to go to www.gov.epa/cfl Be sure to read everything. You don’t want to miss anything because “ignorance” (not having read some sub-paragraph) is no excuse to the Dark Lords at the EPA.
Be especially careful in reading what is required if you should ever break one of these little environmental time bombs.
What you will find in reading through the regulations is that disposal requirements vary from location to location depending on City, County, State and Federal Regulations. In some areas it may be as simple as getting in your car and driving them to your local Home Depot Store where you may be able to dispose of them at an “Approved Site” (Properly filled out forms may, or may not be required).
It is your responsibility to know and comply with all regulations at all levels. Failure to comply is subject to EPA fines and wage (or other asset) attachment.
I thought it might be kind of fun to package up the “dead” ones and mail them to your elected representative that voted for the forced use of these little monsters. But, I would not want to violate any regulations.
One last thing. Don’t even think of putting “dead” (or alive) Compact Florescent Bulbs in your “regular” trash. Remember, they contain Mercury and we all know what the EPA thinks about the hazards of Mercury.
Lets see, our government mandates use of these bulbs and the EPA can fine you for improper use or disposal. About 300 Million+ Americans disposing of an average of two to three CFL bulbs per year. Lets assume a fine of $1000 per bulb (this is Chump Change to the EPA which normally thinks in terms of $10,000 per day fines). Do the math. Think of all the money the EPA can collect in fines if they just want to.
Conspiracy? Tell me which government agency you trust. Internal Revenue Service? Justice Department?
Bob Bandy
