The Answer: 400.
On December 19, 2007, President Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 into law. This law had been approved a day earlier by 314 Representatives and on the previous day by 86 Senators. Included in the many provisions of this law is a requirement that all incandescent lightbulbs in America be phased out between 2012 and 2014 in favor of compact flourescent lamps (CFLs). Ostensibly, ths change will help America gain its “Energy Independence” and enhance our “Security.” The other thing it will do is require all Americans to replace the lights bulbs that we are used to in exchange for CFLs.
A well-known lighting consultant, professor and artist has written a recent article on this topic in the Wall Street Journal explaining why the light emitted from CFLs is inferior in many ways to the light from traditional light bulbs, and the other problems and costs associated with converting to and using CFLs. Click here for the full article, which explains why the Law of Unintended Consequences always applies to new legislation and what the impact will be to most Americans. I won’t give away the answer, but it’s does not bode well for us.
Not to mention to the problems associated with the mercury contained in CFLs. CFLs operate more energy-efficiently because they use 
mercury, a known harmful substance. Click here for more information about CFLs and mercury, including the 2-page guide explaining how to clean up a mercury spill in your home that will occur when a CFL breaks. “Step 1: Have people and pets leave the room, and don’t let anyone walk through the breakage area on the way out. Open the window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more. Shut off the central/forced air heating/air conditioning system, if you have one.” Sounds safe to me. And, you know that the average person, or less-than average person, will, I’m sure, know about and follow all of these safety guidelines. Click here for the EPA’s guidelines to safe disposal of CFLs. Better follow these “guidelines” or (i) our landfills will become saturated with poisonous mercury, seeping into our water supply and (ii) the EPA police could track you down. The good news is that I doubt any of the manaufacturers will ever get sued (clas action) by those who are harmed (or not) by the leaking mercury.
Hope to “see” you in 2014!
Tags: CFLs, Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, mercury, Wall Street Journal