By Peter Whoriskey
The U.S. government last year announced a $10 million award, dubbed the “L Prize,” for any manufacturer that could create a “green” but affordable light bulb.
Energy Secretary Steven Chu said the prize would spur industry to offer the costly bulbs, known as LEDs, at prices “affordable for American families.” There was also a “Buy America” component. Portions of the bulb would have to be made in the United States.
Now the winning bulb is on the market.
The price is $50.
Energy Department officials defended the award, saying that they expect the cost of the L Prize bulbs to drop over time. “The L Prize competition played a critical role in driving manufacturing and engineering innovations in the U.S. lighting industry and helping to make the next generation of energy-saving LED lighting options more affordable for consumers,” said department spokeswoman Niketa Kumar.
Sorry to bring this up, but Bush signed the light bulb law into effect. Just sayin’. And the lightbulb above is more expensive because it is longer lasting, has better luminescence, and more energy efficient than the competitors. There are cheaper ones, and the price will go down, as all new things do over time. The loss of American jobs is very distressing, but that really has to do with all the same reasons why other industries have relocated.
I think it has been well documented here that we all know GW signed this bill. It is just as well documented here than we all thought it was a bad decision to do so. Just sayin’.
The thing I think is troubling about this is: “Two other manufacturers, General Electric and Lighting Science Group, announced last year that they were developing entrants to the competition. But before they could submit, the prize was awarded and the competition closed.” That just strikes me as odd. Was there some kind of backdoor deal with Phillips? I don’t know but the fact that the competition was over before two other companies could submit their designs leaves the door open for questions.
I doubt it. GE is VERY powerful and would have limitless funds to sue. There were rules, and these two must have missed a deadline or something.
Good luck trying to find what the rules were. I did a search for them and every page that referenced the rules was gone. But after looking more into it, I found that this contest started in 08′ and the DOE was expecting the new designs to be on the market later that year. Here we are 4 years later, and there is just one company.
I am now thinking that it is probably just the case that Phillips was the only company to have the means to build it all in the US. That makes more sense to me now than any kind of backdoor deals.
Another thing that I found out is that the ban on regular light bubs is really no big deal. The ban is on “general service” bulbs. It does not affect “rough service” bulbs. Rough service bulbs are almost exactly the same as general service bulbs. The only difference is that there are more supports for the filament. You can use them anywhere you would use a general service bulb, and in places you can’t like garage door openers. With that fact in mind I think this whole issue is moot, other than the fact that it is just another waste of taxpayer dollars, IMO.
You are correct Neilio, you can purchase our normal bulbs and they are made in America! Cool!
What happened to the communist/socialist plot to anger and control you Americanos?!
It is still ongoing. Listen to you dear leader today. The guy is clueless.
Here’s clueless for ya: “Wells Fargo gave Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Stumpf compensation valued at $19.8 million in 2011 as the company posted record profit and became the U.S. bank with the highest market value.”
-This of course is after we gave them something like 40 billion of your tax dollars,so we could close down schools and fire departments for lack of funds…Man,’those $30 overdraft fees really add up nicely don’t they….
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And your point is? My fire department, schools and police are running fine. Just where do you live? The Upper P of Michigan (nothing against the UP) or a foreign country? Finally, make sure you have money in your account Before you charge something, write a check or use a debit card? Something called being responsible, eh?
Ok Joe- since your little tiny slice of the country is “running well” we won’t concern ourselves with anything negative. But if it’s all so good, why are you anti-Obama? That’s rhetorical- I don’t expect a logical or rational response from you to that.
To get into the 1% club, it takes about $400,000 in salary. Members of the club can make up to 10,000 times MORE than this and pay ZERO taxes because they don’t call their income “income” like we do. They call it “carried interest,” which means they can defer taxes almost indefinitely.
In the 1970s soon-to-be-in-power Republicans became convinced that lowering taxes on the rich would generate more revenue. It didn’t work. Federal revenues are currently at their lowest level in 60 years. The average federal tax rate has gone way down for the richest 1%. Yet, remarkably it’s gone UP for everyone in the 40th to 95th percentiles of taxpayers, which includes most of the rest of us.
How do wealthy individuals respond? They pout, and avoid taxes even further with clever strategies, such as hiring “full service tax evasion advisers” to help them elude the Internal Revenue Service.
Strongly suggest that you see a CPA and the IRS on your incorrect post Can tell you have no knowledge of the tax system etc. I assume you were out all night? Suggest you get your factual numbers together before you type your comments? Does not make you look good knowledge wise. You seem envious of people that earn more than you. Is that your primary problem? Seems to be.
Gosh, joe- you are an expert in all things. That sure comes in handy. Funny how EVERYTHING I post in incorrect and EVERYTHING Neil posts IS. Very funny.
Never addressed my question other than a snide remark. Awaiting.
Oh- my “primary problem”? That one? Unintelligent people who think they are actually smart is right up there… That and I wish my penis was bigger.
Suggest you see a urologist. Never addressed my question.
I’m sorry Joe!!!! I know you answer all of my questions quickly and snidelessly! Are you referring to the one about being being envious of the rich? You bet I am. And 99% of HONEST people would answer the same way. Of course, you see, I can actually feel one way, but also think logically and rationally AT THE SAME TIME. Kinda like chewing gum and walking for some people. I’m not all that special, mind you- I’m not bragging. Just pointing that out. Many other people also can FEEL a certain way, and yet interact with the world fairly objectively, and thus logically and rationally. It’s a little something God thought up- only the Lord knows why… because some people insist going along their merry way ignoring that skill/gift causing ALL SORTS of chaos and misery.
The Obama administration today endorsed new oil and gas exploration along the Atlantic Coast, setting the stage for possible future drilling lease sales.
The announcement by the Interior Department sets into motion what will be at least a five year environmental survey to determine whether and where oil production might occur.
5 years! We can’t wait no stinkin’ 5 years! We wants our oil NOW dagnabit! Danged commie.
10 Reasons not to Vote-
1. Elections only encourage the politicians towards more rapacious behavior
2. Elections give credence to a corrupt and dysfunctional practice
3. Elections foster the illusion of democracy
4. Elections are inherently unfair
5. Elections ensure Plutocratic Domination
6. Elections ensure no serious reforms will ever occur
7. Elections offer false hope
8. Elections are a means of continuing indoctrination especially of youth
9. Elections inhibit more radical and revolutionary action by siphoning off energy, a form of displacement
10. Elections eventually encourage apathy and a feeling of impotence
More civilian contractors were killed in Afghanistan last year than American soldiers.
Republicans: They’ll steal your wallet, then lecture you on the immorality of walking around without cash in your pocket.