Why We Need the "SC Light Bulb Freedom Act"

The new federal ban on the incandescent light bulb is one of the biggest examples of crony capitalism in recent memory. In 2007, big corporations lobbied congress to pass a federal ban that would eliminate its competition and give them a sizable monopoly on the compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL). In 2013, the ban is in full effect and the incandescent light bulb can no longer be manufactured or imported in the US. Many consumers have stocked up on traditional bulbs because they complain that the CFL is too expensive at the point of sale and complain that they are not bright enough. Others fear the high mercury content and the harmful UV emissions. Researcher Dr. Rafailovich from Stoney Brook University states, “our study revealed that the response of healthy skin cells to UV emitted from CFL bulbs is consistent with damage from ultraviolet radiation.”

Americans not only want their incandescent bulbs back, but they want their jobs back too. This ban kills American jobs. Companies like GE have closed down light bulb factories in the US, and now many manufacturers are making the CFL bulbs in China where environmental regulations are lax and labor is cheap. 

During the 2012 session, the SC House passed the South Carolina Incandescent Light Bulb Freedom Act (H. 3735), but it died in the SC Senate. This bill would have nullified the federal ban and would have allowed South Carolina bulb manufacturers to make “Made in South Carolina” incandescent light bulbs that could be sold within our state.

If this bill could be passed and signed into law by Gov. Nikki Haley, it could bring much needed manufacturing jobs to our state and make us more self reliant. Furthermore, it could send a clear message to Washington of our disdain for government intrusions and crony capitalism. The government should allow the American consumer to decide which products are good for them and their families, and not allow politicians to decide for them.