A Not So Bright Idea

Legislative Column by Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River)

The Biden Administration has continuously let themselves into your homes and has restricted or taken things that you have relied on for years. After attacking gas stoves and washing machines, it has a new target now: incandescent light bulbs.

As of Tuesday, Aug. 1, retailers are no longer able to sell most incandescent light bulbs. The argument for this drastic leap is that they are not energy efficient and contribute to increased greenhouse gas emissions. The alternative options, including LED light bulbs, are more expensive upfront but reportedly save you money on electric bills and last longer.

The regulations enacted by the Department of Energy are just the newest example of government overreach. With a large portion of America already struggling to buy basic necessities due to record levels of inflation, forcing people to purchase more expensive light bulbs for the sake of “going green” is unfathomable.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time the Biden administration has entered your homes. In the last several months, those at the Department of Energy have pushed their green agenda by regulating appliances such as gas stoves, pizza ovens, washing machines and air conditioners.

Businesses will be saddled with leftover stock and will need to flip their business models to fit the new standards. Families are going to suffer when they have to make the initial switch to more expensive alternatives. Consumers are no longer allowed to choose their products– the government is going to do it for them. The Biden administration is continuing to focus on the wrong problems. Banning light bulbs should not be a top priority, yet with their backward agenda and control over hard-working families, this is the outcome. It is outrageous to see how far these green-eyed monsters are willing to go.

As always, please feel free to reach out to my office at 315-493-3909 or email me at blankenbushk@nyassembly.gov.