Lawmaker seeks to switch off old light bulbs

Bob Dale By Bob Dale
on April 25, 2008 at 12:37 PM, updated April 25, 2008 at 12:51 PM

LANSING - Light bulbs as we know them may disappear from Michigan faster than expected.

A proposal making its way through the Legislature would ban the sale of all incandescent bulbs by 2012, two years earlier than newly mandated federal requirements.

It's part of a series of environmental bills being considered by the Senate.

Alternatives, such as compact fluorescent lamps and light-emitting diode (LED) lamps, are far more energy-efficient than the incandescent bulbs that have been used for more than 100 years.

Sen. John Gleason, D-Flushing, the bill's sole sponsor, said having consumers make the change is a "small sacrifice" that could save a lot of money.

Gleason also said he's concerned about global climate change, and switching to more efficient bulbs would help the environment significantly.

But not everyone is excited about ditching the old-style bulbs.

Alternative types of bulbs are rated to last longer, but they're typically more expensive. Additionally, disposing of compact fluorescent lamps can be difficult because they contain mercury, a toxic substance.

Mike Abbo, the owner of Murray Lighting and Electrical Supply Co. in Detroit, said he disapproves of the measure because many customers want to continue using the cheaper incandescent bulbs.

"Some people still prefer them. It's an issue of choice, really," Abbo said.

Abbo said that sales of compact fluorescent lamps have gone up but still don't match sales of incandescent bulbs.

Abbo also pointed out that some fixtures, such as electric chandeliers, use special bulbs that don't have a non-incandescent replacement available.

The United Kingdom, Canada and several other nations have proposed bans on the bulbs.

In the U.S., the sale of most regular incandescent bulbs will be phased out by 2014 as part of a 2007 law.

The proposed Michigan law would bump up the state's switch deadline.

The bill is awaiting debate in the Senate Energy Policy and Public Utilities Committee.