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  • Essay / It's time for the U.S. government to phase out...

    The government should phase out incandescent lighting because of the benefits of new alternatives. Currently, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are at the center of this change and will serve as an example. First, compact fluorescent bulbs on the market offer better lighting quality than in previous years compared to incandescent bulbs. Even if quality is not the main objective of the change, it signals higher development and a desire for application to the general public. Popular Mechanics, in May 2007, designed a study comparing an incandescent lamp to seven different CFLs. In a double-blind study, they asked people to rate the effect of light on the colors of objects, faces, and reading material. The author concluded that their results were "a real shock" because "in terms of overall light quality...they produce better light." (CITE http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/how_to/4215199.html?page=9) In their study, the most impressive factor that impressed the judges was the improvement in color temperatures compared to the incandescent bulb. The color temperature qualities of CFLs have improved significantly compared to the first generation of CFLs. The government's Energy Star website provides images and standards for those wishing to determine the appropriate CFL for certain applications. According to the site, a normal incandescent bulb emits between 2700 and 3000 K, and most Energy Star qualified replacement lamps have been designed to emit the same ranges more efficiently than incandescent bulbs. The quality of this new alternative has been recognized by the government and its mandate will convey these developments to the general public. Another reason to mandate the replacement of incandescent bulbs comes from...... middle of paper.... ..Statistics and analysis. Average retail electricity price for end customers by end-use sector, by state. March 15, 2010. U.S. Energy Information Administration. March 19, 2010. United States Environmental Protection Agency. US Department of Energy. Color and mood of Energy Star qualified CLFs. Energy star. March 19, 2010. Vestel, Leora B. “A Defense of the Incandescent Light Bulb.” Green Inc. April 24, 2009. The New York Times. March 19, 2010. Vestel, Leora B. “Do New Light Bulbs Save Energy If They Don't Work? The New York Times March 27, 2009. March 19. 2010 .