LED Stocks Surge As China Announces Incandescent Bulb Ban

LED bulbs are already the go-to technology for illuminating cell phones, tablets and TVs. They haven’t become the standard in the lamps and lights in American households, however, largely because they’re so expensive. But as prices drop sharply, the upgrade to LED makes more and more sense. If traditional incandescent bulbs are the tail-finned gas guzzlers of the lighting universe, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are like plug-in electric cars: Better for the environment, but not appealing to many because of the way they look and perform, as well as higher upfront costs.

Emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel consumption in the United States have fallen remarkably since 2008, with recent levels the lowest since 1995. Here I comment on some of the factors behind this.

Lighting manufacturers are pushing back against widespread rumors that the federal government is banning incandescent light bulbs. Rush Limbaugh and some Republicans in Congress are calling for the repeal of a 2008 law signed by President Bush that sets tougher standards for light bulbs beginning in 2012. They claim consumers would be forced to use less popular fluorescent bulbs. But bulb manufacturers say that claim is false.

“Once people hear that the economics are very good, maybe we won’t have everybody dash to gas and throw out coal. We hope the rest of the world can learn from our plant.” A technology that holds the hope for cleaner use of coal will be tested on a commercial scale for the first time in Canada next year, aiming to resolve big uncertainties about the vast amount of power it will need.

As the U.S. transitions away from incandescent bulbs, consumers will be left with two lighting alternatives: CFLs and LEDs. Americans have been slow to take a shine to either one.

Gad Allon submits: by Martin Lariviere

AP - Home furnishings retailer Ikea plans to start pulling incandescent light bulbs from its U.S. stores starting in August.

As the U.S. phases out incandescent light bulbs, Lighting Science Group, a small Florida-based business, is hoping consumers are illuminated by the advanced technology and energy efficiency provided by the LED light bulbs it manufactures.» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us