[ernop]

The really weird thing is that a normal, useful technology, which produces no bad externalities (no extra pollution, etc.) is being banned outright, rather than being taxed - instead of this why didn't they just slowly raise taxes on incandescent bulbs, to force people to notice? And instead of that, it'd be even better just to raise taxes on energy itself - that way people could choose where to cut energy costs, and not be forced to cut it specifically from the light bulb portion of their total energy cost.

Also, the fact that people haven't stopped using incandescent bulbs naturally just shows that electricity is still ridiculously cheap.

[streety]

I don't agree that people still using incandescent bulbs is evidence that electricity is ridiculously cheap. Electricity bills aren't itemised so only when the total becomes painful will people consider the cost of their individual appliances. Bulbs are priced individually and so people are hesitant to switch to an option, CFLs, which they may perceive to be the more expensive.