Who Are You Calling a Dim Bulb?

Looks like Canada's all set to become our dimmer and pastier neighbors to the north by 2012. However, I see one hell of a loophole for the Canucks to exploit: "The ban will not apply to uses where incandescent bulbs are still the only practical alternative." [emph. added] Please, pray tell, what could these cirumstances be? I can think of certain kinds of photographic equipment requiring high-intensity incandescent bulbs, but that's more a function of product manufacturing, as opposed to a "practical alternative." What about auto headlamps? That's a lot of incandescent bulbs right there. There seem to be many situations where only very bright light can be employed (like surgery), so this non-ban list might get pretty long. Will people have to fill out a waiver application form? Will auditing be involved? Hey, way to add another layer of bureaucracy! Good ol' Canada.

Now, to be fair, putting compact flourescent bulbs in standard sockets, like table lamps and wall fixtures, is a great way to save energy costs. But banning incandescent bulbs, instead of allowing the free market to encourage manufacturers to make cheaper and brighter CFL's, is just the wrong way to go. With Australia's and Canada's actions, CFL makers can keep pushing the same crappy stuff (yes, I disagree with Insty on this) on the Commonwealth. Maybe by 2012, American brands will be much better, and we'll be flooding the Canadian market. I'd be happy with that.