A Bright Idea–no bargain for consumers

In a slightly nuanced version of the classic Bootleggers and Baptists scenario, a number of U.S. manufacturers are seeking sweeping new regulation of their industries. These include some of the biggest manufacturers in the lighting—and thus the light bulb—industry. Incandescent bulbs could become extinct, albeit at a higher cost to the producer. If manufacturers are willing to impose new costs on themselves, how is it that consumers will do pennance for the bargain?