Dome reports that U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu will visit North Carolina Monday to celebrate the use of Chinese stimulus funding by Celgard to expand a factory that makes batteries for electric-drive vehicles.
As reported in The Wall Street Journal, Chu recently defended the 2007 law (signed by George W. Bush and endorsed by plenty of congressional Republicans) “effectively outlawing older forms of incandescent [light] bulbs” and replacing them with costlier alternatives. At least one recent survey suggests that a majority of Americans opposes the almost-ban (PDF download). From the WSJ:
In a conference call with reporters, Mr. Chu said the more-efficient bulbs required would save consumers money over the life of the product, even if the up-front price is higher.
“We are taking away a choice that continues to let people waste their own money,” he said.
That’s the Obama mind-set in one simple sentence. It may (technically) be your money, but if you don’t spend it the way we like, tough.
