Reply to "Incandescent Bulb Ban - Jan 1, 2014"

I have fluorescent tubes in the garage (supplemented by a couple of halogens) and in my workshop, they last ages, but the little CFLs seem to die faster than the traditional incandescents and my wife hates the colour cast they have (I've tried various versions claiming to be 'daylight' & 'warm' & 'cool', but they all have a little unpleasantness to them).
So, we have a product that saves electricity, but (in my experience, ymmv), doesn't last as long as they claim, doesn't look as nice, gives off a puff of smoke when it dies, and then there's the impact of the mercury after they die.

I've got a few dozen LEDs going in various fixtures now, and so far they are lasting (the first ones went in over a year ago). They also have some colour cast issues which I overcome by mixing some incandescents in the fixture or the room as need be, but hopefully over time I'll find energy efficient bulbs that are as appealing as the old incandescents.

As for government decisions, I was reading an article a few months ago that Vancouver B.C. has banned door knobs (all new construction must install levers). It's part of an accessibility bill and I can appreciate the benefits to those in need; but, the first person to snag their clothing on one - and fall down a flight of stairs as a result - will cost the city a fortune in legal fees and increased insurance premiums ... and I'll bet there won't be just one. Encourage people to switch, offer rebates/incentives for switching (e.g. I stocked up on the LED bulbs when they came out with a $5 off per package deal), make it cheaper for builders to install them vs. doorknobs, but don't legislate this sort of thing.