In a remarkable act of defiance against the Biden administration’s push for green energy, avid incandescent bulb collector Kevin Szmyd has emerged as a beacon of resistance, safeguarding his extraordinary collection of nearly 5,000 incandescent light bulbs.
Szmyd recently took the opportunity to recount his remarkable journey on “The Bottom Line.” His treasure trove, which boasts a 75-year supply of light bulbs, could potentially result in fines exceeding a staggering $2.6 million if he were to sell them.
Szmyd’s determination to stand his ground is unwavering. “I plan to use them,” he declared defiantly. “Even if the Department of Energy were to collect my $2.6 million in fines, I’m quite certain it would be squandered.”
The federal government’s ban on incandescent light bulbs officially came into effect last August, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of energy efficiency. This regulation had its origins in 2007 with the passage of the Energy Independence and Security Act under the Bush administration. However, the ban’s implementation was delayed from its original 2012 date. Subsequently, it underwent expansion during the Obama administration before being reversed under the Trump administration.
Szmyd’s frustrations with the new policy find echoes in the sentiments of others. He revealed that he had received numerous requests from individuals seeking to acquire bulbs from his unique collection. “I’ve received comments from people expressing their dislike for the yellow filaments of the new LEDs or their preference for the warm glow of incandescent bulbs. However, I’ve only given away a few. Most of the interest I’ve encountered has been polite curiosity,” he explained.
When the ban was announced, Szmyd harnessed the power of online resources such as Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace to acquire as many incandescent bulbs as possible. “I reached out to most sellers within a 250-mile radius, and many were eager to part with them. Several were transitioning to LEDs and wanted to clear their stock. I seized the opportunity and secured excellent prices,” he recounted.
Co-host Sean Duffy weighed in on the issue, advocating for consumer choice over government mandates. He argued that individuals should have the freedom to select products that align with their preferences and budgets, rather than having options dictated to them.
Szmyd echoed Duffy’s sentiments, posing a crucial question: “Isn’t this what America stands for—individual choice and the freedom to decide for ourselves?”
In a country founded on the principles of individual liberty and self-determination, Szmyd’s stance serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of preserving consumer choice and personal freedom in the face of evolving government regulations.
