Today's poll: Do you support legislation requiring more efficient light bulbs?
07.12.2011 | BRIMFIELD - Keith Curry from Virginia takes a break from the sun Tuesday, the first day of the Brimfield Flea Market and Antique Show.The Forecast
There's a threat of thunderstorms today, but also a promise of more comfortable weather. ABC 40 / FOX 6 meteorologist Dan Brown writes:
A mainly, dry, cold front will bring drier and cooler conditions [Wednesday]. There may be a few clouds mixed in with the sunshine and there could even be an afternoon shower or thunder storm but overall tomorrow is looking nice. It certainly will feel a lot more comfortable by the afternoon and evening.
The cooler, drier weather will stick around to finish out the work week with highs on Thursday only in the upper 70s despite lots of strong, July sunshine. In fact, temperatures by Thursday morning could dip into the upper 40s! A fall feel will be in the air for a couple of hours.
Today's Poll
Republicans in Congress Tuesday failed to muster enough votes to block legislation setting new energy-saving standards for light bulbs. Opponents of the standards argue that they essentially ban incandescent bulbs, in favor of fluorescent bulbs.
The standards in question do not specifically ban the old bulbs but require a higher level of efficiency than the classics can produce, essentially nudging them off store shelves over the next few years. Four of Edison's descendants said the great inventor would be mortified to see politicians trying to get the nation to hang on to an outdated technology when better bulbs are available.
The standards have not been particularly contentious before now. They were crafted in 2007 with Republican participation and signed into law by President George W. Bush. People seem to like the new choices and the energy savings they bring, polling finds.
What do you think -- do you support legislation requiring more efficient light bulbs? Vote in our poll, and check back tomorrow for the results.
Tuesday's results: Yesterday, we asked "Should legislators convicted of a felony committed while in office lose their right to retirement benefits?"
13 people voted. 92.31% said "Yes"; 7.69% said "No."
Tuesday's Top 5:
The top 5 headlines on MassLive.com on July 12 were:
1) Springfield tax foreclosure property auction (07.19.2011) [photo gallery]
2) Red Sox 2011 Midseason Report Card
3) Chicopee, Southwick police dive teams searching for teenagers presumed drowned
4) Developing: Kevin Major identified as victim in Congamond Lake drowning
5) Fellow priests remember Father Paul Archambault as a "wounded healer"
Quote of the Day
"Last winter my concern was snow removal, then it was the tornado, now it is crime."
~Jane Hetzel, president of the Forest Park Civic Association, during a neighborhood walk with Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. Read Suzanne McLaughlin's story here.