Federal government gives $10 million prize for creation of $50 light bulb

If you need a fresh symbol of the Obama administration's impractical green energy pursuits, a new $50 light bulb should do it. The bulb is made by Philips, which won a $10 million prize from the federal government for creating it.

The prize was part of a contest designed to create an energy-efficient but "affordable" light bulb, according to Energy Secretary Steven Chu.

The Washington Post reported: "A Philips spokesperson declined to talk in detail about the bulb or its price because the product has yet to be formally launched. ... But the spokesperson said the ... bulb costs more because, as the contest required, it is even more energy-efficient, running on 10 watts instead of 12.5 watts. It is also brighter, renders colors better and lasts longer."

Great. But to repeat, this "affordable" light bulb costs $50 -- in addition to the taxes you paid to give a $10 million government award to the company that developed it.

Do you think it's worth all that?

Upcoming Events