"They love green technology - as long as we buy it from them, and pay too much."

Typical government environmentalism.

Traditional incandescent light bulbs use up more electricity than energy-efficient bulbs, yet many consumers still just buy the incandescent ones because the up-front cost is less. And why are the energy-efficient ones more expensive initially? Because in 2002, the European Commission, after lobbying by candlemakers, er, I mean the EU's energy-efficient lightbulb makers, imposed a 66% tariff on Chinese-made energy efficient bulbs. The justification was the claim that China engages in "dumping", by which they mean China can produce bulbs more cheaply.

According to the Financial Times, "Ending the duty would cut prices to the level of conventional bulbs." The tariff is due to expire in October but European manufacturer Osram wants to have it extended. As the Swedish commentator Johan Norberg puts it: "They love green technology - as long as we buy it from them, and pay too much."