Time limits are always put on compliance. The clock starts to run after problems are found. I sit on my butt and pay the 5 mil, or spend less than a tenth of that fixing it before the deadline. So putting a deadline in 2012 means the clock starts right then and I'm guessing companies will be given between 6-24 months to comply. So that puts the real deadline back to a maximum of 2014. If there are not enough bulbs to fill the need, then I go to court and get another year or two extension. If the clock starts on 2008, full compliance is reached by 2012. Whether I pay the fine or not, I still have to pay to be in compliance down the road. How much wasted electricity burned out of coal is there in the 4 year gap?

You can get LED xmas bulbs now. Good ones last 10+ years of continuous use. Cheap Incandescent last one month if you're lucky.