LED light bulb (L) and a compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulb
Scott Olson | Getty Images
The Biden administration has taken a significant step in phasing out incandescent light bulbs, marking the end of a long legislative process. This process began in 2007 with the passage of the Energy Independence and Security Act, which mandated the evaluation of energy efficiency standards for light bulbs. The law established a minimum standard of 45 lumens per watt for consideration.
Lumens, a measure of the amount of light emitted by a bulb, have replaced watts as the modern metric for brightness, as explained by the Department of Energy. This minimum efficiency standard effectively bans halogen and incandescent bulbs.
The Trump administration initially appealed these rules, but the Biden administration revisited the issue in April 2022 and implemented the minimum standard of 45 lumens per watt, which took full effect in July. The Department of Energy ensured a gradual transition for retailers to avoid inventory issues.
The DOE has not disclosed its specific enforcement techniques, but the agency aims to enforce the regulations fairly and equitably. Smaller retailers are encouraged to reach out to the DOE regarding existing inventory. According to estimates from the DOE, requiring the sale of more energy-efficient light bulbs will save consumers nearly $3 billion per year and reduce carbon emissions by 222 million metric tons over the next 30 years.
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm expressed her support for the raised energy efficiency standards, emphasizing the positive impact on consumer savings and carbon emissions reduction. Exceptions to the ban include certain types of light bulbs, such as appliance lamps and colored lamps.
The Biden administration has also proposed further increasing the energy efficiency standard to over 120 lumens per watt for common bulbs, which would encourage the use of LED bulbs over compact fluorescent bulbs. If this proposal comes into effect, a phased transition similar to the previous rule will be implemented.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
