Saturday, February 15, 2025, 10:23PM |  40°
MENU
SECTIONS
OTHER
CLASSIFIEDS
CONTACT US / FAQ
Advertisement
The Energy Department finalized two rules requiring manufacturers to sell energy-efficient lightbulbs, effectively putting a “sell-by” date on older, inefficient bulbs that don’t meet the new standards.
3
MORE

Biden administration: Incandescent light bulbs being phased out to save energy

Mark Lennihan/Associated Press

Biden administration: Incandescent light bulbs being phased out to save energy

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is scrapping old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs, speeding an ongoing trend toward more efficient lighting that officials say will save households, schools and businesses billions of dollars a year.

Rules finalized by the Energy Department will require manufacturers to sell energy-efficient light bulbs, accelerating a longtime industry practice to use compact fluorescent and LED bulbs that last 25 to 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs. The Trump administration had slowed an earlier phaseout of incandescents, saying it was targeting rules that burden businesses.

Once the new rules are fully in place next year, consumers should save nearly $3 billion per year on their utility bills, the Energy Department said. The rules are projected to cut planet-warming carbon emissions by 222 million metric tons over the next 30 years, an amount equivalent to emissions generated by 28 million homes in one year, officials said.

Advertisement

“By raising energy efficiency standards for lightbulbs, we’re putting $3 billion back in the pockets of American consumers every year and substantially reducing domestic carbon emissions,” Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a statement Tuesday. “The lighting industry is already embracing more energy efficient products, and this measure will accelerate progress to deliver the best products to American consumers and build a better and brighter future.”

The new rules expand energy-efficiency requirements to more types of light bulbs and ban sale of bulbs that produce less than 45 lumens per watt — a measure of how much light is emitted for each unit of electricity.

The Trump administration in 2019 had slowed a yearslong push by Congress and past administrations to switch Americans to LED bulbs and other lighting that uses less electricity. Former President Donald Trump said in September 2019 that the Energy Department canceled a pending phaseout of incandescent bulbs because “what’s saved is not worth it.”

Advocates hailed the latest rule change, saying it would ensure that commonly used light bulbs meet an easily achieved efficiency standard.

Advertisement

“This is a victory for consumers and for the climate — one that’s been a long time coming,” said Steven Nadel, executive director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, a nonprofit organization that seeks to reduce energy waste and combat climate change.

LED bulbs “have become so inexpensive that there’s no good reason for manufacturers to keep selling 19th-century technology that just isn’t very good at turning electrical energy into light,‘‘ Mr. Nadel said. The new standards “will finally phase out energy-wasting bulbs across the country.”

Andrew deLaski, executive director of the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, said that while retailers will be able to sell inefficient bulbs until July 2023, “responsible chains ought to get them off their shelves as soon as possible and certainly by the end of this year.‘‘

In 2020, about 30% of light bulbs sold in the United States were incandescent or halogen incandescent bulbs, according to industry groups. The new rule bars manufacture or importation of incandescent bulbs as of Jan. 1.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association said in statement that LED lighting, “spurred by research scientists and lighting manufacturers,” has been fully embraced by consumers and is “an unqualified success.‘‘

The manufacturers group “appreciates the administration’s recognition of the challenges industry faces in complying” with the new rule and its “adoption of a more manageable compliance timeframe” than earlier proposals, said spokesman Spencer Pederson.

First Published: April 26, 2022, 7:59 p.m.

RELATED
SHOW COMMENTS (30)  
Join the Conversation
Commenting policy | How to Report Abuse
If you would like your comment to be considered for a published letter to the editor, please send it to letters@post-gazette.com. Letters must be under 250 words and may be edited for length and clarity.
Partners
Advertisement
In Fayette County, voters express renewed hope under the Trump administration, praising his early actions like spending cuts and immigration crackdowns, and grading his first few weeks an "A." Many in the county, where Trump secured 68.4% of the vote, support his executive orders on immigration and federal spending, believing he is fulfilling campaign promises and taking decisive action.
1
news
As Trump's executive orders sow confusion and chaos for some, Western Pa. supporters who voted for him approve
The North Shore offices of the Post-Gazette
2
business
Federal judge denies NLRB's injunction attempt against the Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) looks on with head coach Mike Tomlin, left, prior to the NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Philadelphia.
3
sports
Steelers position analysis: Defensive line the most glaring need heading into NFL draft
Pittsburgh Panthers guard Ishmael Leggett (5) goes for a layup while playing the Miami (Fl) Hurricanes at the Peterson Event Center on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, in Oakland. The Pittsburgh Panthers won 74-65.
4
sports
Instant analysis: Pitt's point guard committee covers for Jaland Lowe's absence, sparks win over Miami
Marc Fogel, a teacher from Oakmont steps off a plane after arriving back in the United States on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, following his release from Russia, where he had been imprisoned since 2021.
5
news
'Humbled and overwhelmed' Marc Fogel expresses appreciation as his transition from Russia continues
The Energy Department finalized two rules requiring manufacturers to sell energy-efficient lightbulbs, effectively putting a “sell-by” date on older, inefficient bulbs that don’t meet the new standards.  (Mark Lennihan/Associated Press)
FILE - Manager Nick Reynoza holds a 100-watt incandescent light bulb at Royal Lighting in Los Angeles, Jan. 21, 2011. The Biden administration is scrapping old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs, speeding an ongoing trend toward more efficient lighting that officials say will save households, schools and businesses billion of dollars a year. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)  (Jae C. Hong)
FILE - Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm speaks during a press briefing at the White House, Nov. 23, 2021, in Washington. The Biden administration is launching a $6 billion effort to rescue nuclear power plants at risk of closing, citing the need to continue nuclear energy as a carbon-free source of power that helps to combat climate change. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)  (Evan Vucci)
Mark Lennihan/Associated Press
Advertisement
LATEST news
Advertisement
TOP
Email a Story