Today is the day incandescent lightbulbs are officially banned from sale in America. Most bulbs will be illegal for sale with some expectations, including flood lights, oven lights, marine lights, plant lights, and a few others.
The ban isn’t because of your local governor. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, both considered by many as clean energy radicals, have nothing to do with today’s ban. The ban is a federal ban in motion since the Obama administration.
Former President Trump put a hold on the ban, but Joe Biden put the wheels in motion once again after taking office.
The incandescent bulb is just the first step in a wider federal lightbulb ban. Next year, phase two kicks in.
The next lightbulb on the hit list is the Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) which will be banned by the end of 2024.
The United States has taken a bold step by implementing a federal ban on incandescent light bulbs. With the ban taking effect on August 1st, this landmark decision signals a major shift towards more sustainable lighting options. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of the ban, its implications, and the brighter future it promises for our planet.
Incandescent light bulbs have been an integral part of our lives for over a century, but they come with significant drawbacks.
These traditional bulbs waste a substantial amount of energy as heat, making them highly inefficient. Their average lifespan is also considerably shorter compared to newer lighting technologies. Moreover, their production and disposal contribute to environmental issues, including greenhouse gas emissions and waste generation.
Still, everyone loves the warm light the bulbs give off, something that is difficult to replicate with an LED bulb.
The Department of Energy has approved new light bulb regulations that set higher minimum standards for energy efficiency. The new standard requires light bulbs to emit a brightness of 45 lumens per watt, a remarkable increase from the mere 12 to 18 lumens per watt found in incandescent bulbs.
The regulations apply to all light bulbs sold in the market, including specialty and decorative bulbs.
The ban on incandescent bulbs paves the way for more energy-efficient alternatives, such as Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). These modern options consume approximately 75% less energy and have significantly longer lifespans, leading to reduced energy bills and fewer replacements. Additionally, they emit less heat, making them safer to use and lowering the risk of fire hazards.
The shift towards energy-efficient lighting is a crucial step in reducing our carbon footprint. By adopting greener alternatives, we can collectively decrease energy consumption, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions. This move aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and protect our environment for future generations.
As the ban takes effect, consumers will have a wider range of energy-efficient lighting options to choose from. LED bulbs now come in various shapes, sizes, and color temperatures, allowing users to tailor their lighting to specific needs and preferences. Though the initial cost may be slightly higher than incandescent bulbs, the long-term savings and positive impact on the environment make them a worthy investment.