Inefficient Light Bulbs are Being Phased Out

Basics of the law, as it pertains to lighting and light bulbs:

• It does not ban the use or purchase of incandescent bulbs.

• It does not ban the sale or manufacture of ALL incandescent bulbs, just those common household incandescent (and other) bulbs that are not energy-efficient.

• It does not require the use of compact fluorescent bulbs.

• It requires about 25 percent greater efficiency (that is, less energy use) for household light bulbs that have traditionally used between 40 and 100 watts of electricity.

• Many bulbs, including specialty bulbs, three-way bulbs, chandelier bulbs, refrigerator bulbs, plant grow lights and others, are exempt from the law's requirements.

• It was passed by Congress and signed by President Bush in 2007 and is implemented by the U.S. Department of Energy.

• It includes many other provisions that do not pertain to lighting. Some of these provisions call for:

  • higher gas mileage in automobiles;
  • transportation electrification;
  • increased reliance on biofuels; and
  • training for green jobs.

View more information about the new "light bulb law" from: