The U.S. Department of Energy has adopted two new energy rules for light bulbs, also called general service lamps.
The first rule establishes a revised definition of the term "general service lamps," and the second implements a minimum standards of 45 lumens per watt for bulbs meeting the criteria for the revised definition, according to an April 26 news release. These new rules are part of 100 energy-efficiency actions the Biden administration is aiming to complete this year. The actions are expected to same families up to $100.
“By raising energy efficiency standards for light bulbs, we’re putting $3 billion back in the pockets of American consumers every year and substantially reducing domestic carbon emissions,” U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm said in the release. “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.”
“LEDs 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,” said Steven Nadel, executive director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, according to an article by The New York Times.
“Many of the energy-guzzling bulbs have labels claiming they save energy, and it’s infuriating,” said Andrew deLaski, executive director of the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, according to The New York Times. “Responsible chains ought to get them off their shelves as soon as possible and certainly by the end of this year.”
