The Trump administration has blocked energy-saving standards on light bulbs that were scheduled to go into effect January 1.
The action defies a bipartisan 2007 law passed by Congress and signed by President George W. Bush. “The action will increase consumer utility bills and worsen the carbon pollution driving climate change,” according to a news release from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
The standards would have required everyday bulbs to use 65% less energy than regular incandescent bulbs. “Taking into account all bulb shapes and types commonly used in homes, incandescent bulbs comprise almost half of today’s U.S. bulb sales, which would have changed with the standard,” the news release says.
Almost 1.5 billion light bulb sockets nationally still contain an inefficient incandescent or halogen light bulb. Incandescent halogen bulbs use four times more power than LED bulbs, and still represent a large share of the market.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 9, 2020
Investors want building resiliency plans and risk mitigation practices
Owners should assess risk, insurance coverage, and ability to withstand disasters.
Codes and Standards | Dec 4, 2020
OSHA cites more than 200 employers for COVID-19 violations
Agency releases guidance on lessons learned from pandemic inspections.
Codes and Standards | Dec 1, 2020
Pandemic spurs nearly 16 million people to move from major cities
Most of the movement seems permanent.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2020
USGBC ready to catalyze LEED Positive future
New programs, updates will spur shift to regenerative strategies.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2020
Updated spec for self-adhering flashing surrounding exterior fenestration products released
FGIA document was last updated in 2013.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2020
Finalized 2021 Energy Code leaves out future-proofing provision
Appeals process nixed requirement for residential electrification readiness.
Codes and Standards | Nov 23, 2020
GBCI turns over GRESB ownership to global investment firm
Organization assesses sustainability performance of real estate and infrastructure portfolios and assets.
Codes and Standards | Nov 23, 2020
New industrywide clay brick EPD launched
Contributes toward LEED v.4.0 and v.4.1 materials and resources requirements.
Codes and Standards | Nov 19, 2020
The ‘15-minute city’ could transform municipal planning
Concept aims for car-free living.
Codes and Standards | Nov 18, 2020
Commissioning study finds median energy savings of 3% to 16%
Berkeley Lab examines results of commissioning across building types.