Staff Reports
Get ready to say goodbye to your favorite incandescent light bulbs because starting this Tuesday, it will be illegal to sell or manufacture them. It’s like the end of an era, but honestly, this ban has been a long time coming. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which was signed into law in December of that year, set out to phase out incandescent light bulbs by 2014. But, surprise surprise, it’s now 2023 and the ban is only just happening.
There were some roadblocks along the way. In 2012, congressional negotiators struck a deal that overturned the original plan to ban incandescent bulbs. Then in 2015, new energy efficient standards were blocked, thanks to consumer complaints. The Trump administration even rolled back the regulations in 2019, but the Biden administration reversed that rollback in 2022. And now, here we are with the ban finally taking effect.
Bye-Bye (Incandescent) Bulbs: Ban Goes Into Effect Tuesday https://t.co/juqHS3Xwpw
— Heather O'Brien Pronouns: Told/You/So ? #? (@Heat005498) July 31, 2023
Of course, there are critics who argue that this ban is just another example of government overreach. They believe that LED lights, the alternative to incandescent bulbs, are not as cost-effective as claimed. But the Department of Energy disagrees. They say that LED lights are more efficient, last longer, and can save families about $100 per year. And hey, they’re better for the environment too, supposedly.
Let’s face it, change can be hard, especially when it involves something as mundane as light bulbs. But as of Tuesday, if you want incandescent light, you’ll have to rely on the good old Sun. So stock up now or get used to the new world of LED lights. It’s up to you.
