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Is There a Ban on Incandescent Light Bulbs?

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There is no Incandescent Light Bulb Ban

Is a ban on incandescent light bulbs really coming to the United States? Technically, no, an incandescent light ban is not about to take place.

On January 1, 2012, the light bulb police will NOT come and haul you away if you light your home with 100 watters. It won't even be illegal to buy or sell them. (New date: Oct. 1, 2012)

But after that day, it WILL be ILLEGAL to:
manufacture or import 100 watt incandescent bulbs.

So, the effect will be that of a ban.



While some people have no strong feelings either way, there are also those who are whole-heartedly in favor of this new law, and others who are staunchly opposed. Some have already embraced new light bulbs, and others will use the old fashioned light bulbs as long as they possibly can.

Presented here are a few of the pros and cons on the new Compact Flourescent Bulbs that many are now using, as well as some places to buy light bulbs on line. Both kinds ... for now, anyway.

The date has now been delayed until October 1, 2012.


Page created 08/28/11
Last updated on 06/01/12

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007

Is the Name of the Actual Law

As is normally the case with legislation, this law covers a lot of things. But here is the essence of the short term regulations placed on light bulbs by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007:

Light bulbs from 40 watts through 100 watts must be 25% more efficient, by the following dates:
- The beginning of 2012 for 100 watt bulbs**
- The beginning of 2013 bor 75 watt bulbs
- The beginning of 2014 for 40 and 60 watt bulbs

Since most current incandescent bulbs do not meet this standard, this effectively bans them as of the above dates.

**Extended until October 1, 2012

There is more on tap beyond 2014, too!

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These Spiral Light Bulbs

are Compact Fluorescent Lights - 100 watt Equivalent

CFLs have come down a bit, and are now less than $3 each. Still, they are more expensive than the regular old fashioned Sylvannia light bulbs. You can get the Sylvania light bulbs for under seventy five cents each right now.

But, remember, the CFLs last longer, and are good for the environment, unless they break, in which case they are quite hazardous
GE 26 Watt Energy Smart CFL - 6 Pack - 100 Watt Replacement

GE 26 Watt Energy Smart CFL - 6 Pack - 100 Watt Replacement

The manufacturer's specs on this bulb says it has an 8000 hour life.

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Temporary Reprieve for 100 watt Bulbs

New Deadline for 100 Watt Bulb Compliance - October 1, 2012

UPDATE
In mid December (2011), Republicans in Congress said they had ". . . reached a deal to delay until October enforcement of standards that some fear will bring about the end of old-style, 100-watt bulbs. GOP lawmakers say they're trying to head off more government interference in people's lives."

You can read the full article reporting this news at Congress Delays New Light Bulb Standards.

Accordingly, I have reset the countdown clock (below.)

100 Watt Incandescent Light Bulbs

Are Still Available - For Now.

Some Americans are stockpiling incandescent lights for their own use, beginning with the 100 watt bulbs, which will be the first to become unavailable.

I purchased one of these 24 packs of 100 watt incandescent bulbs, and it was well packaged and arrived safely, just in case you were wondering.
Sylvania 12709 100-Watt 130-Volt A19 Household Bulb, 24 Pack 100A CVP 24PK

Sylvania 12709 100-Watt 130-Volt A19 Household Bulb, 24 Pack 100A CVP 24PK

Amazon Price: $13.27 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

As the deadline comes, it's only logical that the price of 100 watt incandescent light bulbs will increase as the available supply decreases.

If you are among those who might wish to have a light bulb choice in the future, that choice will need to be in your pantry, as eventually, it will not be on the shelves of your local store.

Beginning October 1, 2012, these bulbs can no longer be made in, or imported into, the United States.

Filament Lamps

or Edison Bulbs

Standard incadescent light bulbs have also been referred to as filament lamps, because of the thin tungsten metal filament inside the bulb that, when heated, incandesces, or glows.

I can remember when I was a child, I had an elderly great aunt who called these old fashioned bulbs "Edison Bulbs," after Thomas Alva Edison, who invented them over a century ago.

More Filament Lights

or Edison Bulbs

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(75 Watt Incandescent Bulbs are next)

Legislators insist it's not a ban, but as of Oct. 1, 2012, it's illegal to make 100 watt incandescent bulbs in the US, or to import them into the US.

You may still be able to buy them for weeks, or even months, afterwards, but as the supply dwindles, and suppliers can't legally get more, prices will rise, and eventually, they'll just disappear from store shelves.

Anyone who wants or needs to use these bulbs should consider purchasing a supply of them now.

Countdown to "Not Ban" on 100 Watt Bulbs

"Not Ban" on 100 Watt Bulbs: October 1, 2012

Energy Saving CFL Light Bulbs

Some "Pros"

- CFLs use less energy than old fashioned light bulbs.

- We are told they last much, much longer than filament light bulbs. (In my kitchen light, this did NOT prove to be the case, however.)

- They emit less heat than ordinary light bulbs, which will be appreciated by people in warmer climates, where the cost of running air conditioners tends to be a major portion of their yearly utility cost.

- They are much greener than normal bulbs. (Unless they break, in which case, they are far more environmentally hazardous)

- There are a variety of different types of bulbs available.

Replace Your Old Light Bulbs

With Compact Fluorescent Lamps

The Compact Fluorescent Lamp, or CFL for short, has been available for several years. Be a part of the green revolultion, and save energy! Here are some regular
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CFL Light Bulbs

Some "Cons"

Some of the objections to these new light bulbs include

- They cost much more than incandescent bulbs. (But have come down in the last year) Special use bulbs are even more. Dimmable CFLs and 3-ways can run $15 - 30 per bulb, or more.

- Used bulbs must be taken to specially designated recyclers. Broken bulbs are hazardous because of the mercury content, and there are special clean up procecures.

- In a minority of indivuduals, they are the suspected cause of headaches, rashes, and other health related problems.

- They are not recommended for use in ceiling fans, lamps that might be knocked over, or outdoor fixtures.

- You should spread down a drop cloth when chanaging the bulbs. In case of breakage, the cloth and fragments must be bundled up and taken to a specially designated disposal site.

- If you like to buy "Made in the USA" products, these are NOT.

- An alarmingly high percentage of workers in Chinese plants where they are manuractured have been hospitalized for mercury poisoning.

Incandescent Bulbs on eBay

(get them while you still can)

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CFL News You Should Read

Related Links from around the Web

Decide for yourself ...
Here is the text of the legislation, two guest editorials (one pro, and one con), a rather interesting story, and a VERY concerning one about what's happening to Chinese workers at plants tha manufacture CFLs.
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
Text of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
Pro: Should Congress ban old-fashioned light bulbs? | OregonLive.com
Matthew R. Auer: In fact, the 2007 law does not ban incandescent bulbs. It bans manufacture of old-fashioned incandescent bulbs. In their place, consumers can purchase energy-saving incandescents, with the familiar, fat, round heads. The new bulbs contain a halogen-filled gas caps
Con: Should Congress ban old-fashioned light bulbs? | OregonLive.com
Amy Ridenour: Defenders of the light bulb ban claim people are better off with alternatives to incandescents, but if the public agreed, Congress wouldn't need a ban to get us to switch. Ignore claims about global warming. The motive behind the bulb ban was money: Incandescents hav
Consumers in dark over risks of new light bulbs
The story (true? I dunno) about a mother who had to seal off her daughter's room until she can aford to pay a haz-mat team $2000 for clean-up, after breaking a CFL bulb. The room tested for high levels of mercury in the air.
Mercury poisoning of Chinese factory workers making CFLs a concern
Thousands of Chinese factory workers who manufacture 'environmentally friendly' mercury compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) for export to first world countries have been poisoned and hospitalized because of mercury exposure over the last decade.
CFL Fluorescent Light Bulbs: More Hype Than Value
CFLs put out 51% less light than claimed, and have a typical lifespan 85% shorter than claimed. These two facts alone make fluorescent lighting more expensive than incandescent.
Alternatives to CFL Light Bulbs
With the incandescent light bulb ban coming up a lot of people are worried about having to use CFL bulbs. CFL bulbs contain mercury and have other shortcomings that are of concern

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Please refrain from 'link dropping' in the comment area. All comments with links will be deleted.

  • Ladymermaid Jun 1, 2012 @ 9:39 am | delete
    I'm just back to brighten the light a bit one more on the CFL lightbulb issue. I have an illness that causes me to be very sensitive to UV rays and guess what kind of light the new CFL bulbs give off? Yep! They send out UV rays. It scares the heck out of me that bulbs which are based on UV rays may be our only choice of lighting soon. (Florescent tube lighting also falls into this category).
  • Deadicated May 10, 2012 @ 12:19 am | delete
    I saw a piece on "Made In America" where the army need the old light bulbs and there was only one company left making them in the USA; and ABC News hooked them up together, I like the old better and I use both, the new ones are more energy efficient, last longer but I find them to not be as bright as I need them to be to do my artwork. Thanks for the though provoking Lens and info.
  • Kahlua Bear May 4, 2012 @ 12:04 am | delete
    Having the government decide for us that we should switch from a reliable light source to one that contains mercury and will become a waste disposal hazard for the future is just plain dumb. Obviously, some of these politicians and lobbyists are investing in foreign companies - in China, Taiwan, & elsewhere.

    The US needs jobs so this new policy should be overturned and bulb plants like GE and Sylvania reopened here. Do they really think that having thes CFL's made overseas doesn't pollute the planet?

    As for me, I like the warm glow that an incandescent bulb throws out, and also have some lampshades that fit right over the bulb. Now I have to replace perfectly good fixtures and that is not "going green" people.

    Like Al Gore, I do have concerns about our planet and want to take care of it but first let me shoot some of those Washington folks who come up with these little schemes that simply make my life more aggravated.

    For now, the new CFL's are not a good alternatative and so therefore, the import ban against bulbs should be lifted, and the policy rescinded.

    It was getting hard enough to find 200w and 250w bulbs. Believe it or not, some rooms and ceilings need that much intensity to light properly. I think one bright bulb is better than several smaller ones and more energy efficient. If you've ever lived in a dark northern state like upper Michigan in December, you'd understand.
  • lighthouse10 Apr 28, 2012 @ 2:45 pm | delete
    Yes it is a ban...
    (what's the point in having comments here, if you don't allow criticism?)

    As anyone can check from 2007 EISA regulation, it is effectively a ban on all ordinary incandescents:
    Phase 2 after 2014 - that you neglect to mention - means that all incandescents for regular use will be banned, on the 45 lumen per W end-regulation that applies - and that touted halogen type replacements can't reach.
  • CruiseReady Apr 28, 2012 @ 8:50 pm | delete
    Comments containing links are deleted, regardless of other content or point of view.
  • beannie64 Apr 11, 2012 @ 3:51 pm | delete
    Awesome info!
  • gamrslist Apr 6, 2012 @ 5:45 pm | delete
    had new bulbs in scotland and philippines for a while i dont miss the old type and the new ones last longer by far cool lens thank you
  • bloomingrose Apr 6, 2012 @ 4:29 am | delete
    It is my understanding that these new bulbs have mercury in them. Really. Mercury.
  • TheLifestyleChanger Mar 26, 2012 @ 6:30 am | delete
    We use the new bulbs and I don't think they throw as bright a light, which is sometimes annoying, particularly for reading purposes.
  • sergeyyoung Mar 17, 2012 @ 7:17 am | delete
    There are cons to the new lighting technologies but if we support them they will evolve quicker and we will get what we want quicker. Energy efficient high quality bulbs.
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