It's official: incandescent lamps are on their way out, and energy efficiency is now the law of the land, thanks to a new bill signed by President Bush in December. Beginning in 2012, and phased in over three years, all new bulbs will have to use 25% to 30% less energy for the same light output as today's incandescents.
Called the "Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007," the law includes a few provisions having to do with lighting.
The energy efficiency phase-in will start with 100-watt bulbs in January 2012 and end with 40-watt bulbs in January 2014.
By 2020, bulbs must be 70% more efficient.
To get the inner workings of the law, and its technical impact, visit the About Lighting Controls website.
