ALA Responds to Incandescent Bulb Ban

By Line:

Jennifer Pinto

California’s Lloyd Levine (D-Van Nuys), Chairman of the state Assembly’s Utilities and Commerce Committee, introduced the “How Many Legislators Does It Take to Change a Light Bulb Act” to the Assembly last February, proposing a ban on the sale of most incandescent light bulbs in California by 2012. While the American Lighting Assn. [1] strongly supports a more energy-efficient lighting industry, the organization is urging state officials to consider the implications of such a move, as defined by California Bill No. 722.

“We salute Assemblyman Levine for his efforts to bring attention to the issue of energy efficiency,” says ALA President and CEO Dick Upton. “At the same time, our industry is concerned with the proper application of lighting with energy efficiency.”

ALA has authored a member-supported response to Levine’s bill, addressing such concerns as:

• Consumers’ lack of enthusiasm about using CFLs
in fixtures that don’t properly accommodate them;
• Limitations presented by lack of full dimming capabilities;
• The existing bill’s inclusion of halogen and speciality light bulbs;
• Fairness to California retailers;
• Expanded facilities for safe CFL disposal;
• Increased information and education available
to consumers.

ALA also supports gaining a lumens per watt solution, as opposed to an outright ban of incandescent bulbs, and allowing efficiency to be gained over a period of seven to 10 years.

Once approved by the Board of Governors, ALA will take its presentation to the National Electrical Manufacturers Assn [2].(NEMA) in hopes of forming a broader industry mandate.

The full text of Bill No. 722 can be found on Levine’s state government Web site at democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a40/ [3].

Publication Date:

April 14, 2009

Legacy ID:

20513