Bill would end federal efficiency minimums for standard household light bulbs

What does this do?

The bill would remove general service lamps from the products covered by federal energy efficiency rules and delete the specific efficiency requirements from the law. It would also cancel three Department of Energy rules from 2022 and 2024 that set and updated the standards, including a 2024 rule that set a higher efficiency minimum due to take effect in the coming years.

Who does it affect?

Households, businesses, and bulb makers would be most affected. Manufacturers and stores would no longer have to meet federal efficiency minimums for these bulbs, though state lighting efficiency rules could still apply where they exist.

Why does it matter?

Traditional incandescent bulbs could be sold again without federal restrictions, giving shoppers more choices and possibly lower upfront prices on some bulbs. Incandescent bulbs generally cost more to run because they use more electricity, so some households could see higher energy bills.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Some bulbs may cost less upfront
• Incandescents cost more to run
• Some households could pay higher bills