Starting on Tuesday, incandescent light bulbs will no longer be available for purchase due to new energy efficiency standards set by the Department of Energy. Instead, American consumers will be required to purchase LED bulbs moving forward.
Last year, the Biden administration announced a new energy policy that will ban retailers from selling incandescent light bulbs, and prevent manufacturers from creating them. The reason for this change is part of the White House’s broad efforts to lower energy costs and fight climate change.
According to the Department of Energy, households that have LED lights use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs. The nationwide switch from incandescent bulbs to LEDs is estimated to cut annual carbon emissions by 222 million metric tons over 30 years.
“Modernizing the energy efficiency standards of common household appliances is a simple and effective method for slashing carbon emissions and reducing the cost of energy for all Americans. The benefits of these new rules will extend far into the future, improving conditions for the American consumer and our partners in the lighting industry as we accelerate our progress toward net-zero carbon emissions.”
Kelly Speakes-Backman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
The Department of Energy has also stated that the discontinuation of incandescent bulbs will save Americans almost $3 billion a year, with the average family saving about $100 per year. But should the federal government be making financial decisions for American consumers, or should households be allowed to choose for themselves?
Representative Brian Fitzpatrick from Pennsylvania made this exact point at a house subcommittee last week that discussed the ban.
“I’m happy the Department of Energy is out here, making sure that we can all save money because we’re too dumb to figure out how to do it ourselves,” Fitzpatrick said.
Many consumers are also expressing their frustration with the ban due to the difference in lighting emitted by incandescent bulbs versus LEDs. Many individuals prefer the warm color emitted by incandescent bulbs over the blue light color emitted by LEDs.
This light bulb ban is yet another example of severe government overreach and the federal government attempting to restrict everyday household items in the name of climate change. Earlier this year, the United States Consumer Product Safety Agency announced that it is considering a nationwide ban on gas-powered stoves. What is especially concerning is that these restrictions are coming from agencies, not elected officials.
