Ten states are now phasing out fluorescent lights in favor of LEDs
This month, Illinois became the tenth state to enact a law phasing out the sale of fluorescent lighting.More than one-fifth of the US is now covered by clean lighting legislation. These laws phase out the sale of most compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and linear fluorescent lamps (LFLs) based on their mercury content. They also deliver big savings for consumers, businesses and the climate.
The LED lights that will be sold instead contain no mercury, double energy efficiency, last twice as long, and save money on utility bills over time. Collectively, they will avoid the release of 14.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of removing 3.4 million gasoline powered vehicles from being driven for a year. And, they will save consumers and businesses more than $14 billion on utility bills.
Earlier this year, Washington and Minnesota passed their clean lighting laws, while California and Vermont enacted laws in 2022 and Hawaii, Oregon, Colorado, Maine, and Rhode Island in 2023.
More than 180 different groups–including labor unions, waste haulers, private businesses, and faith groups–have supported the policy for its many benefits. These laws make our schools, workplaces, houses of worship, and any other spaces currently illuminated by fluorescent lamps safer by avoiding the risk of releasing the toxic mercury in the bulbs if they break. And since three in four fluorescent bulbs are not properly disposed of, phasing them out cuts toxic exposure risks to sanitation workers and impacts to the environment.
The adoption of clean lighting policies across the country since 2022 is a landmark achievement. It’s a victory for residents and businesses, those fighting to reduce toxic mercury exposure, for the climate, labor groups, and waste haulers across the country. It’s proof that phasing out technology that is outmoded in favor of modern energy-efficient alternatives benefits everybody.
Looking ahead to 2025, more states and the federal government should take their cues from these ten states and join the bandwagon saying farewell to mercury-ladened fluorescent light bulbs.
