The Hill
BY KATHERINE DRABIAK, OPINION CONTRIBUTOR – 08/23/23 4:30 PM ET
The Department of Energy recently announced that it will enforce new rules that prohibit the manufacture and sale of certain types of incandescent and halogen lightbulbs used in homes. Stores can continue selling already stocked merchandise but will face stiff penalties for noncompliance.
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act gives the Energy Department authority to regulate the energy efficiency of consumer products. New standards must further environmental protection and advance public health. The department asserts that this rule modernizes energy efficiency, slashes carbon emissions, and will reduce energy costs. LED bulbs are an estimated 90 percent more energy efficient, and often touted as more economically and environmentally responsible.