Illinois has become the 10th state to enact a fluorescent light bulb ban, with Governor J.B. Pritzker signing the law on August 14. It follows Minnesota, which passed a similar law earlier this summer.
The new law sites that a switch to LED lighting will save Illinois consumers as much as $1.5 billion in energy cost reductions by 2050. The Public Interest Research Group claims the law will save the average small office about $900 a year in energy reduction, and the average school will see a $3,700 reduction. The law also points out that it will eliminate mercury that can leak if a fluorescent bulb is disposed improperly.
The law also specifically mentions that it will not impact utility rebate programs in Illinois. It does put timelines on the elimination of fluorescent bulbs in 2026 and 2027:
“Beginning January 1, 2026, no person shall sell, offer to sell, or distribute in the State as a new manufactured product a screw-base or bayonet-base type compact fluorescent lamp. Beginning January 1, 2027, no person shall sell, offer to sell, or distribute in the State as a new manufactured product a pin-base type compact fluorescent lamp or a linear fluorescent lamp.”
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This seems to be a really bad idea. First worry is for any manufacturing jobs or recycling related to fluorescent lighting. It could leave people without jobs. Next is for suppliers if they cannot readily access LED replacements, which will probably experience great price increases. Then there is the business owner who will have to pay money for LED conversion costing small businesses thousands to save less than a thousand a year according to this story. Last I would like to say the hit the power companies will take. While they encourage us to conserve, what will happen when the conservation reduces use to the point that it cuts into their bottom line. The power companies will have to raise rates to provide less power. Overall such government regulations will cost businesses thousands of dollars. This could negatively affect profits which could negatively affect employee wages and raise, which would lead to less tax revenue. It would be better to let the consumer decide when it would benefit them to incorporate energy saving practices into their businesses.