Which Light Bulbs Are Affected by New Federal Ban?

A new rule banning many common light bulbs took effect Tuesday. Which bulbs are affected?

The Details: The rule, passed in April 2022 by the Department of Energy (DOE), requires light bulbs to emit at least 45 lumens per watt. U.S. manufacturers can no longer sell many types of incandescent and halogen light bulbs, which are cheaper than LED bulbs but typically only generate around 15 lumens per watt.

Key Quotes: "By raising energy efficiency standards for lightbulbs, we’re putting $3 billion back in the pockets of American consumers and substantially reducing domestic carbon emissions," said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. "The Department of Energy should be focused on American energy independence, not on what lightbulbs you can or can’t purchase for your home or business," said Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY).

How the Media Covered it: Some right-rated sources described the move as a ban on incandescent light bulbs, and framed it as another overstep in Democrats' "aggressive" clean energy agenda. Fox News (Right bias) reported that LEDs are "far more popular in higher-income households, meaning the energy regulations will particularly impact lower-income Americans." Some center- and left-rated sources pushed back on those reports. Verify (Center) said the DOE rule "carved out exceptions for many different kinds of light bulbs." CNN (Lean Left) highlighted voices who expect the move to "cut planet-warming carbon emissions by 222 million metric tons over the next 30 years."