Legislation + Regulation

The Illuminating Engineering Society has announced a new public policy initiative regarding energy conservation and efficiency, sustainability and lighting quality, and a new staff appointment in support of the initiative. The purpose of the initiative is to plan, develop, and coordinate the public policy interests of the IES and government, regulatory, trade and professional associations, [...]

The International Dark Sky Association and the Illuminating Engineering Society Boards of Directors have approved the release of the Second Draft of the Model Lighting Ordinance (MLO) for Public Review and Comment. These organizations are developing the MLO to address the need for strong, consistent outdoor lighting regulation that addresses energy, glare, light trespass and [...]

Between 2005 and 2010, Federal efficiency standards became phased into effect, covering fluorescent magnetic ballasts designed to operate full-wattage F40T12, F96T12 and F96T12HO lamps. Subsequent standards expanded this scope to include energy-saving versions of these lamps (e.g., 4-ft. 34W T12). In July 2010, efficiency standards regulating fluorescent magnetic T12 ballasts entered their final phase, effectively [...]

Living legend Howard Brandston makes the case against new energy standards targeting the incandescent lamp here.

The Federal Trade Commission today announced that starting in mid-2011, consumers shopping for light bulbs will notice new labeling on packaging designed to help them choose among the different types of bulbs on the market – traditional incandescent lamps, CFLs and LED lamps. The new labels will enable consumers to save money by selecting the [...]

We are in an era of regulated efficiency. EC&M Magazine has published a nice summary of lighting regulations for their April issue here. I was pleased to be interviewed for this article about the role lighting controls can play in upgrades in existing buildings.

California new Title 20 standards, which went into effect January 1, 2010, created new energy efficiency standards for 150-500W metal halide light fixtures used in indoor and outdoor applications. These fixtures may not be manufactured in the State of California unless they meet the new standards. For the most part, the fixture will have to [...]

On May 18, LightNOW reported that Cleveland was considering a 10-year deal giving Sunpu-Opto Semiconductor Ltd. exclusive rights to sell millions of LED lights to the city in exchange for the company making Cleveland its North American headquarters, creating an estimated 350 jobs. The proposed deal naturally irritated GE Lighting, which is based in Cleveland. [...]

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today approved legislation that for the first time would set national energy efficiency standards for pole-mounted outdoor lighting. These standards are supported by NEMA. In 2007, the Department of Energy estimated that outdoor lighting consumes more than 178 TWh annually, which is the equivalent of 42 coal-burning power [...]