Use of Tungsten Lamp Relaxed, Trump Ends Regulations on Light Bulbs

The use time of tungsten lamp has been extended, as the US Donald Trump administration announced new regulations on the 4th, overturning the former policy of full adoption of energy-efficient light bulbs before on Jan 1, 2020, which caused strong dissatisfaction from environmental organizations. According to NPR report.

Traditional tungsten lamps converted 90% of consumed energy into heat, and only 10% can be converted into light. The energy-saving lamp has low power and high illumination, which can save 75% of electric energy and has a life expectancy of 5-10 times that of a conventional tungsten lamp. After the Obama administration passed the new law in 2007 to determine the gradual realization of energy-saving goals, the tungsten lamp bulbs that are difficult to save energy have a large decline in the US market, while low-energy (power) LED bulbs are now mainstream.

According to statistics, through using energy-saving light bulbs, in the period 2012 to 2042, the United States will reduce 594 tons carbon dioxide emissions, households can save electricity costs of 1 billion to 4 billion US dollars, saving up to 7.3 billion watts, equivalent to 14 seats of 5 megawatt thermal power plants providing lighting for American families for 10 months.

At present, the market share of halogen lamps more energy-efficient than tungsten lamps. In the late Obama era, according to the new law update definition in 2007, movable projection lamps, candle bulbs for crystal lamps, etc. were included in the non-energy-saving lamps that were phased out before January 1, 2020.

The Trump administration removed the previous policy update and considered that the provision was not in line with the legislative purposes of congress and would impose additional cost burdens on consumers and businesses.

Environmental organizations such as the US Natural Resources Conservation Council have criticized the Trump administration for violating the law and condemning the relaxation of the use of non-energy-saving lamps, contrary to the "anti-regression" provisions that prevent the Energy Department from lowering standards.

It is understood that Trump rolls back regulations on light bulbs, loosen the use of tungsten lamps and other traditional bulbs are just the latest effort by the Trump administration to eliminate Obama-era environmental protections. At the end of August, the administration announced plans to ease oversight of emissions of methane gas, a potent contributor to climate change. It has also announced plans to relax gas mileage standards. Critics say the rule change will lead to higher electricity bills and harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

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