In a controversial rollback of efficiency standards passed under the prior administration, the Department of Energy eliminated efficiency requirements for about half of the lightbulbs sold on the market.
Supported by lightbulb manufacturers but opposed by consumer groups and environmental advocates, the new policy is anticipated to increase U.S. electricity consumption by 80 billion kilowatt hours per year – roughly enough power to serve all of the households in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Consumer groups are concerned about the impacts of the inefficient bulbs on businesses and households, as the continued use of less-efficient lightbulbs will cost the average household over $100 per year and contribute to pollution.
“The Energy Department flat out got it wrong today. Instead of moving us forward, this rule will keep more energy-wasting bulbs on store shelves,” Jason Hartke, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, said in a statement. “If you wanted folks to pay a lot more than they should on electric bills, this rollback would be a pretty good way of doing it.”