Given rising attention to energy prices, energy insecurity, and climate change, Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (hereafter referred to as the "Energy Independence Act") to address, among other things, the efficiency of current incandescent light bulbs. By one projection, the new standards will cumulatively save more than $40 billion on electricity costs and offset about 750 million metric tons of carbon emissions by the year 2030. New Energy Efficiency Requirements for Light Bulbs

The Energy Independence Act sets new performance requirements for certain common light bulbs. The Tier I requirements, set to take effect in 2012-2014, require these bulbs to be 25% to 30% more efficient than today's products (see Table 1 ). Incandescent bulbs are not banned or prohibited by the new law. Other new incandescent products will likely be introduced by the effective dates of the law. Non-incandescent products, including compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light emitting diode (LED) bulbs, can already meet Tier I standards. Manufacturers are developing new types of LED bulbs for general lighting and expect rapid cost reductions. But LEDs are not widely available in general illumination markets. Legislation

On March 13, 2008, the Light Bulb Freedom of Choice Act ( H.R. 5616 ) was introduced to repeal the new lighting performance standards unless the Government Accountability Office finds that (1) consumers would obtain a net financial savings by switching to the more efficient bulbs, (2) no health risks would be introduced by the switch, and (3) total U.S. CO 2 emissions would decline by 20% by 2025 as a result of the switch.
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-140) sets new performance standards for many common light bulbs. Tier I standards require a 25%-30% increase in the energy efficiency of typical light bulbs beginning in 2012, and still greater improvements through Tier II standards starting in 2020. Supporters expect these new measures to save consumers billions of dollars in electricity costs, offset the need to build dozens of new power plants, and cut millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.
Efficient lighting products such as compact fluorescent lights and light emitting diodes have advanced rapidly in recent years. Light quality has improved, costs have declined, and consumer choice has expanded. Still, many consumers prefer traditional incandescent lighting products. Incandescent bulbs are not banned or outlawed by the new law, but they will need to meet the new efficiency standards to remain on the market. Some new incandescent products already available can meet Tier I requirements, and at least one manufacturer claims that it will have advanced incandescent products available in time to meet the Tier II requirements.
The Light Bulb Freedom of Choice Act (H.R. 5616) was introduced on March 13, 2008, to repeal the new standards unless special provisions are met.