A group of dark sky advocates in New Zealand is actively advocating for a national law to promote dark skies and reduce light pollution. They recently published a document explaining dark skies and making the case for a national law in New Zealand. This month they launched a parliamentary petition to advocate for national legislation [...]
Legislation + Regulation
Legislation + Regulation, Light + Health
Canada Proposing To Ban HID Lamps In Addition To Fluorescent
Kudos to Al Uszynski of inside.lighting for breaking this story about the Canadian government’s proposal to ban the sale of most mercury-containing lamps. Fluorescent lamp bans are already occurring in California and Vermont, and are under consideration in other US states. The Canadian proposal goes significantly further, to ban most HID lamps. It’s noteworthy that [...]
Energy + Environment, Legislation + Regulation
U.S. DOE Proposes Major Increase In General Service Lamp Efficacy Requirements
Earlier this week, the US Department of Energy (DOE) proposed a new energy efficiency standard for General Service Lamps (GSL). The new standard would impact an enormous variety of lamps, including A-lamps (CFL & LED), directional R & PAR lamps, and LED tubes (TLEDs). Right now it is still a proposal, but odds are good [...]
Dark Sky, Legislation + Regulation
DLC Compiles Outdoor Lighting Ordinances Across The US & Canada
The DLC compiled a list and interactive maps of locations with published outdoor lighting ordinances to mitigate light pollution. These maps show states, provinces, and cities/towns, throughout Canada and the U.S., with outdoor lighting ordinances. States and provinces shaded blue have a statewide/provincewide policy. The round markers indicate cities, towns, and counties with an ordinance. [...]
Energy + Environment, Legislation + Regulation
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Adds $550 Million To Energy Efficiency And Conservation Block Grant Program
The Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), released a Notice of Intent, on 11/22/22, announcing $550 million to support community-based clean energy in state, Tribal, and local governments — serving more than 250 million Americans. This investment is through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program in order to support communities [...]
Codes + Standards, Legislation + Regulation
Four Changes In The 2023 National Electric Code Impacting Lighting
The National Electrical Code (NEC) updates every three years. David summarizes four changes in this code cycle (2023 edition of the NEC) that impact lighting.
New DOE Guidance On GSL & GSIL Backstop Timing and Certification Requirements
On October 28th, the US DOE issued new guidance for the industry to comply with the GSL & GSIL certification requirements and timing. Back in May, the DOE issued two final rules for these lamps. These rules changed which lamps have to be certified to DOE.
Quick Summary Of CA Title 24 Lighting Changes For Non-Residential Buildings
Energy Code Ace has created a summary of California Title 24 code changes for Non-Residential Buildings. The 2022 Title 24, Part 6 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Energy Code or Title 24, Part 6) updates the 2019 Energy Code.
New EPA Toxic Rules Impacting The DIY Channel & Lighting Vendors
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Final Rule on 40 CFR 751 Subpart E – Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic (PBT) Chemicals under Section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is beginning to impact lighting manufacturers in the DIY big box channel.
Legislation + Regulation, Lighting Industry
New California Law Protects Importers Using CA Ports
On September 30th, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB2406 into law, protecting importers from the imposition of unfair fees and trade practices. The bill limits the damages of detention and demurrage fees imposed by international ocean carriers.
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