Both houses of Congress have passed The BRIGHT Act to ensure federal buildings utilize energy-efficient lighting. The House passed the bill on September 14, 2022, and the Senate passed the bill on March 30, 2022. The bill still requires the signature of President Biden before it becomes law.
Legislation + Regulation
Legislation + Regulation, Lighting Industry
Important Details About The California Fluorescent Lamp Ban
On September 18, 2022, California banned fluorescent lamps, both CFLs and linear fluorescent lamps, joining Vermont’s ban in May, and the EU’s ban in December. California went beyond Vermont’s ban on 4’ lamps, by banning linear fluorescent tubes up to 8’ long.I chased down the legislative details for you.
Energy + Environment, Legislation + Regulation
Energy Efficiency Tax Deductions Expanded By The Inflation Reduction Act
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 was signed into law on August 16, 2022. Among the provisions included in this bill is the expansion of the Section 179D tax deduction for building energy efficiency. Thousands of commercial building owners have utilized the 179D tax deduction since its inception in 2005, and this expansion potentially allows for many more to not only utilize the deduction but also claim larger amounts than previously available.
Energy + Environment, Legislation + Regulation
US DOE Releases Industrial Sector Decarbonization Agenda
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released its “Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap” a comprehensive report identifying four key pathways to reduce industrial emissions in American manufacturing, on September 7, 2022.
Updated GSA Requirements For Lighting In Federal Buildings
In October, 2021, the GSA published updated rules for the construction and renovation of federal buildings (excluding military buildings). The “P100” is a 316-page document outlining construction and renovation guidelines.
Legislation + Regulation, Lighting Industry
US DOE Publishes New Test Procedures For GSFL, IRL, & GSIL Lamps
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has published a Federal Register Final Rule adopting amendments to the test procedures for general service fluorescent lamps (GSFLs), incandescent reflector lamps (IRLs), and general service incandescent lamps.
DOE Publishes Final Rule For Ceiling Fan Test Procedures
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has published a Federal Register notice amending the test procedures for ceiling fans.
Energy + Environment, Legislation + Regulation
What The IRA / Climate Law Can Mean For The Green Building Industry
Last week, President Biden signed the $750 Billion Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The new law addresses inflation, climate, energy, prescription drug policy, and corporate tax changes. Roughly $370 Billion are focused on combatting climate change, including energy generation and transmission, manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, and environmental justice.
Energy + Environment, Legislation + Regulation
Ready Or Not, Here Comes Climate Action
Significant climate action legislation is occurring at the US Federal level, as well as in Massachusetts and Maryland.
Energy + Environment, Legislation + Regulation
Could Sustainable Lighting Product Regulations Be Coming to North America?
Industry discussions about sustainable lighting are increasing, but what would sustainable product regulations look like? The European Union (EU) is far ahead of North America on sustainable product regulations, and a look at what the EU is doing gives one vision of where sustainable product regulations could go in North America.
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