States across the U.S. are putting bans in place for certain lights, including fluorescent. Legislation is pushing for bans to go into effect due to environmental and health concerns regarding the mercury found in fluorescent tubes. This comes as LEDs grow in popularity in the lighting market and sustainable measures are becoming a priority. These bans can have a strong impact for businesses and commercial properties still using fluorescent tubes, resulting in the need to retrofit to other lighting options. As businesses, facilities, and consumers prepare for the change, understanding its impacts, including the changes to lighting rebates, is essential for smooth transitions to greener alternatives.

Why Is the Fluorescent Ban Happening?

Fluorescent tubes emit light when electricity heats up the mercury gas inside the tube and reacts with the materials of the tube itself. Due to mercury gas, fluorescent tubes can cause an array of health and environmental problems. Should the tube break, which happens often because of their fragile build, people will breathe in the harmful mercury. It also causes issues when disposed of improperly because the mercury will leak into the environment. According to estimates from environmental organizations like CLASP, a staggering 75% of fluorescent lamps in the U.S. are not recycled correctly.

Other than the risks associated with fluorescent tubes, they are losing popularity due to LEDs. LEDs are outperforming fluorescent tubes. Since they don’t use gases to operate, LEDs emit brighter light faster and without using as much electricity. For consumers looking for an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly lighting option, LEDs are their first pick. The U.S. transition to LEDs is expected to save 5,675 gigawatt-hours of electricity by 2030 and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 11.6 million metric tons by 2050.

States Implementing the Fluorescent Tube Ban

The movement to ban fluorescent tubes is gaining momentum across the United States, with various states implementing phaseout dates to stop the sale and use of these lamps. Vermont led the charge, banning specific fluorescent tubes as of January 1, 2024. Following this, states such as California, Colorado, Oregon, and Rhode Island are set to enact similar bans by January 1, 2025. Hawaii and Maine are targeting 2026, while Washington State has extended its timeline to 2029.

These bans form part of a broader trend in environmental regulation aimed at promoting sustainable practices and reducing toxic waste. States have also been banning incandescent lighting for similar reasons. By adopting these bans, states are demonstrating their commitment to environmental practices and combating climate change.

How the Fluorescent Ban Affects Lighting Rebates

As more states enact fluorescent bans, rebates for other lighting options will become more prevalent. Lighting rebates are incentivizing businesses to switch from fluorescent to LEDs.

Programs that included fluorescent tubes will likely be phased out. For instance, the Efficiency Vermont rebate program, which previously provided TLED rebates, phased them out after the fluorescent ban took effect. This change raises concerns for businesses that may depend on these rebates to complete their lighting transitions.

Increased Demand for LED Lighting and LED Rebates

LEDs are the most popular choice for replacing fluorescent tubes. Consumers are gravitating towards LEDs due to their many advantages over fluorescent, like a better performance, energy-efficiency, lower maintenance needs.  Since LEDs use less energy and are easier to maintain, this helps cut down on costs in the long term. Moreover, LEDs are safer to dispose of since they don’t contain harmful substances like mercury, making them a preferred choice for sustainable lighting.

Utility companies and other grant programs are offering rebates for businesses to switch to LEDs. These incentives will offset the initial costs of the product and installation, which will boost their bottom line. Rebates are also available to incorporate smart lighting and other advanced lighting controls with LEDs to optimize building management.

What the Fluorescent Ban Means for the Future of Lighting

The shift away from fluorescent tubes represents a significant step toward a more environmentally sustainable future. LEDs are set to become the new standard for lighting, offering both energy savings and reduced environmental impact. As bans on fluorescent tubes continue to expand, consumers and businesses alike will benefit from cleaner, safer lighting options, contributing to wider sustainability goals.

Navigating the switch from fluorescents to LEDs can be a lengthy and confusing process. Action Services Group offers turn-key lighting services and LED retrofits, including rebate recovery services, to ensure a seamless transition to energy-efficient lighting. To speak with one of our specialists, call 610-558-9773, email [email protected], or schedule a call that fits your needs by clicking the button below.