Energy Conservation & Efficiency
Clean lighting bill passes Oregon House
Oregon's legislature is one chamber away from replacing fluorescent light bulbs with more efficient non-toxic alternatives.
Lawmakers in the Oregon House of Representatives passed HB 2531 by a vote of 36-23 on Monday, January 13th. If the Oregon Senate passes the bill and the governor signs it into law, Oregon would phase out the sale of fluorescent lighting by Jan 1, 2024.
LED light bulbs—readily available as replacements for fluorescents in all needed shapes and sizes—do not contain any of the toxic mercury that fluorescent bulbs do. LED bulbs also cut energy use in half compared to fluorescents, last about twice as long, and typically cost far less to purchase and operate over their lifetime.
The legislation is expected to save Oregonians $49 million in electric bills by 2030, increasing to $617 million in electric bill savings by 2050.
“We can save energy and reduce our exposure to toxic mercury,” said Celeste Meiffren-Swango, state director of Environment Oregon. “Clean lighting policy will help protect the health and safety of Oregonians today and for years to come.”
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