Washington clean lighting bill goes to Gov. Inslee’s desk

Fluorescent light bulbs, which are inefficient compared to LEDs and contain toxic mercury by design, will be on their way out thanks to a bill (HB1185) passed by the Washington legislature.

According to the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, the energy efficiency benefits of phasing out fluorescents are expected to save Washingtonians $37 million annually on utility bills by 2035 and avoid 32,000 metric tons of carbon pollution. That’s the equivalent of taking approximately 7,000 gas powered vehicles off the road every year.

States ending the sale of fluorescent bulbs are cutting mercury exposure and energy waste, delivering lasting environmental and public health benefits,” said Johanna Neumann, senior director of Environment America’s Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy.

The bill is on its way to Governor Inslee for his signature. If signed, Washington would be the 8th state to phase out mercury-containing general use bulbs. Washington follows action by nearly 150 countries and seven states which have already chosen to phase out mercury-laden light bulbs to reap health and environmental benefits.