Do you prefer incandescent lighting over that emitted from energy efficient bulbs, such as halogens and compact fluorescents? Well beginning in January 2012 you will be out of luck. There are MAJOR CHANGES in lighting regulations that are occurring in 2012.

The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) was signed into law in 2007 by former President George W. Bush, and the law is intended to reduce energy usage. Sylvania, a leading lighting manufacturer, states, “The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) is phasing out the iconic incandescent light bulbs and is requiring manufacturers to replace them with new, energy efficient bulbs that comply with EISA’s mandated performance levels for incandescent and incandescent halogen bulbs.”

Incandescent general purpose and decorative bulbs are being phased out starting in January 2012 with 100 watt bulbs, with 75 watt bulbs to follow in 2013, and 60 and 40 watt bulbs to be phased out in 2014. Incandescent directional and reflector lamps, or PAR lamps, will be phased out in July of 2012.

More efficient lighting alternatives are much better for the environment, and the change will result in a greatly reduced carbon footprint as well as national energy savings. Compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, efficient lamps generate an equal or greater amount of light while consuming much less energy and generating much less cost. For example, energy efficient compact fluorescents use 66% less energy than incandescent bulbs for the same amount of light and the bulbs last an average of 10 to 15 times longer than standard filament bulbs. Halogens are a great option for replacement as well due to their longevity and the fact that they emit more light per unit of energy compared to incandescent bulbs.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the mandated changes as many lighting manufacturers are helping to make an easy transition from incandescent bulbs to more energy efficient options. They are already offering a wide variety of bulbs to choose from that will serve as replacements.

For more information about the new lighting legislation issued by EISA, visit www.sylvania.com/lightbulblaws or click here to view a chart that shows what bulbs need to be replaced and some of the replacement options that are offered.