LIGHTING EFFICIENCY STANDARDS

A.8641-B (Sweeney, et al.)

Summary

This bill would require the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to issue regulations related to reducing the amount of mercury contained in certain lights. It would require lighting manufacturers to ensure that a system is in place for collection and recycling of lighting products containing mercury. The bill would also require the DEC to set electrical energy consumption reduction targets related to lighting and would require the DEC Commissioner to establish minimum energy efficiency standards for lighting in New York State.

Explanation                                                                                              Climate change is arguably the most serious environmental problem facing New York State and the rest of the world. Scientists estimate that in order to avoid the worst effects of climate change we need to cut worldwide greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 80 percent. Although New York State is taking some steps to cut the emissions that are responsible for climate change, much more needs to be done.

One area of great promise for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases involves reducing our electricity consumption. Reducing electricity consumption can help cut emission of the pollutants that cause global climate change, decrease our overall reliance on fossil fuels, eliminate the need for building new power plants, and reduce consumer electric bills. A 2003 study conducted for the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) found that despite current programs to reduce electric demand there is much untapped, cost-effective energy efficiency potential in New York.

This bill would require DEC to establish efficiency standards for most types of general purpose lights and that such standards would make general purpose lights at least as efficient as compact fluorescent lights. The bill would also require DEC to develop and implement a plan to greatly reduce electrical consumption by indoor and outdoor lighting. These measures would help further reduce New York’s contribution to climate change and help protect the environment and public health.

Environmental Advocates of New York strongly supports this bill.