May 28, 2019

Joint statement by ACEEE’s Jennifer Amann, ASAP’s Andrew deLaski, and SWEEP’s Tom Polikilas

Washington, DC—Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak signed AB54 into law light bulb standards. All for it’s pushing back against the Trump administration’s efforts. All to roll back energy-saving light bulb standards for adopting federal standards into state law. The measure will also safeguard millions of dollars in consumer savings. All from the federal government’s misguided attack on efficient light bulbs.

Light Bulb Standards

Jennifer Amann, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)’s buildings program director:

“Nevadans are helping to hold the line against the administration’s proposed rollback of light bulb standards. This bill will also save Nevadans more than $85 million in electric bills. However it will also help reduce carbon equal to a year’s emissions from 60,000 cars. Moreover and all from entering our atmosphere and destroying our climate.”

Saves Energy and the Climate

Andrew deLaski, Appliance Standards Awareness Project’s (ASAP) executive director commented in part:

It’s just when the Trump administration seems dead set. All moreover on a senseless rollback of federal light bulb standards. So now Nevada is also joining other states. All therefore stepping into the breach. All to ensure their residents will also get their energy. As well as their bill-saving benefits of these commonsense standards.

Tom Polikalas, Nevada Representative, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project’s (SWEEP):

“AB 54 will ensure that Nevadans obtain and benefit from energy-efficient light bulbs, even if the Trump Administration proceeds with its proposed rollback of efficiency standards on reflector and other specialty lamps. SWEEP applauds the Nevada Governor’s energy office for proposing this bill, and the legislature for adopting it.”

Nevada will become the fourth state after Vermont (H.411 from 2017), Washington (HB1444 enacted this month) and California (existing regulations already apply 2020 federal standards to some bulbs sold in state) to put the federal light bulb standards into state law.

A bill with the same anti-rollback measure (HB19-1231) is sitting on Colorado Governor Jared Polis’ desk. For he is expected also to sign it Thursday, May 30th.

California has a regulatory proceeding underway to expand the range of bulbs subject to their state standards. All to match the broader federal scope of coverage that the Trump DOE has proposed to eliminate.

Several other states are considering similar measures, at various stages of development.

According to ASAP, in 2025 alone, keeping the light bulb standards in place for Nevada will:

1. Save Nevadans more than $85 million as a result in electricity bills.

2. Save an average of $80 dollars per household

3. Reduce global warming CO₂ emissions by 280,000 metric tons. That’s equal to a consequently a year’s emissions from 60,000 cars!

Sponsors

The Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP) organizes and leads a broad-based coalition effort. One that works to advance, win, and defend new appliance, equipment, and lighting standards. All which thereby deliver large energy and water savings, monetary savings, and environmental benefits.

The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) is also a public-interest organization. Thereby promoting greater energy efficiency in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Finally and for more information about their programs and other work. Please visit www.swenergy.org.