Biden administration's incandescent light bulb ban now in effect nationwide

The Biden administration’s rule prohibiting the sale of incandescent bulbs takes effect Tuesday, in another attempt to curb carbon emissions and move the country toward more energy-efficient light sources. 

The rule follows the Energy Department finalizing two rules Monday that require manufacturers to phase out any lightbulbs that produce less than 45 lumens per watt, according to The Washington Examiner.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in announcing the rule changes said the move will save Americans billion of dollars through using more efficient bulbs. 

“By raising energy efficiency standards for lightbulbs, we’re putting $3 billion back in the pockets of American consumers and substantially reducing domestic carbon emissions,” she told  The Washington Post.

Critics argue that ingredients in the newer, light-emitting diode, or LED, bulbs can lead to premature aging, skin cancer, and even an increased probability of blindness.

LEDs contain several hazardous materials like lead, arsenic, nickel, and more, according to a 2011 UC Irvine study.

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