| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Technology, Energy & Communications Committee | |
HB 1524
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Requiring the use of certain light-emitting diode lights.
Sponsors: Representatives Chase, Morris and B. Sullivan.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/31/07
Staff: Kara Durbin (786-7133).
Background:
Energy efficiency standards
In early 2005, the Legislature adopted minimum energy efficiency standards for 12 electrical
products, which were not covered by federal law at that time. In 2006, the Legislature amended
its efficiency standards to remove those standards that had been preempted by federal law and to
change the efficiency standards for certain incandescent reflector lamps to be consistent with
California's efficiency standards for those products.
While state and federal law does regulate certain types of larger, incandescent bulbs, state and
federal law does not regulate the efficiency of smaller, incandescent bulbs commonly used in
holiday light strings.
Holiday lights
Between late November and early January, holiday light strings are often used to decorate
holiday trees and the exteriors of residential and commercial buildings. There are several
different types of holiday lights, such as miniature lights, C-6, and C-7 lights, which each have
different sized bulbs and lamp wattages. A string of holiday lights can consist of incandescent
lamps or light-emitting diode (LED) lamps.
According to a recent U.S. Department of Energy report, the average miniature incandescent
lamp consumes 0.4 watts, whereas the average miniature LED lamp consumes 0.04 watts. This
equates to an energy efficiency savings of approximately 90 percent.
Summary of Bill:
Holiday lights are added to the list of products regulated under the state's energy efficiency law.
A minimum efficiency standard is created for holiday lights sold or offered for sale in the state.
Holiday lights must be light-emitting diode (LED) lights.
Incandescent holiday lights manufactured after January 1, 2008, may not be sold in the state,
unless the lights are LED lights.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 22, 2007.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.