Colorado Passes Comprehensive Environmental Standards Bill, Including Ban on Fluorescent Light Bulbs by 2025

Governor Jared Polis of Colorado is set to sign House Bill 23-1161, known as the Environmental Standards For Appliances, into law. The bill covers a wide range of appliances such as shower heads, faucets, ventilating fans, air purifiers, electric vehicle supply equipment, gas fireplaces, and thermostats. Notably, it includes a significant provision regarding fluorescent light bulbs.

“On and after January 1, 2024, 2025, a person shall not manufacture, distribute, sell, or offer for sale in Colorado any new linear florescent lamp or compact fluorescent lamp. with a screw- or bayonet-type base; andOn and after January 1, 2025, a person shall not manufacture, distribute, sell, or offer for sale in Colorado any linear fluorescent lamp or any compact fluorescent lamp with a pin-type base.”

Colorado will join the ranks of California and Vermont as the third state in the U.S. to implement such a ban. California’s bill, enacted in September 2022, is expected to generate over $1 billion in annual energy savings. Vermont became the first state to ban fluorescent bulbs on July 11, 2022, citing energy savings and the potential hazards associated with mercury contained in these bulbs.

The bill was sponsored by two members of the state house and two members of the state senate. It received a 45-18 vote in favor in the House, with votes falling along party lines. On May 1, the Senate approved it with a 23-13 vote.

Enforcement of the ban will involve periodic, unannounced inspections by the executive director to ensure compliance among major distributors or retailers, including online platforms. The executive director will collaborate with other states with similar standards for verification purposes. Violations will be reported to the attorney general, with a detailed report to be delivered to legislative committees and published on the department’s website. In case of probable cause, the attorney general can initiate civil action to impose penalties, which will be directed to the energy fund.