DOE nixes requirements for better bulbs

The U.S. Department of Energy released a two-part plan today to undo energy efficiency standards for light bulbs that were set to go into effect next year. The first rollback proposes to not update the efficiency requirements for everyday, pear-shaped light bulbs, and the second officially allows for the continued sale of several kinds of inefficient halogens and incandescents. The latter bulbs were on track to be taken off shelves in 2020 to make room for longer-lasting LEDs. When it comes to curbing carbon pollution, more efficient light bulbs are low-hanging fruit in the fight to mitigate climate change. Less wasteful lighting is also a no-brainer for American wallets. These backtracks will require an extra 25 power plants’ worth of electricity and cost the average consumer $100 every year.