The global and U.S. initiatives to phase out fluorescent lighting are driven by a growing need to reduce energy costs, minimize mercury pollution, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
This shift is not just about environmental responsibility—it’s also about embracing LED lighting solutions that offer superior efficiency and quality.
LEDs represent the future of lighting for homes and businesses. These advanced alternatives to fluorescents provide not only better light quality but also significant savings in energy and maintenance costs. As we transition to a more sustainable future, LEDs stand out as the safer, more efficient choice for illuminating our spaces.
Key Reasons Fluorescent Lighting Is Becoming Non-Compliant
| Fluorescents | Orion LEDs | |
| Energy Efficiency | Convert only 20-25% of energy into light, with the rest lost to heat and unwanted light dispersion. | Convert up to 95% of energy into light, with no heat produced and precise light distribution to target areas. |
| Lifespan | Last only 15,000+ hours | Last 100,000+ hours |
| Environmental Safety | Contain hazardous mercury | Do not contain any mercury |
| Light Quality | Provide poor coloring rendering, making colors appear washed out | Delivers superior color rendering and consistent light output, enhancing both safety and aesthetics. |
| Cost Savings | Consume more energy, resulting in higher energy bills and increased maintenance costs due to frequent replacements and downtime. | Reduce energy use by 30–40%, leading to lower energy bills and decreased maintenance costs with minimal downtime. |
| LEDs | |
| Energy Efficiency | Convert up to 95% of energy into light |
| Lifespan | Last 25,000 to 50,000 hours |
| Environmental Safety | Do not contain any mercury |
| Light Quality | Provide better color rendering and consistent light output |
| Cost Savings |
|
Is Your State Currently Phasing Out Fluorescents?
California
Vermont
Hawaii
Colorado
Oregon
Rhode Island
Maine
Minnesota
Illinois
Washington
Michigan
Massachusetts
New York
Maryland
California
Objective: Phase out the sale and distribution of most fluorescent lamps, including compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and linear fluorescent lamps (LFLs).
Implementation
- Since January 1, 2024: Screw or bayonet base CFLs phased out
- Starting January 1, 2025: Pin-based CFLs and linear fluorescent lamps
Who’s Affected: All California facilities using fluorescent lamps.
Affected lamp types
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
- Screw base (e.g., E26)
- Twist-lock base (e.g., GU24)
Linear Fluorescent Lamps (LFLs)
- Tube diameters (T2, T5, T8, T10, T12)
- Lengths from 0.5 to 8.0 feet
- Various types (single-pin, two-pin, recessed double contact)
- Four-foot linear fluorescent lamps
Vermont
Objective: Eliminate the sale of fluorescent light bulbs.
Implementation
- Since 2020: Prohibited sale of high-CRI linear fluorescents
- Since 2023: Restrictions on high-CRI lighting products and mercury-containing lamps
- Since February 17, 2023: Ban on screw-base CFLs
- Since January 1, 2024: Ban on all other CFLs and four-foot linear fluorescent lamps
Who’s Affected: All Vermont facilities using fluorescent lamps.
Affected lamp types
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
- Screw base (e.g., E26)
- Twist-lock base (e.g., GU24)
Linear Fluorescent Lamps (LFLs)
- Tube diameters (T2, T5, T8, T10, T12)
- Lengths from 0.5 to 8.0 feet
- Various types (single-pin, two-pin, recessed double contact)
- Four-foot linear fluorescent lamps
Hawaii
Objective: Reduce mercury exposure and promote energy efficiency.
Implementation
- Since January 1, 2021: Prohibited sale of high-CRI (> 87 CRI) fluorescents
- Starting 2025: Ban on distribution and use of all fluorescent compact and linear lamps
Who’s Affected: All Hawaii facilities using fluorescent lamps.
Affected lamp types
Compact and Linear Fluorescent Lamps
- All tube diameters and lengths
- Types: PL, spiral, twin tube, triple, 2D, U-bend, circular
- Tube diameters: T5, T8, T10, T12
- Lengths: 0.5 to 8.0 feet
- Various pin types: single-pin, two-pin, recessed double contact
- Shapes: linear, U-bend, circular
Colorado
Objective: Establish the “Clean Lighting Act” to phase out mercury-containing fluorescent light bulbs.
Implementation: Starting January 1, 2025, a ban on manufacturing, distributing, selling, or offering for sale any linear or compact fluorescent lamps (with certain exceptions).
Who’s Affected: All Colorado facilities using fluorescent lamps.
Affected lamp types
High-CRI Fluorescents (CRI ≥ 86)
Linear and Compact Fluorescent Lamps
- All tube diameters and lengths
- Types: PL, spiral, twin tube, triple, 2D, U-bend, circular
- Tube diameters: T5, T8, T10, T12
- Lengths: 0.5 to 8.0 feet
- Various pin types: single-pin, two-pin, recessed double contact
- Shapes: linear, U-bend, circular
Oregon
Objective: Eliminate the sale of general-purpose fluorescent light bulbs containing mercury.
Implementation
- Since January 1, 2023: Ban on high-CRI fluorescents
- Since January 1, 2024: Ban on the sale or distribution of compact fluorescent lamps
- 2024: Phaseout of CFLs
- 2025: Phaseout of linear fluorescents
Who’s Affected: All Oregon facilities using fluorescent lamps.
Affected lamp types
High-CRI Fluorescents
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
- Screw base (e.g., E26)
- Bayonet base (e.g., GU24)
Linear Fluorescent Lamps (LFLs)
- Tube diameters: T5, T8, T10, T12
- Lengths: 0.5 to 8.0 feet
- Various pin types: single-pin, two-pin, recessed double contact
- Shapes: linear, U-bend, circular
Rhode Island
Objective: Eliminate the sale of fluorescent lamps.
Implementation
- Since January 1, 2024: Ban on the sale of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
- Starting January 1, 2025: Ban on the sale of pin-based and linear fluorescent lights
- Starting January 1, 2025: Complete phase-out of all fluorescent lamps
Who’s Affected: All Rhode Island facilities using fluorescent lamps.
Affected lamp types
Compact and Linear Fluorescent Lamps
- All tube diameters and lengths
- Types: PL, spiral, twin tube, triple, 2D, U-bend, circular
- Tube diameters: T5, T8, T10, T12
- Lengths: 0.5 to 8.0 feet
- Various pin types: single-pin, two-pin, recessed double contact
Maine
Objective: Eliminate the sale and use of general-purpose fluorescent light bulbs containing mercury.
Implementation
- Since July 8, 2021: Law signed by Maine’s governor
- Starting January 1, 2026: Complete phase-out of fluorescent lights
Who’s Affected: All Maine facilities using fluorescent lamps.
Affected lamp types
Mercury-Added Lamps
- Compact fluorescent, black light, high-intensity discharge, ultraviolet, neon
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
- Screw base (e.g., E26)
- Twist-lock base (e.g., GU24)
Linear Fluorescent Lamps (LFLs)
- Tube diameters: T2, T5, T8, T10, T12
- Lengths: 0.5 to 8.0 feet
- Various pin types: single-pin, two-pin, recessed double contact
- Shapes: linear, U-bend, circular, and more
Minnesota
Objective: Eliminate the sale of standard fluorescent bulbs due to their environmental and health hazards, primarily caused by the mercury they contain.
Implementation: Starting January 1, 2026, a complete phase-out of fluorescent lights
Who’s Affected: All Minnesota facilities using fluorescent lamps.
Affected lamp types
Mercury-Added Lamps
Compact and Linear Fluorescent Lamps
- All tube diameters and lengths
- Types: PL, spiral, twin tube, triple, 2D, U-bend, circular
- Tube diameters: T5, T8, TIO, T12
- Lengths: 0.5 to 8.0 feet
- Various pin types: single-pin, two-pin, recessed double contact
- Shapes: linear, U-bend, circular
Illinois
Illinois has passed legislation to phase out fluorescent lighting, becoming the 10th state in the U.S. to do so. The bill, known as the Clean Lighting Act (HB2363), was passed by the Illinois General Assembly in May 2024 and is awaiting the governor’s signature to become law.
Washington
Pending legislation (House Bill 1185) to phase out mercury-containing fluorescent light bulbs, with the ban fully taking effect January 1, 2029.
Michigan
Michigan has not yet passed legislation to phase out fluorescent bulbs, but momentum and discussions are growing around implementing similar laws as seen in other states. Michigan may follow suit in the near future.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has introduced legislation to phase out most fluorescent bulbs by 2025. The bills, H.777 and S.538, aim to transition to more energy-efficient and mercury-free LED bulbs.
New York
New York is actively considering legislation to phase out fluorescent bulbs.
Maryland
Maryland has also introduced legislation to phase out fluorescent lighting, with specific timelines being discussed for the phase-out. Exact dates are still pending final legislation.
Lighting Rebates & Incentives
Several states are offering incentives to companies that transition from fluorescent lighting to LED systems, and you can find out if yours is one of them by clicking here.
These incentives come in the form of rebates, tax credits, and other financial incentives, often administered through local utilities or state energy programs. Programs vary by state and utility, so it’s essential for businesses to check with their local utility providers or state energy programs to determine the specific incentives available in their area.
Start Your Move to LEDs Today
Partner with Orion for a hassle-free journey to compliance and energy efficiency. We’ll work with you to:
- Audit your facilities
- Optimize potential LED retrofit solutions
- Set a timeline for compliance
Just fill out the form and we’ll be in touch!