Requires general purpose lights used in all public buildings to meet certain energy efficiency standards

Title of bill

An act to amend the energy law, in relation to the use of general purpose lights in public buildings

Purpose of the bill

The purpose of the bill is to increase energy efficiency in the lighting used in public buildings in the state.

Summary of provisions

This bill would establish minimum energy efficiency standards for general purpose lights with wattage rating from 25 to 150 watts used in all public buildings. Following is the schedule of the standards:

(1) By January 1, 2019, for a lamp with a lumen output of between 2690 and 1490 (approx: lumen output from a 100 to 150 watt standard incandescent bulb), the lamp shall achieve 50 lumens per watt.

(2) By January 1, 2020, for a lamp with a lumen output of between 1489 and 1010 (lumen output from a 75 watt standard incandescent), the lamp shall achieve 50 lumens per watt.

(3) By January 1, 2021, for a lamp with a lumen output of between 1009 and 730 (lumen output from a 60 watt standard incandescent), the lamp shall achieve 50 lumens per watt.

(4) By January 1, 2025, for a lamp with a lumen output of between 729 and 340 (lumen output from a 40 watt standard incandescent), the lamp shall achieve 40 lumens per watt.

Justification

According to the United States Department of Energy, energy consumption for all lighting in the U.S. is estimated to be about 220 of the total electricity generated. Energy efficient lighting alternatives can use significantly less energy and therefore lower air emissions. An example provided on the U.S.D.O.E. website indicates that using a 60 watt incandescent light bulb for 1,200 hours consumes approximately 72 kilowatt hours (kwh) of energy while the lumen output equivalent compact fluorescent light bulb would use only 20 kwh. Requiring lighting that meets energy efficiency standards to be used in public buildings will reduce energy usage, lower carbon emissions, and lower energy costs to state and local governments and school districts.

Prior legislative history

2014: Senate Bill 569A (Gianaris) - Died in Infrastructure & Capital Investment Committee 2013: Senate Bill 569 (Gianaris) - Died in Infrastructure & Capital Investment Committee 2012: Senate Bill 1983--A (Gianaris) - Died in Senate Energy & Telecommunications Committee 2013: Assembly Bill 608 (Hevesi) - Died in Assembly Energy Committee 2012: Assembly Bill 2227-A (Hevesi) - Died in Assembly Energy Committee 2010: Assembly Bill 5280 (Gianaris) - Died in Assembly Energy Committee 2008: Assembly Bill 9021 (Gianaris) - Died in Assembly Energy Committee

Fiscal implications

Significant savings for state and local governments and school districts could be realized by using more energy efficient lighting in public buildings.

Effective date

This act would take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become law.