A Colorado fluorescent ban is on the horizon, as a recently passed legislation is going to be banning the sale and distribution of fluorescent lighting starting January 1st, 2025.
This state-wide mandate reflects a growing national trend towards more sustainable and efficient lighting solutions: LEDs. By switching to LEDs, businesses and homeowners across Colorado can enjoy reduced energy costs, increased lifespan, improved light quality, and environmental benefits. Read below for more about when, why, and how this fluorescent ban is happening in Colorado.
Are Fluorescent Lights Banned in Colorado? What You Need to Know
In June 2023, Colorado took a major step toward reducing environmental harm by passing HB23-1161. This legislation effectively bans the sale and distribution of certain fluorescent lighting technologies, setting specific phase-out dates to transition everyone towards more sustainable lighting options. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know, including who it affects and why you should switch sooner rather than later.
Who Does the Colorado Fluorescent Ban Effect?
The fluorescent lighting ban applies to both businesses and homeowners across Colorado. This means that starting January 1, 2025, you won’t be able to purchase new:
- Screw-base & bayonet-base CFLs (the common household “curly” bulbs)
- Pin-base CFLs (often used in recessed lighting)
- Linear fluorescent tubes (the long, tube-shaped lights commonly found in offices, warehouses, and workshops)
Why Should I Switch to LED Lighting Now?
While the official deadline is January 1, 2025, there are several compelling reasons to upgrade to LED lighting sooner than later:
- Avoid Compliance Issues: Switching proactively avoids any potential penalties associated with non-compliance after the deadline.
- Save Money on Energy Bills: LEDs are significantly more energy-efficient than fluorescents, leading to immediate cost savings on your electricity bills.
- Enjoy a Brighter Environment: LEDs offer a more natural and brighter light quality, improving overall work and living spaces.
- Reduce Environmental Impact: Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, a hazardous material harmful to human health and the environment. LEDs eliminate this risk, making them an eco-friendly choice.
- Long Lifespan: LED lights last significantly longer than fluorescents, minimizing replacement costs and maintenance headaches.
Fluorescent Lighting Phase-Out Dates
The following types of fluorescent lighting will be prohibited from sale or distribution as of January 1, 2025:
- Screw-base & bayonet-base CFLs
- Pin-base CFLs
- Linear fluorescent tubes
These dates are set to help businesses and consumers move toward energy-efficient lighting solutions, such as LEDs, which do not contain hazardous mercury and are more environmentally friendly.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
To ensure adherence to this legislation, Colorado has implemented a structured compliance and enforcement system. According to Inside Lighting, the executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) will perform a compliance verification process twice: once before January 1, 2026, and again before January 1, 2031. Findings will be reported to Colorado’s legislative committees on Energy, Environment, Transportation, and CDPHE, and published online within a month.
Businesses that fail to comply with the fluorescent lighting phase-out may face substantial penalties, which include:
- Civil fines of up to $500 per violation – Each sale or product listing constitutes a unique violation.
- Cumulative fines of up to $500,000 for any related series of violations, making non-compliance costly for businesses.
This new legislation is part of a broader trend among states aiming to reduce reliance on lighting options that are both inefficient and hazardous to the environment. As businesses transition to LED and other energy-efficient technologies, Colorado is actively working to minimize the environmental impact of lighting while supporting public health and sustainable energy use.
For more details, you can refer to the official source at leg.colorado.gov.
Why the Ban on Fluorescent Lighting?
Fluorescent lights, while once a popular energy-saving option, have significant drawbacks. States are banning fluorescents for 2 primary reasons:
- Mercury: Fluorescent lights contain mercury, a highly toxic metal that can be harmful to human health and the environment. Mercury exposure is an environmental reportable condition in Colorado under Regulation 6 CCR 1009-7. When fluorescent bulbs break, or when they are improperly disposed of, mercury can be released into the air, water, or soil. This poses a significant risk, as mercury exposure can cause serious health issues, including damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and lungs. In fact, according to Environment America, “There is no “safe” level of exposure to mercury.” In the environment, mercury contamination can have widespread effects on wildlife, particularly affecting aquatic ecosystems where it can accumulate in fish and other organisms, posing risks up the food chain.
- Lower Efficiency: Fluorescent lighting is considerably less energy-efficient than LED lighting. LEDs are designed to convert most of their energy into light, while fluorescents lose more energy in the form of heat. As a result, fluorescent bulbs require more power to produce the same level of brightness as LEDs, which leads to higher electricity consumption and increased utility costs over time. Furthermore, the lower efficiency of fluorescents contributes to greater energy waste, which ultimately has a larger environmental impact by demanding more resources and increasing greenhouse gas emissions from energy production. In contrast, LEDs offer a sustainable lighting solution by significantly reducing both energy costs and environmental impact.
Embrace the LED Revolution
There has never been a better time than now to join the LED Revolution before the 2025 Colorado fluorescent ban. Upgrading to LEDs does offer numerous advantages for your business, including:
- Energy Savings: LED lighting can slash your energy consumption by up to 80%, leading to significant cost reductions on your electricity bills.
- Quick Payback: Many LED upgrades offer payback periods of under 3 years, meaning you recoup your investment quickly.
- Environmental Benefits: LEDs are eco-friendly, reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to a cleaner planet.
- Improved Work Environment: LEDs provide brighter and more natural light, fostering a more comfortable and productive work environment for your employees.
Don’t Wait Until 2025! Upgrade Now with Mac Electric & Lighting
Here at Mac Electric & Lighting, we’re committed to helping businesses adapt and thrive through this Colorado fluorescent ban. We offer comprehensive LED lighting retrofit solutions, customized to meet your specific needs and goals. Here’s how we can help:
- Free Lighting Audit: Our Value Engineering Team will analyze your current system, identify areas for improvement, and create a personalized LED lighting plan to help you choose the right commercial lighting for your business.
- Comprehensive Lighting Plan: This plan includes a photometric lighting plan, lighting distribution strategy, projected costs and ROI analysis, and an energy savings audit.
- Seamless Installation: Our experienced team will handle the entire installation process, ensuring everything is up and running smoothly.
- Maximizing Rebates and Benefits: We’ll help you navigate the rebate process and ensure you’re compliant with all city ordinances.
- The MAC Guarantee: We offer installation guarantees and assist you in maximizing your manufacturer warranties for a worry-free experience.
Don’t let the 2025 deadline sneak up on you. Take advantage of the benefits of LED lighting today! Contact Mac Electric & Lighting to schedule your free lighting audit and unlock a brighter, more energy-efficient future.