Which U.S. States Are Banning Fluorescent Lights in 2025?

As the lighting industry continues to evolve, 2025 marks a significant milestone in the transition away from traditional fluorescent lighting. At NuWatt, we're committed to helping businesses and homeowners navigate this important shift towards more sustainable and efficient lighting solutions.

California

California has enacted legislation to phase out certain lighting products to promote energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

1. General Service Lamps (GSL):

California enforces standards above federal requirements for GSLs, mandating higher energy efficiency levels.

2. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL):

CFL: Screw-Base:

The sale of screw-base CFLs has been banned since January 1, 2024.

CFL: Pin-Base:

The sale of pin-base CFLs will be banned starting January 1, 2025.

3. Linear Fluorescent Tubes:

The sale of all linear fluorescent lamps will be banned beginning January 1, 2025.

Colorado

Colorado has implemented measures to phase out certain lighting products to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

1. General Service Lamps (GSL):

There are no state-specific requirements for GSLs beyond federal standards.

2. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL):

CFL: Screw-Base and Pin-Base:

The sale of both screw-base and pin-base CFLs will be banned starting January 1, 2025.

3. Linear Fluorescent Tubes:

The sale of linear fluorescent lamps with a high color rendering index (CRI ≥87) is currently banned. The sale of all other linear fluorescent lamps will be banned beginning January 1, 2025.

Hawaii

Hawaii has enacted legislation to phase out certain lighting products to promote energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

1. General Service Lamps (GSL):

There are no state-specific requirements for GSLs beyond federal standards.

2. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL):

CFL: Screw-Base:

The sale of screw-base CFLs will be banned starting January 1, 2025.

CFL: Pin-Base:

The sale of pin-base CFLs will be banned beginning January 1, 2026.

3. Linear Fluorescent Tubes:

The sale of linear fluorescent lamps with a high color rendering index (CRI ≥87) is currently banned. The sale of all other linear fluorescent lamps will be banned starting January 1, 2026.

Illinois

Illinois has introduced legislation to phase out certain lighting products to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

1. General Service Lamps (GSL):

There are no state-specific requirements for GSLs beyond federal standards.

2. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL):

CFL: Screw-Base:

The sale of screw-base CFLs will be banned starting January 1, 2026.

CFL: Pin-Base:

The sale of pin-base CFLs will be banned beginning January 1, 2027.

3. Linear Fluorescent Tubes:

The sale of all linear fluorescent lamps will be banned starting January 1, 2026.

Maine

Maine has implemented legislation to phase out specific lighting products to improve energy efficiency and protect the environment.

1. General Service Lamps (GSL):

There are no additional state requirements for GSLs beyond federal standards.

2. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL):

CFL: Screw-Base:

The sale of screw-base CFLs will be prohibited starting January 1, 2025.

CFL: Pin-Base:

The sale of pin-base CFLs will be banned beginning January 1, 2026.

3. Linear Fluorescent Tubes:

The sale of all linear fluorescent lamps will be phased out starting January 1, 2025.

Maryland

Maryland has taken steps to phase out inefficient lighting products as part of its sustainability initiatives.

1. General Service Lamps (GSL):

State-level requirements for GSLs align with federal standards.

2. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL):

CFL: Screw-Base:

The sale of screw-base CFLs will be prohibited starting January 1, 2025.

CFL: Pin-Base:

The sale of pin-base CFLs will be banned beginning January 1, 2026.

3. Linear Fluorescent Tubes:

All linear fluorescent lamps will be banned starting January 1, 2025.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts has passed laws to phase out certain lighting products to enhance energy efficiency and environmental protection.

1. General Service Lamps (GSL):

There are no additional state-specific requirements for GSLs beyond federal standards.

2. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL):

CFL: Screw-Base:

The sale of screw-base CFLs will be prohibited starting January 1, 2025.

CFL: Pin-Base:

The sale of pin-base CFLs will be banned beginning January 1, 2026.

3. Linear Fluorescent Tubes:

The sale of all linear fluorescent lamps will be phased out starting January 1, 2026.

Minnesota

Minnesota has enacted legislation to phase out certain lighting products to promote energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

1. General Service Lamps (GSL):

There are no state-specific requirements for GSLs beyond federal standards.

2. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL):

CFL: Screw-Base:

The sale of screw-base CFLs will be banned starting January 1, 2025.

CFL: Pin-Base:

The sale of pin-base CFLs will be banned beginning January 1, 2026.

3. Linear Fluorescent Tubes:

The sale of all linear fluorescent lamps will be banned starting January 1, 2026.

Nevada

Nevada has implemented measures to phase out certain lighting products to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

1. General Service Lamps (GSL):

There are no state-specific requirements for GSLs beyond federal standards.

2. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL):

CFL: Screw-Base and Pin-Base:

There are no state-specific requirements for CFLs beyond federal standards.

3. Linear Fluorescent Tubes:

The sale of linear fluorescent lamps with a high color rendering index (CRI ≥87) is currently banned.

New Jersey

New Jersey has enacted legislation to phase out certain lighting products to promote energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

1. General Service Lamps (GSL):

New Jersey enforces standards above federal requirements for GSLs, mandating higher energy efficiency levels.

2. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL):

CFL: Screw-Base and Pin-Base:

There are no state-specific requirements for CFLs beyond federal standards.

3. Linear Fluorescent Tubes:

The sale of linear fluorescent lamps with a high color rendering index (CRI ≥87) is currently banned.

New York

New York has implemented measures to phase out certain lighting products to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

1. General Service Lamps (GSL):

There are no state-specific requirements for GSLs beyond federal standards.

2. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL):

CFL: Screw-Base and Pin-Base:

There are no state-specific requirements for CFLs beyond federal standards.

3. Linear Fluorescent Tubes:

The sale of linear fluorescent lamps with a high color rendering index (CRI ≥87) is currently banned.

Oregon

Oregon has enacted legislation to phase out certain lighting products to promote energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

1. General Service Lamps (GSL):

There are no state-specific requirements for GSLs beyond federal standards.

2. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL):

CFL: Screw-Base and Pin-Base:

There are no state-specific requirements for CFLs beyond federal standards.

3. Linear Fluorescent Tubes:

The sale of linear fluorescent lamps with a high color rendering index (CRI ≥87) is currently banned.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island has implemented measures to phase out specific lighting products as part of its sustainability initiatives.

1. General Service Lamps (GSL):

There are no state-specific requirements for GSLs beyond federal standards.

2. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL):

CFL: Screw-Base:

The sale of screw-base CFLs will be banned starting January 1, 2025.

CFL: Pin-Base:

The sale of pin-base CFLs will be banned beginning January 1, 2026.

3. Linear Fluorescent Tubes:

The sale of all linear fluorescent lamps will be banned starting January 1, 2026.

Vermont

Vermont has passed legislation targeting the phase-out of inefficient lighting products to enhance energy conservation.

1. General Service Lamps (GSL):

There are no additional state-specific requirements for GSLs beyond federal standards.

2. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL):

CFL: Screw-Base:

The sale of screw-base CFLs will be banned starting January 1, 2025.

CFL: Pin-Base:

The sale of pin-base CFLs will be banned beginning January 1, 2026.

3. Linear Fluorescent Tubes:

The sale of all linear fluorescent lamps will be banned starting January 1, 2026.

Washington

Washington State has enacted measures to phase out specific lighting products to support its energy efficiency goals.

1. General Service Lamps (GSL):

There are no additional state-specific requirements for GSLs beyond federal standards.

2. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL):

CFL: Screw-Base:

The sale of screw-base CFLs will be banned starting January 1, 2025.

CFL: Pin-Base:

The sale of pin-base CFLs will be banned beginning January 1, 2026.

3. Linear Fluorescent Tubes:

The sale of all linear fluorescent lamps will be banned starting January 1, 2026.

Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. has adopted measures to eliminate the sale of certain inefficient lighting products as part of its energy efficiency strategy.

1. General Service Lamps (GSL):

There are no additional district-specific requirements for GSLs beyond federal standards.

2. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL):

CFL: Screw-Base:

The sale of screw-base CFLs will be banned starting January 1, 2025.

CFL: Pin-Base:

The sale of pin-base CFLs will be banned beginning January 1, 2026.

3. Linear Fluorescent Tubes:

The sale of all linear fluorescent lamps will be banned starting January 1, 2026.

Why Are States Banning Fluorescents?

The move to phase out fluorescent lights is driven by a combination of environmental concerns and technological advancements. Local governments across the United States are recognizing the need to reduce mercury contamination and improve energy efficiency. This regulatory change is part of a broader global initiative to minimize environmental impact and promote more sustainable lighting technologies.

The Hazards of Mercury in Lighting

Fluorescent lights contain mercury, a toxic heavy metal that poses significant risks to both human health and the environment. Mercury can:

1. Cause neurological and developmental problems in humans
2. Persist in ecosystems for extended periods
3. Create challenges in safe disposal and recycling

Replacement Options for Banned Fluorescent Lights

Linear Fluorescent Tubes (T12, T8, T5) Replacement

Type A&B LED Tubes

How It Works: LED tube lights are designed to directly replace traditional fluorescent tubes with minimal installation modifications. There are two primary types:

• Type A LED Tubes: 
• Direct replacement that works with existing fluorescent ballasts
• Simplest retrofit option
• Minimal electrical modifications required
• Quick and cost-effective installation
• Type B LED Tubes:
•  Requires ballast removal and direct electrical connection
• More energy-efficient
• Eliminates ballast maintenance
• Slightly more complex installation

Best Fluorescent Replacement Option

T8 LED Tube 4FT Type A&B (30 Pack)

$199.99

★★★★★

Make the switch from fluorescent with T8 LED lighting compatible with both type A and type B configurations.

View Product

Advantages Over Traditional Fluorescents:

• Up to 50% more energy-efficient
• Significantly longer lifespan (50,000+ hours vs. 10,000 hours for fluorescents)
• No mercury content
• Instant full brightness
• Lower heat generation
• Reduced maintenance costs
• More consistent light quality
• Improved color rendering

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) Replacement

Retrofit LED Recessed Light Replacement 

How Replacement Works: Retrofit LED recessed lighting kits is designed to seamlessly convert existing recessed lighting fixtures. These plug-and-play options do not require extensive rewriting or fixture replacement.  

Key Benefits:

• Direct compatibility with existing fixtures
• Immediate energy savings
• Reduced electricity consumption
• Elimination of mercury-related environmental concerns
• Enhanced light quality and color consistency
• Longer operational lifespan
• Lower heat generation
• Reduced maintenance requirements

Critical Next Steps for Business Owners

1. Understand the Regulations Stay informed about local and state-level lighting regulations affecting your business.
2. Create a Transition Plan
• Conduct a comprehensive inventory audit of existing lighting
• Identify replacement needs
• Budget for necessary upgrades
3. Prepare for Potential Inspections Ensure compliance by proactively updating your lighting systems.

Conclusion

The transition away from fluorescent lighting is inevitable. By acting now, you can turn this regulatory change into an opportunity for improved efficiency, reduced costs, and environmental responsibility. NuWatt is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact our lighting experts today and discover how we can help you make a seamless transition to LED technology.